Teaching & Learning Champions are faculty & staff who contribute to student learning (Guided Pathways Essential Practice #4). We share their stories to celebrate their dedication to instructional excellence & innovation in a series of spotlight articles. #ACCExcellence

Meet Emile Chamoun-Farah, Administrative Assistant III in the Teaching & Learning Excellence Division

Tell us a little bit about what you do!

I provide administrative, clerical and computer support for Dr. Susan Thomason, AVP of the Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED), as well as preparing correspondence, arranging conference calls and scheduling meetings. I also initiate purchase requisitions on behalf of others and work on Budgets and Accounting.

Three words that best describe you?

Happy, supportive, polite

Talk about a teacher who had a big impact on your life.

One of my favorite teachers growing up was Gail Sauceado. She was an elementary school librarian who empowered those around her. I looked up to her and how she cared for the students and how she catered to help you succeed. She would always have a conversation with you about your development and if she ever saw that you had a bad day she would inspire you or motivate you. The school rallied behind her for a wellness walk after she had been diagnosed with cancer. At an early age, I learned the value of life and how strong an individual can be. Throughout her battle, you never once saw her in a bad mood or without a smile. In her memory, I strive to set the example she set and help others whenever and however I can. She was a wonderful individual with the power to make everyone around her happy.

How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition?

Success has always been, in my eyes, being able to learn from your failures and using that knowledge to be able to excel at what you do. Anytime I am learning something, if I realize that I am hitting a wall or not moving forward I will analyze what has happened and use it to reinforce my next decision. We get frustrated so easily when things tend to go wrong, but being able to see everything in a positive light, by seeing what went wrong as an experience, we end up moving forward.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

I believe the name of my autobiography would be, “Loves candy and is humorous.”

Why are you proud to work at ACC?

I am extremely proud to start in this new role and to be a part of ACC. Throughout my life I have seen many good people be set back or struggle to find a good education due to the difficulties that come with enrolling in a university. I love the fact that ACC empowers not only the top 10% of each graduating class, or the students that received the best grades due to different factors, but the fact that ACC caters to the 100%. The current educational paradigm is set to empower the fortunate and the well connected, when it should cater to all and this is something ACC embodies.

Connect with Emile via email: emile.chamoun-farah@austincc.edu

Recommend a Colleague:

Do you know someone who is a champion of teaching & learning? Send their name & why you’re nominating them to TLEDcomms@austincc.edu.