Charles Porter Jr. is the first to point out that he definitely is a non-traditional student.

Until recently, Porter worked at a job he thought he would have for 30 years and then retire. Maybe even travel the world. Things didn’t happen as Porter planned so he made adjustments.

“I received a bachelor’s degree in management years ago,” Porter said. “But job displacement brought me to Johnson County Community College to explore my career options.”

Acting on a desire Porter said he always had to learn sign language, he decided to apply to the interpreter training program at JCCC. Several interviews and tests later, he was accepted.

“The selection process was very intense,” Porter recalled. “Just being accepted gave me hope that I could do more.”

Once in the interpreter training program, Porter continued to find success through interaction with the quality, caring instructors. He found the instructors to be very passionate about what they were teaching. He said the instructors, including Ron Symansky, Darryl Luton and Stacey Storme, are brilliant and make the language come to life.

“If all the instructors at JCCC are like the instructors I experienced in the interpreter training program, then hurrah!” Porter said. “I’m just blown away by each instructor that I have had who has shown a genuine interest in me and wanted to make sure I get what I needed to get before moving on.”

For others who are considering career changes or even for students just coming out of high school, Porter pointed out that the career choices at JCCC have no limits.

“As a student, I worked part-time on campus in the Student Success Center,” Porter said. “When helping other students who were undecided on careers, I showed them the long list of career programs and certificates available at JCCC. Each time I pulled up that list, the many options available always amazed me. Besides being able to choose one of numerous career programs, I let other students know that the instructors and counselors at JCCC know you in a way that you’re more than just a student.”

In May, Porter received an American Sign Language studies certificate from JCCC. While he is not sure what job he will now pursue, he pointed out that JCCC definitely gave him the tools to eventually pursue work in interpreting, perhaps sports-related because of his past involvement with organized sports.

“At JCCC they showed me that there are no limits,” Porter said. “There are so many opportunities and so many people willing and waiting to help you. You are never too old to learn. I can vouch for that!”

In August, Porter received a call from one of his former instructors at JCCC with an opportunity that seemed to fit him perfectly.

“I was asked to be an interpreter/coach for two eighth-grade boys from the Kansas School for the Deaf who are playing football with boys from Indian Trails Middle School,” Porter said. “For me, it’s my dream job!”