Get to Know Jon Aponte--the Office Manager of Cultural Studies

Get to Know Jon Aponte--the Office Manager of Cultural Studies

Jon Aponte has now been the office manager for CS for two semesters--but how well do you know him?  Read below to learn all about the person who works to make the CS community run smoothly!

 

Educational & Personal Background

Jon Aponte is a graduate of George Mason University.  He received his Master's degree in English with a concentration in Linguistics and his Bachelor's degree in Government and International Politics. 

He is an advocate for people suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney related issues both on the health and policy side.  On March 23, 2015, he gave the keynote speech at the National Kidney Foundation’s second annual Congressional Dinner, and on April 15th – 16th  he participated in the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) Events in Washington, D.C. where he lent his voice and passion to address members of Congress on issues affecting patients suffering from CKD, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and those who are in the pre and post-transplantation process.

Check out Jon's National Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk page to make a donation to his team and learn more!  

 

What is your professional background?

My focus these last several years has been in the field of education whether it be tutoring students, teaching in a classroom, or working at a university.  Everything I have done has been in and/or for the field of education with the goal of someday returning to the classroom to teach English to speakers of other languages.  

 

How did you first get involved in the Cultural Studies Program?

I found the Cultural Studies Program while working on my undergraduate degree.  I worked for the program for two years under the tutelage of the former office manager Michelle Carr and then program director Roger Lancaster.  Years later while accompanying my sister to the campus bookstore, I ran into Michelle who asked me if I would be interested in returning to the program to help her run the office while I worked on completing my graduate degree.  I never imagined that I would one day succeed her in the office – those are big shoes to fill.  

 

What are your hobbies? 

Travel and anything related to it is of interest to me.  I am a fan of Tony Bourdain and Rick Steves.  I am into basketball and soccer; I enjoy watching the reaction on Paul’s face when I mentioned the name of a certain English Premiere League team.  I enjoy watching movies too.  One of Professor Fuchs’ courses changed the way I view motion pictures and it helped me write my movie reviews back in the day.  I enjoy experiencing new and exciting restaurants with my significant other, and of course, meeting up with close friends.  When I have the time, I will watch some television shows.

 

You do so much for the program, so what is one thing that students can do to help you do your job?  

The program has over sixty students working at various stages in their degrees.  My advice to students is to stay calm and do not leave the items you need help with to the last minute.  My job is to make sure they progress through the program with minimal stress.  There is a lot I cannot control in their academic lives, but it is satisfying to know that I am able to help them with something in an area that I am able to control.