I’m Still Cheering for You: Peggy’s Gordon’s Commitment to the CBU Community

Peggy Gordon, CBU’s Student Placement Officer, Co-op, knows firsthand that the most meaningful journeys rarely follow a straight path.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and studies in gerontology, Peggy initially imagined a career as an activities director in a nursing home. Instead, her path led her to working with marginalized youth and, eventually, to Cape Breton University, where she has spent the past eight years of her career.

After returning home to Cape Breton from the Boston area in 2015, Peggy became the program director at the Epic Youth Peer Program, an after-school tutoring initiative supporting at-risk youth. There, she regularly welcomed CBU student volunteers and worked closely with Carly Turnbull, CBU’s student placement officer at the time, to connect Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS) students with meaningful community placements.

The partnership was a natural fit, giving students valuable experience while helping local youth access additional support. Over three years, Peggy and Carly developed a strong professional relationship and when Carly moved to another department, an unexpected opportunity emerged. Peggy and Carly ran into each other on the day applications closed for Carly’s former role.

“I knew what Carly did and I loved it,” Peggy recalls. “I knew firsthand the value BACS student volunteers added to the Peer Youth Program, so the opportunity to connect students with other community organizations sounded like a dream job.”

Peggy submitted a last-minute application, convinced she had little chance of landing the role. Eight years later, she now laughs at how it all unfolded.

“I don’t know how exactly I got here,” she says. “But I know why I’m here.”

For Peggy, the why is simple, it’s the people. Every day, she meets students who are still figuring out what they want from life, their education and their careers. Her advice is to try new things, pursue what interests them and give themselves permission to change direction.

“Getting to be there and watch students grow is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do,” she says.

Peggy recognizes students and graduates are navigating an increasingly challenging job market, where automated hiring systems and AI can make the search for employment feel impersonal. Without meaningful feedback or human connection, rejection can quickly erode confidence. She believes relationships, belonging and the reassurance that someone is in your corner remain essential to building a fulfilling career.

That philosophy extends well beyond her work at CBU. Describing herself as a ‘walking placement’, Peggy has volunteered with Hospice, Bereaved Families of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Search and Rescue and the Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County. Helping people find support, connection and a place to belong has always been part of who she is.

Her advice to students and alumni is equally grounded in compassion. “Ask yourself, ‘is this serving me?’ and if it’s not, choose differently,” she explains. “It doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. Sometimes we make a choice, learn from the experience and realize we want something different. Every day you get to choose again. That’s great news!”

Peggy hopes everyone has someone in their corner who will remind them it’s going to be okay even when life feels difficult. And if they don’t, Peggy is happy to be that person.

She loves staying connected with alumni through LinkedIn and Facebook, following graduates as their lives and careers unfold. One of her favourite things is hearing from alumni who want to welcome CBU students into their workplaces and offer the same opportunities they once received.

For those just beginning their journey, Peggy offers one final reminder: “You’re not simply a student. You’re now a young professional. You start building your career from the moment you step onto campus.”

To every student and alumni whose path takes an unexpected turn, Peggy will be right there, cheering you on.

To learn more about Co-op at CBU, visit: https://www.cbu.ca/current-students/student-services/career-services/co-op-education/