Success Stories

Carolyn Szatkowski's plan to take creative writing classes for one year, evolved into a ten-year educational pursuit.  Faculty Lois Roma-Deeley and Ryan Stone made this such an engaging and worthwhile experience she kept coming back for more.  Carolyn’s initial goal to “expand one’s horizons,” developed into a lifelong friendship with Professor Roma-Deeley.  This friendship, coupled with Carolyn's passion for education and the creative writing process, has been the guiding force in establishing a Creative Writing Scholarship here at PVCC.

Carolyn’s commitment to this college was recognized by the college president and soon Carolyn was serving on the PVCC Philanthropy Council.  Carolyn currently serves as Community Advocate for the President of the College.  From the moment she stepped on campus, Carolyn found it to be a welcoming educational community; very willing to guide and support the potential student.  Carolyn has been instrumental in sharing the PVCC story with our community.

Carolyn’s experience reminds us that learning is a lifelong journey and even though you may have completed a higher education degree or two, the thirst for learning may certainly be satiated at your local community college.  Carolyn is committed to letting others know that Community Colleges are a major player in the development of the community and an integral part of the social, educational and environmental fabric.

Alumna Cayman Martin knew she wanted to attend Paradise Valley Community College when she found a familial atmosphere with a focus on the success and wellness of the students. When Cayman initially enrolled, she planned to attain her Associates degree in science, but the classes intimidated her with material that she had never been exposed to. Soon after, she switched her major to an associate of arts in psychology.

The most memorable course that she took at PVCC was called “Elements of Intercultural Communication”, which covers material such as diversity and cultural differences. It was this course that helped to push her beyond her comfort zone. One of the greatest influences she had in that class was faculty member Sherry Adams. She found additional mentors at PVCC in both Student Life Program Specialist and faculty member Rowdy Duncan and her Advisor Chris Hunt.

“These people played a huge part in my success as a student and really helped guide me through my first years of college. They were very invested in student development and wellness, and I am very grateful to have had them as resources.”

When asked what information she would pass along to incoming students she stated, “College is a lot of fun but also a time to cultivate your interests and decide what you would like to do for the rest of your life. Keep an open mind, get involved in different extracurricular activities, and surround yourself with people who are also motivated to do great things. Ultimately, pursue what you’re passionate about!”

During her senior year at ASU, Cayman was hospitalized with a deep vein thrombosis and serendipitously started working as a scribe in the emergency department (ED) where she was treated. This experience working with ED physicians prompted Cayman to switch majors which meant spending another year completing Organic Chemistry and Physics prerequisites. She returned to PVCC to complete these requirements because she felt “the teaching quality at community colleges is superior to what I experienced at a large university, and I wasn't disappointed. Drs. Bains and Durandet are incredible teachers and were instrumental in my success not only in mastering that coursework, but in succeeding at the MCAT.”

Cayman matriculated at The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix in June of 2016. After working in the ED for several years prior to matriculation, she was convinced she’d become an Emergency Medicine physician. However, during her third year Family Medicine clerkship Cayman realized how much she “valued continuity of care with my patients, advocacy, and community involvement.” Cayman matriculated June 2020 into the Phoenix Family Medicine Residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Cayman graduated Family Medicine residency June 2023 and matched into Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Upon completion of one year of subspecialty training, Cayman hopes to continue caring for patients with chronic terminal illnesses and are at end-of-life.  "It's been a long journey and I'm forever grateful for the guidance I received as a young student from my mentors at PVCC."

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I was told early on by a counselor that college was not for me because of my learning disability. I wanted to prove the counselor wrong. I took a college success class and did really well. I then realized that PVCC was a great place to be.

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

Business Administration, May 2022.

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

I received a tremendous amount of support from the Disability Resource Center. They worked with me and the accommodations I needed. In addition, during the 2021-2022 school year, I was the PTK Recruitment Officer. During my time at PVCC, I learned how to communicate what I needed, especially with the Disability Resource Center, on when I would use certain accommodation. Another thing I learned was time management, this really pushed my comfort level as I would come to understand that if I wanted to do certain things on campus, I needed to make sure I could find the time to volunteer or be part of the community, while finishing up important assignments with available time I had.

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

Overall, my experience at PVCC was amazing. I had the opportunity to connect with people, be a part of the college culture, and make new friends. While at PVCC, I was working at Six Flags Water Park for 6 years and moved up to a team lead for admissions. During COVID, I had to learn to manage my time more efficiently. I buckled down and took as many credits as I could in a year and a half to complete my degree.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

Try to make as many memories as possible. Make time to go to events and be involved.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After earning my degree at PVCC, I transferred to GCU. I am majoring in Sports & Entertainment Management and will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in April 2024. In addition, for the past two years I have worked as a 50/50 Raffle Representative for the Arizona Diamondbacks. I work about 70 games a year. I am hoping to be an Authentics Intern for the Diamondbacks, which would involve management of all the merchandise with signatures and figuring out how much to sell them for based on importance and who the player is.

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

When choosing my educational or career path, it came down to what I grew up with, which was sports. Also having a family member, my dad, working in sports helped me decide what industry I wanted to work in. As for my education, I had heard that GCU had a great sports program and that Jerry Colangelo was in charge of the business college. Having guest speakers come to campus to share their experiences has been truly helpful. Overall, the biggest piece of advice I would suggest is doing research about the school’s program and create connections with people from ASU, GCU, U of A, wherever it is, and start to understand what their program is like and what makes them different. One more thing I would suggest is study what you are passionate about and research the best program for that field/industry.

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

In terms of success, last year I found my stride in selling the 50/50 Raffle Tickets. I used to be shy in public, but I overcame that and became more confident which resulted in selling more tickets. I was the August 2023 Employee of the Month.

In terms of challenges, on my 21st birthday, while working in Guest Relations at Six Flags Water Park, I was insulted by a guest. I learned from that experience how to keep my composure and keep things under control.

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

My experience at PVCC allowed me to further my skills. I have also learned that you have to have fun and enjoy more experiences in life. I am so glad I was and always will be a PUMA forever! Go Pumas and of course, go Lopes!!

Creating positive social change! Christopher Figueroa has increased his devotion to this goal through his scholastic work and social involvement at PVCC. He emphasizes the necessity of having “diversity of thought, culture, values, and identity” if a society is to make progress toward greater equality and the fulfillment of its citizens’ best potential. Was Christopher always aware of this? No. “Before PVCC I had a very narrow world view.” Now, after his experience on this campus: “I am prepared to engage my community-at-large with a more inclusive attitude.”

How to turn this into action? Next: Pursuing a BA in Social Behavioral Sciences at ASU West with the plan of eventually achieving a master's degree in counseling: “I want to start a non-profit that focuses on guiding at-risk youth to higher education, using the tools that I gathered at PVCC and throughout my educational journey. The youth are the future, and they need as much guidance as possible.”

He describes feeling special appreciation for PVCC’s focus on helping students to develop themselves into drivers of positive social development. With laughter, Christopher also tells us he was surprised to find himself becoming quite the “social entrepreneur!” (Club Zeitgeist Start-up President; Leader of Student Honors Advisory Council (SHAC); Phi Theta Kappa; Mosaic Student Facilitator; Lead Peer Mentor; Student Ambassador; Academic Planner for Early College; Fundraiser Speaker at Celebrating Paradise and Heroes of Education) “I would have never considered that part of myself before coming to PVCC.”

During his own educational quest here at PVCC, Christopher says he often found himself thinking of these words from Cesar Chavez:

“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.”

Claire describes PVCC as “a community. It’s a launch pad to anything you want. You can be a first-time college student or someone revisiting their education, but you will not be overlooked. It’s a place that cares about activism and works to include all people.”

Key influencers during Claire’s PVCC experience were:

• Dr. Lois Roma-Deeley, Honors English 101 professor, “turned on the light bulb for me. She argued for my intelligence and my writing was never the same after that.”
• Professor Vaswati Ghosh’s American Politics class provided the inspiration for Clair to study Political Science.  Claire shared, “I adored every topic of history she introduced and in return she responded to my joy with equal excitement and guidance.”
• Mike Mitchell, Honors English 102 faculty, inspired Claire’s curiosity.  Every morning I can remember him walking into class and asking, “What’s going on in the world today?” This simple prompt elicited student engagement.  Claire appreciated his kindness, how easy he was to talk to and the impact he had on her writing.
• Mike Ho, Student Life and Leadership Director, - Claire fondly recalls her first interaction with Mike and his continued welcoming and supportive nature.  “He fueled my growing love for politics and government.”

In summary, Claire shared, “I walked into life after community college armed with the greatest sense of self, curiosity, and joy that I have ever found; and these individuals had a key hand in that.”

The most memorable aspect about Claire’s experience at PVCC was how much the word “community” played into her every day. “I’d walk onto campus and immediately be greeted by people who knew my name; I’d walk into a classroom, office, check out club booths and there was always someone to invite me in. I was never a stranger at PVCC.”  Claire's activism began in the Student Public Policy Forum, and continued on when she became Vice President of the newly reformed student government.  

As an Honors Scholarship recipient, Claire is extremely thankful that this support, coupled with a Pell grant, enabled her to dedicate herself to her education.

Her PVCC experience helped Claire develop the mindset that “community constructs leaders and those leaders come from all backgrounds. I judge people less by where they got their degree or their lack of one and more by the content of their character.  Because I work with vulnerable youth, I think about their communities, and this inevitably has made me take a second look at the classmates and the professional relationships I have known. All of these experiences have led me to regularly and eagerly refer the youth I work with to community college. I know that it’s because it’s where I felt I was given a chance, and that’s my every day want for the people I try to serve.”

Claire currently works with aging out foster youth, to help coordinate services for them.  She shared “I recommend PVCC and Maricopa Community Colleges every chance I get.  If you’re looking for community this is a great place to start.”

Claire's childhood visions of grandeur to become a ballerina and own her own dance studio were not to be realized due to a variety of challenges--but this did not stop her from pursuing her Associates degree in business at PVCC.  Claire "liked PVCC as it provided an opportunity to keep growing and get an education while I figured out what my new direction should be.”  She “appreciated the small classroom size and the opportunity to get challenging classes out of the way in an environment where the teachers are readily accessible.”

One of her memories of her time at PVCC was submitting an entry to the student poetry contest and being featured in the PVCC student anthology publication.  She also fondly remembers participating in Honors Forum. After two years at PVCC, she transferred her credits up to NAU where she flourished in NAU's School of Hotel & Restaurant Management.

Claire began her career working at Doubletree Hotels Corporation, however, a unique opportunity presented itself for her to create a high school program where students could earn dual enrollment credit and get an early look at the hospitality and tourism industry. For eighteen years she helped her students prepare for life after high school personally and professionally and served as adviser for Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). This included service projects that addressed local and international issues, and traveling with her students to such places as Uganda, El Salvador, and Costa Rica to learn about culture and causes. Claire often recalled her journey at PVCC and recommended attending a community college as an option for her high school students to ease into adult and college life and assume more responsibility. 

Claire went on to complete her Masters in Education at NAU and then completed a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology through Grand Canyon University.  Claire currently teaches Tourism Development & Management in the School of Community Resources and Development at Arizona State University, is adviser for the Tourism Student Association, and facilitates study abroad programs to such places as Fiji, Australia, Belize, and Botswana.

Despite having to forego her initial dream of being a ballerina and dance teacher, Claire appreciates the role it played in helping her develop her creativity and work ethic. She seeks to have a lasting impact on those she teaches and enjoys her role as the bridge between students and industry. 

PVCC 1993 Grad - General Business

Courtney’s journey to PVCC was prompted by a sequence of events following her graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance and Minor in Film Production, with honors, from ASU. She had been working in music retail and education and decided she wanted to continue her passion in Theatre after having been away from the field for some time.  She enrolled in Andrea Robertson’s Stage Combat Class and an American Sign Language class at PVCC. With both classes offered on the same day, she was able to continue her full-time employment.

Fast forward a couple years and Courtney quit her job to become a Freelance Stage Manager. In so doing, Courtney determined she wanted to build on her skill sets by taking classes in Stage Management, Make-up, and Stage Combat. She has since completed her AAFA in Theatre and was the first in the program to graduate with the CCL in Stage Combat.

One of Courtney’s most memorable aspects of her PVCC experience was participating in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Hawaii. This experience enabled her to continue to refine and develop her skills in theatre. The relationships she developed while at PVCC continue to impact Courtney as she receives professional support from Andrea Robertson, Karla Frederick, Amie Bjorklund, and Dr. Craig Kosnik. While attending PVCC, Courtney was very engaged in the production of the shows and was involved in the CAST club on campus.

Courtney has completed a Master's degree focused in International Arts Management from Southern Methodist University and HEC Montréal. The international focus of this program took her to Dallas, Montreal, Bogota, Mumbai, New Delhi, Beijing, and Milan. This globetrotting, Masters-level educational experience further connected Courtney to Arts enthusiasts around the world and allowed her to refine the management skills that she began cultivating while at PVCC.

Courtney is currently self-employed, teaching and choreographing stage combat around the state, and stage managing around the Valley. This fall, she will enter another year as an adjunct professor at PVCC teaching stage management as part of the Opportunities in Production class within the theatre department. She reflects fondly on her experiences at PVCC and the intricate web of professional contacts it has fostered for her.

While a sophomore at Pinnacle High School, Cyrus heard about the PVCC ACE Program. Among the incredible professors he had at PVCC, the one that stands out is Frederic DeClaremont. Professor DeClaremont taught English 102. Cyrus thoroughly enjoyed his teaching style and the essay topics he assigned. “He challenged us to think outside the box and apply the skills that we learned throughout college.”

Dr. Audrey Fresques, the head of the Early College Program is the most influential person that Cyrus encountered. Dr. Fresques engaged her students in political debates and discussions on the impact of policy on the residents of Arizona. In fact, she helped Cyrus get an internship with the Arizona Education Association, the largest teachers’ union in the state. “I will never be able to thank the faculty of PVCC enough. I truly enjoyed my time there.”

Cyrus’s most positive memory of his time at PVCC is the generosity of Professor Hall who taught a computer class. She took all thirty of her ACE students to the cafeteria for breakfast and later to the bookstore for sweatshirts. She considers her students as family and her kindness will always stay with Cyrus.

“PVCC offers an open learning environment which benefits from its deep ties to the community and a compassionate group of educators.  I met fantastic people at PVCC and made deep and lasting connections with both faculty and students.” Cyrus advises others to give PVCC a try, as the classes are affordable and quite beneficial. Cyrus shared, “The education I received from PVCC is incredibly relevant, I utilize the skills I learned almost every day. The courses really do set one up for success in their future endeavors.”

Cyrus graduated from Arizona State University where he triple majored in Political Science, History, and French. Upon graduating from ASU he was admitted to Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. He is entering his third and final year and will finish in May of 2024 with a Juris Doctor and a Master of Laws in Taxation. He is looking forward to practicing corporate law when he finishes school.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I had been competing in track and field throughout my youth and after the cross-country season of my senior year in high school, Coach Dave Barney reached out to me about scholarship opportunities at PVCC. The opportunities included both the Presidents’ Honors Scholarship for academics, as well as an athletic scholarship, which ended up funding my time at PVCC.

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

The focus of my study was largely in physics and to some extent the aerospace field. I began my time at PVCC in the Fall of 2018 and I graduated in May of 2020.

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

One of the most memorable aspects of my student experience was working diligently with Dr. Durandet to write a research paper on sustainability efforts in the aerospace sector, which was published in the Mancini Science Symposium and was my first exposure to academic research. Additionally, I can vividly recall the rigorous training with Coach Barney’s cross country and track and field teams that taught me a lot about grit, focus, discipline, teamwork, and many more intangible qualities that still guide me to this day.

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

I would describe PVCC as the perfect place to go if you are interested in exploring your advanced academic opportunities. Every time I have the opportunity to share my background, I am ecstatic to share my experiences at PVCC! I would and continue to recommend PVCC to those who are looking for an academic institution that values critical thinking through advanced education, workforce preparation, skill-building, bridging, and community.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

The biggest piece of advice I would give to PVCC students is to make the most of the faculty, leaders, and opportunities that are abundant at PVCC. While the academics are certainly engaging and will provide the foundational skill sets necessary to move you into the next phase of your life, it is truly the people around you that will catapult you towards your dreams, whatever they might be.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After graduating PVCC in 2020, I attended the 6-week Basic Cadet Training at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs. At USAFA I studied systems engineering with a focus in astronautics and a Spanish minor. During the summers at USAFA, I went through Interpersonal Leadership Training, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft summer course, the Cadet Summer Language Immersion Program in Spain, and interned with the rocket manufacturer, Aerojet Rocketdyne, as a systems engineer. After graduating from USAFA in May of 2024, I commissioned as an officer into the U.S. Space Force and am attending the Harvard Kennedy School of Government to earn a Master of Public Policy degree. Upon completion of my degree in 2026, I will continue my work as a developmental project engineer in the Space Force.

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

First and foremost, it is important to say outright that whatever you choose now, you do not need to stick with it for the rest of your life. In fact, that’s one of the beauties of PVCC and other community colleges; they are great places to explore your interests. I think initially you should aim your sights on a broader goal that interests you, whether that be public service, entrepreneurship, social work, the sciences, the arts, or any other general life interest. From there, delve into the details, explore what opportunities lie in those fields, meet with experts and faculty, and then determine if it still interests you. If not, do not fear, but shift your focus to another interest and repeat the process until a passion within you arises. I started with physics, then explored pure astronautics, shifted to systems engineering, and am now exploring public policy and international affairs as it pertains to the outer space domain. While the themes of space and science were constant, the applications certainly varied. The world is your oyster!

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

The greatest success of my career journey was simply starting at PVCC. I initially planned to avoid advanced education until later in my life and I had reservations about attending PVCC. However, PVCC offered an avenue that I could not pass up. The low cost, welcoming environment, committed faculty, and scholarship opportunities are what brought me to PVCC and ultimately the experience redirected the trajectory of my career.

The greatest challenge of my career was persevering through the COVID-19 pandemic at USAFA. The military academies are already tough enough without a global pandemic, but the added stressors from COVID required me to rely on my squad mates and support systems in ways that I never had to before!

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

The experiences at PVCC shaped my passion for academics and also my desire to impact the larger community. Whether that was hearing about Dr. Durandet’s research on particle accelerators with Fermilab, sitting in Professor Douglass’ class as he explained his research on the Grand Canyon formation, or volunteering with Coach Barney and the track team. These experiences ultimately led me to where I am in public service and have contributed to my pursuance of further education.

Dan’s decision to attend PVCC was a pragmatic one. “It was the college that geographically served my community and provided me with the most economical option to begin my college education.”  Dan describes PVCC as a college that provides great educational opportunities in a setting that promotes student engagement.  “Faculty are very accessible to students, and many of the courses truly promoted a collaborative environment.  My most positive memory from attending PVCC was the great diversity of individuals, both students and faculty, with whom I was able to interact.”

The most influential instructor he encountered while at PVCC was Bahman Maneshni. His passion for teaching and his area of expertise were compelling and engaging. His economics courses were Dan’s favorites as they “helped to change my understanding of what drives economic decisions and provided me with the foundation for a unique perspective amongst my peers today.”

“My education from PVCC served as the foundation that carried me throughout the remainder of my college studies. Many of the courses at PVCC shaped both my understanding of higher education and of the world around me.”

After leaving PVCC, Dan earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at SCC and then went on to the University of Iowa to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in pediatrics, and Doctor of Nursing Practice. After completing his doctoral studies, Dan accepted a full time faculty position as a Clinical Assistant Professor at ASU College of Nursing & Health Innovation where he taught in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Currently, Dan works as a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Iowa College of Nursing. Dan was recently elected President of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

As a high school Track and Field athlete, Danny Escobar was recruited to PVCC by George Page and Todd Lehman, the Sprints and Head Coaches of the Track and Field team, respectively. After conversations and visits to campus with his parents, Danny decided PVCC was the best option for him. He says Todd was, and continues to be, a mentor in his life. He also appreciates the close relationships he established with PVCC Athletic Trainers, Rick Wade and Derek Russ, as well as his Sports Psychology instructor, Doug Berry. As a member of the Track and Field team, Danny competed in all short sprint events (100m, 200m, 400m, the 4x100m, and 4x400m relays).

Danny notes that to this day, he still benefits from many of his classes. “Even though I was not a fan, I loved my Pre-Calculus class my first year. The instructor did a great job teaching things and making them relevant,” says Danny. “Communications 101 has been the most relevant to my career thus far! Having the ability to speak in front of a crowd, maintain attention, and understanding interpersonal communication has tremendous application within coaching and leading a department. Considering my educational focus, many of my biological science, statistical analysis, and social classes have also had tremendous application.”

In addition to his time as a student athlete, Danny is appreciative of the fact that his PVCC experience enabled him to take on a leadership role with the Track & Field team as he helped guide the younger athletes.  In addition, Danny says he truly enjoyed being involved in SWAP (Student Wellness At PVCC). “The work we did on campus during events and around the community was amazing,” Danny shared. “One of the memorable events  was donating Christmas gifts to families in need in December. I was able to deliver them in-person to Spanish-only families and that will stay with me forever.”

Danny believes the level of education and career preparation he received at PVCC was second to none. Taking classes in the new biology building “was a great experience, especially since I was able to go into a career within biological sciences.”

Through his coursework and extracurricular activities, Danny had the opportunity to get to know people and value them for who they are. He says, “everyone has different backgrounds and experiences, but we all were working to better ourselves and others in some capacity.”

As a recipient of an athletic scholarship, Danny shared, “the scholarships were a primary motivator in my journey. Knowing that I could have an opportunity to have a portion of my education paid for because of my work and commitment has provided me with the respect and value of earning things through perseverance.”

In Spring 2014, Danny earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. From 2015 to 2017, he worked as an affiliate-level Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Los Angeles Angels. He then served as the Rehab S&C Coordinator in 2018 and transitioned to Minor League S&C Coordinator from 2019 to 2021. Since 2022, Danny has been the Minor League S&C Coordinator for the Cincinnati Reds.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?  

I was an accidental student. My goal was to join the military after High School. I had committed to the USMC via the Delayed Enlisted Program as a Junior in high school; a path that would never come to fruition, because I had cancer in HS. My grades were poor, I never took the SAT or ACT and had no plans to attend college. Needing medical insurance from my parents, I was forced to go to college, specifically a community college due to my grades and the lack of ACT/SAT scores. I took my graduation money and enrolled in night classes. PVCC was near my job, so it made sense.

What was your major or focus of study at PVCC?

I took general study and prerequisites at PVCC.  

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

The people I met at PVCC were incredible, both the teachers and the support staff. PVCC allowed me to explore education on my terms; choice of classes, time and day, as well as whether I went or not. The environment fostered a love of learning I had never felt prior.

How would you describe PVCC to others? 

PVCC is a quality institution. It is for everyone. The size of the campus and classes made the experience positive, whereas these same aspects were negatives at ASU. I would recommend most students utilize community college to explore education and careers, without spending finite and unnecessary dollars at a large university; especially those paying their own way or borrowing.

Is there anything you would have done differently on your educational journey? 

If I had to do it over, I would have gone to ASU West sooner. The smaller campus provided a CC feel, at University level. 

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After PVCC, I transferred to ASU main and eventually ASU West. I left school to become a Police Officer; quickly returning to finish my degree on the City of Phoenix’s dime. Later, I received a Master’s degree from AT Still University; also on the City’s dime, using tuition reimbursement. Following a 23-year career in Law Enforcement, I retired, transitioning into Financial Services. I have been a Financial Advisor with Principal Financial Group for 4 years now.

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

Most people aren’t certain what they want to be. I believe this causes a great deal of stress and possibly unnecessary debt. Get a degree in something you enjoy or a broad discipline, like Business or Finance. These will serve you in most jobs, even if you have several before finding your passion or long term career.

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

Law Enforcement was a great career. The experiences and connections I made have served me well in my new career. The pension also provides me financial security to grow my financial practice organically; without short cuts. The leap from public safety to financial services was huge. The studying and exams for the three licenses I hold were daunting and seemed as if I would never get through them.

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

All the education I have received has broadened my knowledge and social skills. While I believe that a formal education isn’t the end all, it does help open doors to opportunities you may not get without it.

Denisse’s high school counselor suggested she attend a community college, especially since she had just arrived to the United States and would need to learn English to get around. The two biggest selling points were "affordable and small classes."

Upon reflection, two influential people come to mind for Denisse. Firstly, “Marianne Roccaforte-Gardner - I changed my major so many times and yet, she never let me settle for anything ordinary. She knew I was different than others and she was incredibly great at encouraging me to draw outside the lines even when it was uncomfortable. She knew my potential even when I didn't.” Secondly, “Catherine Mendoza - As a counselor she was incredibly encouraging and caring. We shared a passion for travel and culture and even when I was all over the place, she always managed to keep me straight and focused on whatever the next step was.”

When asked about her most positive memory of attending PVCC, Denisse shared, “I actually loved being a part of the Student Leadership Council and MECHA - I had the opportunity to meet so many people, experience so many different things, and in general, made me feel like I belonged.”

Speaking of a sense of belonging, Denisse recalls her Physics class. They had quizzes every Friday, “which made it easy for me to decide to skip classes for the rest of the week. After all, I got an A+ on every quiz so I figured the professor would not even notice; especially if my grades were good. Little did I know, I would end up in her office having a conversation about why I was missing classes. I was very touched that a professor would take the time to check on me and my absences despite the fact that I was passing the class. I knew she wasn't the only one that shared that level of care and concern for students; it was in fact across the entire PVCC community.”

Denisse’s Career Exploration course with Dr. Roccaforte-Gardner had a profound impact on her, “especially because, for the first time, I felt like I wasn't pushed to fit in a box and rather encouraged to push the boundaries. Even after my class with her, she always asked me about the next stepping stone. Once I graduated, she questioned me about when I was going to do my masters next. It took me about 8-9 years after my undergrad, but she never stopped pushing me to go further. Finally, in 2018, I completed my master's in Integrated Marketing and Communications, and everything she said about the experience was accurate. I almost wished I had done it earlier! I’m thankful to have someone that reminds you to not settle for less than what you are capable.”

“PVCC is an incredible stepping stone into college life. The small class size, and the level of care by the professors, it’s almost like having training wheels or a floaty as you enter into college versus being pushed into the ocean with no prior swimming experience. The community is great because of not only the care of instructors and staff, but also because of the caliber of quality of education you get.”

When asked if she would recommend PVCC to others, Denisse says, “Absolutely! In many ways, it was there where I learned English, and it was also there where I made friends that later became family. For someone coming from another country and almost no blood family around, this is a big deal. I always felt safe there. I actually remember times when I would much rather be at PVCC than having to go home."

Denisse went on to share, “If it would have not been for PVCC and the small campus feel, the caring professors and staff, I actually think I may have gotten lost in my journey and my parents may have wasted thousands of dollars on my education. The truth is, while I never understood why I had to take some classes to fulfill my general requirements, it wasn't until later that I realized how everything connects. I think the biggest outcome was that during my time at PVCC I was challenged to think critically about how to better solve problems and that alone, no matter what tools you use, often has the greatest impact on employee performance. Knowing how to think critically and solve problems is what a lot of companies look for in potential candidates.”

After completing her undergraduate degree, Denisse served in AmeriCorps. She has held a variety of positions that utilized her creative talents:  Communications, Design and Creative Director. Denisse is currently Product Learning Experience Designer at American Express.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I was looking for a college campus near my place of employment.

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

My Major focus was Exercise and Nutrition. I graduated in 2019 with Exercise Science and personal training, and in 2021 with Dietetic Technology.

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

I found that the instructors are very determined in your success. I had a lot of them make sure that I succeeded in class and in life. I also went to school during the pandemic, when everything was transitioning to online. My instructors made sure that we were all on the same page and if we were having any trouble keeping up or transitioning, they were there literally holding my hand.

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

It's small enough to find your way around, the staff is very helpful and the instructors really care. I would recommend PVCC for the convenience and location and because it's really easy to take classes online or on campus. The instructors are there to make sure you are learning.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

Don’t forget to have fun, join clubs, eat at the campus cafeteria and make friends. Yes, learning is your top priority but you can also have fun on campus.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After graduation I worked at WIC for Maricopa County as a Nutrition Associate, I was a Patient Service Supervisor for Morrison inside the Mayo clinic, where I used my ServSafe skills and nutrition skills. I have taught private fitness classes at a small gym and at home. I recently went back to WIC to utilize my nutrition skills.

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

Do your research on what jobs are available out there and how you could use your degrees. Make sure it is the right career path for you. To find out what you really want to do, you have to do a little of everything that has to do with the skills you are learning here.

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

The greatest challenge for me was deciding if food service was really the route I wanted to take. I wanted to dip my toe in a little bit of everything with my Nutrition degree. That is when I returned back to WIC because community service was much more rewarding for me. I still use my Food Service skills in other aspects of my life.

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

Everything I learned while at PVCC impacts what I do, especially how I interact with the community. Most of the classes in the Dietetic Technology classes prepared me for the workforce and the skills I learned in the Exercise science classes prepared me to be able to teach small groups with confidence.

It is a shame Donald Lant had to get hit by a truck to go to college, but that is exactly what precipitated his higher education journey.  In 2008, he was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident that ended his nearly 30-year career and placed his life in limbo for the next five years.  He underwent 29 surgeries to reconstruct his body. 

“In 2014, at 53 years old, I found myself standing at the big blue doors of Paradise Valley Community College.  Terrified and willing to lean into the discomfort of the abyss before me, I opened the doors and started becoming Don again.  A new version, aka Don 2.0, started to emerge through the discomfort.”

Don credits a number of his professors--Tony Craig (math), Dr. Doss Powell (anthropology), and Dr. Kelly Burton (philosophy)--with having a lasting impact on the person he is becoming.  Additionally, Rowdy Duncan and Mike Ho were instrumental in his choice to be an actively engaged student leader.  Dr. Diane Chapman encouraged Don to “dive in deep” and these words of advice continue to resonate with Don as a Sun Devil.  Don is taking the student leadership and community-building skills he learned at PVCC and is utilizing them to establish a visible community of nontraditional students at ASU West.

Upon completing his bachelor’s degree, Donald plans to pursue graduate school and teach at the post secondary level.  Don credits his PVVC community college experience with teaching him how to succeed.  His advice to incoming students, “Just do it!  Take a step in the direction, find your path, desire and passion – as long as you follow that passion you will find joy.”