Student Highlight: Chandler Jordana
Hometown: Ogden, UT 
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Catalan
Semester: 4th
Favorite Course: Middle Eastern Law with Amos Guiora
Chandler’s interdisciplinary experience and interests make him well-suited for the MIAGE program. Chandler completed BA degrees at Walla Walla University in both International Communication, with a French emphasis, and in Spanish Language & Literature. Chandler wasn’t even sure he wanted to pursue a graduate degree when he happened upon the MIAGE program, but was quickly enticed by MIAGE’s interdisciplinary approach. Currently Chandler is completing his fourth and final semester in the MIAGE program.
Due to his experience, Chandler has the ability to fit in whatever setting he is placed. Besides living in the US, Chandler has lived in Lebanon for work, Spain and France for study, and Italy as a volunteer at a nursing home. Chandler’s ability to speak several languages also helps him adapt to various settings, even though, as he shares, his fluency varies.
Chandler plans to pursue NGO/nonprofit management focusing on helping mitigate global instances of extreme poverty. Additionally, Chandler is interested in pursuing diplomacy or international journalism. These goals have reflected his school work; last semester he was able to write an extensive research paper on “The Exploitation of Migrant Workers in the Middle East” for Middle Eastern Law and orally present on “Global Development NGO Inefficiencies and Mismanagement” for the MIAGE Foundations class. Even with all of his experience, Chandler shares, “MIAGE has helped me to realize a lot of my weaknesses, as negative at that might sound. There are lots of areas that I've realized that I need to focus on improving in order to make myself more well-rounded, namely economics. I find business and econ very interesting, but my background is not in those areas and so I've had to put forth extra effort there.” Through the MIAGE program Chandler has been able to start strengthening those “weaknesses.”
Chandler’s international work isn’t limited to his schooling. Chandler is currently working as the local Job Development Supervisor at Catholic Community Services in the Refugee Resettlement Program. At his work he assists refugees in finding jobs, which includes networking with local companies and sharing the benefits of hiring refugees. Through his work, Chandler is able to sit on a few government and nonprofit refugee committees and boards. Chandler shares, “the most rewarding part is seeing clients improve, whether that means getting a better job or improving their English. They face many challenges and seeing them successfully overcome them is really cool. I also enjoy seeing refugees raise awareness regarding their plight.”
We are excited to see where Chandler goes next in his life adventures!
If you are also interested in nonprofit work, the time is now to follow Chandler’s example and get involved! Chandler explained, “there are literally hundreds of opportunities to volunteer with nonprofits in the valley. Take advantage of them!”