2021 - Tiffany Bruno Keeps Students Afloat

As a teenage lifeguard, Tiffany Bruno, M.S., probably didn't know that her future career would be helping keep people afloat in their academics. As one of ECC's academic advisors, she serves as a different kind of lifeguard, helping students change their lives through education by helping students set goals, create an educational plan, and select classes to keep them moving forward.  

Additionally, Tiffany is the dedicated advisor for veteran students. In this role, she stays up-to-date on student veterans and their families' unique personal and academic considerations. She ensures their course selections are made in alignment with their short- and long-term goals.

More about Tiffany:

In your words, what do you do at ECC? What do you want others to know about your job? Or what would help others understand your job?

I am an Academic Advisor. I plan classes, discuss students' goals, and create educational plans for students, and depending on where students would like to transfer, I discuss transfer information with them. As an advisor, I also do a lot of communication outreach to encourage students to schedule an appointment with me. I am also a part of a fantastic advising team that works great together- we plan events to promote planning classes. 

What is your greatest accomplishment since you've been at ECC?

So far, my greatest accomplishment was becoming the Academic Advisor for Veterans at ECC and building trusting relationships with my advisee caseload. Every time one of my advisees achieves their academic goal, I am filled with pride for them.

Name a job or role at ECC that you would like to try for one day and explain why.

I enjoy working directly with ECC students and want to stay in Student Services, possibly attaining an administrative position. I also love teaching classes in my field of study- Family and Child Studies, and I hope to start teaching again soon.

If you could instantly be an expert in one thing, what would you choose?

I'd love to know how to fly a plane!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work (i.e., hobbies/interests)?

Scrapbooking, going to the gym, running, and spending time with my dog, family, and friends. I also ran my first 10K race in October and will start training for a marathon in 2021. 

If you could live in a TV show, which show would it be and why?

The Good Place, because everything is fine in the Good Place!

Where is the best place you've traveled to? Or where would you like to visit?

Italy, Sicily, and Greece. I want to visit Paris, Ireland, and Spain next.

You have to wear a t-shirt with just one word on it for an entire year. What would that word be, and why?

Laugh – because I believe it is important to remember to keep a sense of humor throughout life.

What job have you held (besides ECC) that was the most fun, interesting, or difficult? Explain why.

I was a lifeguard for 15 years, and it was so much fun. I had a blast. I always tell anyone who asks that being a lifeguard was the best job to have in high school and for summers during college. 

Name someone you admire and explain why.

My Mom, she was a single mom, strong and independent, and she has taught me that no matter what life brings, you must stay positive and believe in yourself.   

What was your most valuable life lesson?

It is okay to fail. Failing in anything is a part of learning, as long as you get back up and try again.

Complete this sentence: "I enjoy working at ECC because … "

I enjoy working at ECC because of the amazing students and the great team I work with.