Campus Community Profile: Andres Carrillo
Name: Andres Carrillo
Title: Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
Joined Chatham: August 2012
Born & Raised: Born in Toronto and raised in Hamilton, Ontario Canada
Interests: Movement, Travel, Reading, and Cooking
Q: How did you develop an interest in the field in which you teach?
A: I have always been interested in movement. But it was my high school kinesiology teacher who made me realize that I could turn my interest into a career. She inspired me to pursue a bachelor of kinesiology. That initial educational experience is what made me realize how rich life can be when you construct your career in such a way that allows you to fully pursue your passion.
Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
A: When I was 13 years old I had two summer jobs as a dishwasher and working on a farm. The job as a dishwasher was the worst job I have ever had. It was in a dirty dungeon in the back of a restaurant. Working on a farm was great because I was moving a lot and working outdoors, but it was long hours of really tough work. What I learned from these jobs was the importance of focus and stamina. The work had to be done before I could leave, so I became quite efficient at focusing on one task until it was complete. These skills are important to develop especially as we move more into a time when the susceptibility for distraction is high.
Q: What is your passion?
A: I’m passionate about movement. For me, movement has a few different domains. For example, I believe that diverse physical movement (e.g. exercise) is a smart investment for preserving a healthy self. How we move, reflects how we live. Geographical movement (i.e. travel) provides us with an opportunity for reflection, appreciation, and to gain a greater sense of compassion. Finally, cognitive movement (e.g. reading) avoids stagnation and gives us the opportunity for continuous inner growth that enhances/enriches our interaction with others (e.g. teaching, nature, etc.).
Q: What one individual had the greatest impact on you and how?
A: Dr. David Waters was (and still is) a mentor of mine who has had the greatest impact on me. I took two of his classes while completing my doctorate at Purdue University. Dr. Waters is a comparative oncologist and trained veterinarian. At Purdue, Dr. Waters taught a professional skills course that was like no other course I had ever taken. There were three students in the class. On our first day, Dr. Waters gave each of us 12 books. The topic each week revolved around one of the books. We would meet once per week for 5 hours in the back room of a restaurant where we talk about creativity, writing, reading, leadership, and many other important topics. It was a transformational experience. Since starting at Chatham, Dr. Waters and I meet in St. Clairsville, OH about 4 times per summer to discuss a book that we choose to read together. He calls this experience ‘Think and Grow Rich’.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working with Chatham students?
A: I appreciate the opportunity to get to know Chatham students and to see them inspired by what I’m passionate about. This is possible to due to the small class sizes that allows for extensive discourse in the classroom. It’s always a satisfying to be able to see Chatham students apply what is discussed in the classroom towards improving their own life or the lives of loved ones.
Andres Carrillo, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in Chatham University’s Department of Exercise Science. Andres enjoys classical music and taking his daughter to “Mommy and Me” dance classes.