Mike Kistler is working on an Associate’s Degree in Business Management at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), and is also currently a 10th Grade High School student at Pittsburgh Central Catholic. Mike volunteers with his Church, and with the local food bank during the past year. Read more about his experience below! 

How did you choose your major in college? How did you choose CCAC? Did you have a mentor or person who helped guide you through that process?
I have been interested in Business Management since elementary school, as I began to notice that several businesses in our neighborhood achieved success, while others failed. I wondered how much of an impact the management of the businesses had on the rate of success, and that got me interested in learning the best strategies to organize and operate a company. I would love to have my own business someday, and it is great that I am learning so much here at CCAC!

What student activities were you involved in, while attending college? Were you involved with any activities or work experience outside of school? 
I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and as I am in High School, have earned Varsity Letters in Lacrosse and Volleyball. I am also on our High School Crew (Rowing Team) and it is a lot of work. We normally have workouts starting at 5:30am, six days a week, with us going on the water to train starting in February (when the ice on the river melts). I hope to row and/or play lacrosse in College, as competing in athletics is part of my life!

Kistler winning at rowing

What skills did you gain from being involved and/or working? 
Although I have not worked outside of school, my family and I have traveled a lot and lived in both Italy and Germany. The opportunity to travel has given me a great appreciation of other cultures, and I hope to continue to explore different societies in the future.

Kistler and his Dad

What special memories, if any, can you share from your time at CCAC? 
My first classes this past summer were difficult, and I learned that working at a steady pace is better than saving work until the end of the Semester. This fall semester was a bit easier, although I was taking the courses along with my High School workload. I am certainly learning time management!

Kistler 80 Yard TD

Anything else you'd like to share for your spotlight article?
I play Lacrosse on a nationally ranked club team in Philadelphia—The Dukes Elite. We are currently ranked #23 in the country, and look to improve this upcoming spring season! Go Dukes!

Kistler on the move...

Read more stories, and why community college is so important, on #CommunityCollegeBecause:

Stasia Lopez is the Global Education Editor for Wandering Educators and is Director of Student Life and Engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), as well as an Instructor for a class on "The Job Search" at CCAC. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University in 2013 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Robert Morris University. Stasia is passionate about international education, travel, college to career topics and loves working on a college campus. She’s lived in four different U.S. states (Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and also studied and lived abroad in Rome, Italy. Stasia lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Fernando, precious daughter, Maya, and playful kitty-cat Zorro.