Success Stories

Helping out in her son’s preschool classroom afforded Vicky Phetteplace the opportunity to discover her passion. “I loved being with the kids, helping them in their daily activities, having conversations with them and watching their eyes light up when they learned something new,” Vicky said. “I was hooked and I remember telling my husband, at the age of 34, I want to work with young children.” Her first class, Literacy for the Young Child with Barbara Rath, offered “amazing content” and Vicky couldn’t wait to take more classes.

Vicky credits Christie Colunga, Early Childhood Education faculty, with challenging the way she thought and bringing new ideas to light. Her hands-on approach to teaching and learning is impactful,” Vicky said. Meggin Kirk’s class, The Art of Storytelling, alleviated Vicky’s fears of storytelling in front of an audience. “I was extremely nervous about taking this class. Meggin gave me the tools I needed to take any type of story, tell it with feeling and be able to draw my audience in and keep them engaged.” With Ana Stigson, another influential instructor, Vicky fondly recalls learning how to create a family lending library. “I loved bringing what I learned from my early childhood classes into my classroom,” Vicky said.”

Engaging the children attending Festival of Tales afforded Vicky the opportunity to create an interactive children’s table and tell a story in a breakout session to a room full of families in our community. “Kids crowded around our table to have the chance to build something out of recycled materials. The children came up with things I never even thought of! I loved watching them think and then bring their creations to life,” Vicky shared.

Vicky credits a field trip through one of Christie’s classes to the Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool, a Reggio Emilia inspired approach to early childhood education, as one of her most profound PVCC experiences. “This school focuses on the environment. From the classroom to the playground, the environment is inviting, enriching and full of new learning experiences,” Vicky said. “The field trip was amazing and it gave me a clear visual for my own classroom.”

Vicky shares her vision of PVCC as “a school that strives to give the students the tools they need to make a difference in the real world with professional instructors that will do whatever they can to help you meet your desired goal.” One area of advice Vicky offers to those considering PVCC is to “make sure to check into grants, scholarships and additional financial services.”

“My experiences at PVCC have reshaped me from someone who worked in an office and never even thought of pursuing a career working with children to someone who can manage a classroom, mediate social conflict between children, make connections with children and try my best to look at the world through a child’s lens,” Vicky said. “The role PVCC has played in my profession is huge!  PVCC has helped make me the teacher I never knew I could be.”

Vicky is currently a lead teacher in a Head Start Pre-K classroom in the Deer Valley School District. Vicky is currently enrolled at Mesa Community College to complete her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education.

Victor Atchison was desirous of a well-rounded college experience and the opportunity to encounter “more of what college is all about.” He heeded the suggestion of one of his instructors, Romy Nelson, and decided to extend his reach beyond online courses. He enrolled in a couple of on-campus classes and then became a full-time student. Soon, Victor settled right into his groove.

Victor said he was most impressed by how diverse the college is. “I was concerned about being an older, returning student but was treated respectfully by everyone on campus.”

Victor acknowledges a number of “influencers” during his PVCC educational experience. Participating in Rowdy Duncan’s COM 101 Diversity and Inclusion class changed his perspective on college and life in general. “Diversity is the key,” Victor said. “We are all different but learning about other’s culture, their orientation, and their beliefs taught me to be a more open minded and diverse person.”

Of the numerous memorable experiences Victor had while a student at PVCC, the one that sticks out most is an adult reentry panel discussion he “had the pleasure of being part of.”

Victor shared, “Being in the Diversity classes and later to be a Facilitator of those classes will always be a highlight and forever have an impact on my life.”

One reason Victor recommends PVCC “at any and every opportunity” is because of the diversity of the school and also because of the staff. Victor’s advice to anyone planning to attend college is “to not be afraid to ask for help.”

Victor goes on to say “I would not trade the experiences I had at PVCC for the world. The Diversity classes and mentors helped mold my mind into one of service to others.” Additionally, Mike Ho, Jim Rubin and Michaelle Shadburne plus many others played supportive roles as his mentors. He continues his relationship with his PVCC mentors and engages in conversations with them about what is happening within our community, the country, and the world. Victor is an AmeriCorps Alumnus, and he attributes his current job as Judicial Clerk with the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department to the relationships he built along the way. “My PVCC education will always be one that I will cherish and taught me a lot about myself as a person,” Victor says.

Despite plans to attend ASU, Wilson Okwuobu decided to embark on his educational journey at PVCC upon learning that he qualified for the President’s scholarship. This scholarship covered his tuition was a “deal he could not forego.”

The Male Empowerment Network (MEN) program “unequivocally” was the most memorable aspect of Wilson’s student experience at PVCC. Initially, he was a member and later on he was elected President. The MEN program played an important role in his mental development and was a source of empowerment as it helped foster his sense of belonging and connectedness to faculty, staff and fellow students. He often arrived on campus early so he could swing by and greet the people he connected with. Wilson reflects fondly on the comradery the program offered and the sense that all aspects of cultures were accepted.

Cranston Forte was an encouraging and supportive mentor to Wilson. Cranston nominated Wilson for the MEN conference in Atlanta. Participating in this conference proved to be a life changing experience. The diverse body of participants coupled with great speakers and a stay at a swanky hotel planted a seed of aspiration to attend university in the south. Wilson was very impressed by the “level of Black excellence” he observed during the conference “field trip” to Morehouse College. This experience changed the course of his life and would later become the impetus for his enrollment at the University of Georgia upon completing his Associates degree at PVCC.

Wilson also fondly recalls his interactions with Dr. Mary in Career Services and Cheryl Brensen in Admissions and Records. They were part of the MEN cohort of support. Rowdy Duncan introduced Wilson to Diversity Inc. Rowdy was very influential in expanding Wilson’s thought process and opened his eyes to diversity. HUM 190, an Honors Class taught by Dr. Jim Rubin, readily came to Wilson’s mind when asked about a specific course that had a profound impact on his PVCC experience.

Wilson felt prepared academically for the transition to university upon completing his degree at PVCC; however, he did find assimilating in the culture challenging. While at the University of Georgia, Wilson continued to be actively engaged in leadership roles such as Vice President of the Society for Entrepreneurs and Ambassador for the university football team. These leadership experiences taught him boldness as he learned how to leverage his platform to secure guest speakers as well as the technicalities of owning a business.

Upon returning to Phoenix, Wilson would engage his entrepreneurial spirit to start his own business. Due to the current pandemic, Wilson had to pivot and is currently engaged in exploring other options to capitalize on his entrepreneurial ambitions and talents.

What inspired you to attend PVCC? 

I was looking for a place that would not only support my educational goals but also offer a strong sense of community. When I learned about PVCC’s commitment to student success and saw how many resources were available—from student services to leadership opportunities—it just felt right. After visiting campus and meeting a few staff members, I knew this was where I wanted to start my journey.

What was your major or focus of study at PVCC? And what year did you graduate?

Associate in Arts, General Education Certificate, and I Graduated in 2024.

What were one or two of the most memorable aspects of your student experience at PVCC?

I was pretty involved on campus, joining the Student Public Policy Forum, where I had the chance to mingle with government officials and discuss important issues. It was an incredible opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about the things that matter most, making my time at PVCC even more enriching. I also had the honor of receiving the Chancellor's Medallion, which remains one of my proudest accomplishments. And I can’t forget the love and support from the Veterans Services, shout out to them for always having my back.

How would you describe PVCC to others? Would you recommend PVCC and why? 

When I think about my time at PVCC, one word comes to mind: home. I didn’t just earn an education here, I found a place where I belonged, where people believed in me, and where I grew into the person I am today.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students? 

Don’t be afraid to show up and get involved. Your journey is what you make it, so take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way whether it's joining a club, attending a forum, or simply saying hello to someone new. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC… 

After graduating from PVCC, I continued my education at Phoenix College, where I’m completing a Certificate in Fashion Design-Entrepreneur while preparing to enter a Dental Hygiene program. I’m also pursuing a Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene through a concurrent program between Phoenix College and Northern Arizona University (NAU). At the same time, I’ve been building Fayiima Fashion, my own brand, inspired by community, culture, and creativity. It’s been a journey of blending health, fashion, and purpose; we are on Instagram as Fayiima fashion.

I remain actively involved on campus—taking tennis classes, singing in the choir, and continuing to volunteer and give back to the community that has helped shape me. Since I’m still taking some classes at PVCC, I’m also part of student clubs and stay connected to campus life.

How would you advise students on how to choose their educational or career path? 

Start with what lights you up, what do you enjoy doing, what are you naturally good at, and what kind of impact do you want to have? It’s okay if the path isn’t straight. Don’t be afraid to explore different areas until something clicks. Talk to people in the field, ask questions, and stay open to evolving your goals as you grow.

In your career journey, what has been one of your greatest successes and one of your greatest challenges? 

Like many students, I faced challenges along the way. There were moments when I wasn’t sure if I was on the right path or if I had what it took to succeed. But every time I doubted myself, PVCC reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Professors took the time to support me, mentors encouraged me to keep pushing forward, and the campus community gave me a sense of purpose. From the president to the fellow students, amazing company.

How did your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impact the work that you do? 

Through my experiences at PVCC, I gained more than just knowledge—I built confidence, formed lasting connections, and discovered my own strength. Looking back, I realize how much this school shaped me, not just academically but personally. I am proud to be a Puma because PVCC gave me a home when I needed it the most. No matter where I go from here, PVCC will always be part of my story. And for that, I am forever grateful.