What is your name and what do you do; how long have you worked here in OVPUE?
My name is C.J. Brooks, and I have been with the Career Development Center for about 2.5 years in various roles. I started in May 2020 as an Assistant Director, but have also held the role of Senior AD, Associate Director for Student Employment, and (as of this week) Associate Director of Assessment, Technology, and Media. My new role has me managing the website and Handshake for the office, but I also act as the connection between the CDC and OVPUE IT and Marketing.

What three traits define you?

I would say passionate, determined, and empathetic. There are few things I do with little passion because I just feel passionately. I am determined to continue striving for success in my own ways. I pride myself in my ability to relate to others and respect their personal differences in a way that allows me to better understand their story.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Honestly, I would either be a middle school math teacher or an administrator of some sort. I thought that was always the plan, but when I found out about Student Affairs, everything changed!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
For someone who loves singing and music, I have no actual musical ability. I suppose I would love to somehow learn to be a good singer.

What challenging thing has happened (to) for you, and what did you gain from it?
In May 2021, I lost my father to COVID. This changed my life and perspective immensely. I had just started medication for my anxiety and depression, and this made it all just a little more difficult. I still struggle with my depression much to this day, but I learned that life is short, and I owe it to myself and my dad to push and continue meeting my goals while setting my sights high. If there’s one thing I never doubted from my father, it’s how proud I know he was of me. I hope for nothing more than to continue being the son that made him proud in everything I do.

How do you define success?
Success has a different definition for everyone. Some say it’s having money, some say it’s making an impact, and some say it’s just being happy. For me to feel I was successful, I need to know that my contributions have made an impact on at least one person. I find pride in being able to help others, and being able to do this for someone would be a success in my book.

What do you do in your spare time?
The really “punny” part of this question is that the answer is sometimes bowling. I bowl a good amount, something I’ve done for the majority of my life. I bowled at IU for 4 years and try to continue finding love for this mentally draining sport. But even more, I spend the majority of my time with my wonderful wife and puppy. Whether it’s baking, playing Super Mario Party, or going to the dog park; my little family is my world. I don’t know what I’d do without them.

What is a favorite book, movie, and/or tv show that had an impact on you?
This is a really hard one for some reason. I’m going to answer with my favorite TV show, Parks and Recreation. I’ll say the impact is that it made me funny, but honestly it’s just an amazing show (haters just have to get past season 2; it gets better I swear!!).

Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?
I have always wanted to explore South and Central America. I grew up learning bits of Spanish in many of classes, and have always been interested in the language and culture. Put me on a beach or zip lining through some good views. Sounds like a dream to me!

What is your favorite thing about working at OVPUE?
This is my first full-time job, so this department has really helped mold who I am as a professional and helped me learn my value. The flexibility, opportunities for growth, and ability to interact with students has allowed me to develop skills and competence in my journey of being an advocate for college students.