Success Stories

Susan Karoubi loves networking and sharing her positive experiences at PVCC. While at PVCC, Susan completed post baccalaureate coursework focused on the sciences (EMT, anatomy, human pathology and physiology) to add to her Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University West Campus. While at ASU, Susan was a member of the Barrett Upper Division Students Honors Program. She received the Honors Medallion upon completion of her thesis, required coursework, and the 3.25 GPA requirement for graduating with honors recognition.

Susan cites two PVCC instructors, Dr. Anthony Lamanna and Dr. John Hayashi, who were influential as she pursued her original goal of admission to medical school.  These two faculty members were inspiring and supportive of Susan’s pre-health journey. They played a key role in supporting her application to medical school by supporting her candidacy with letters of recommendation. Paula Crossman was also a significant advocate for Susan and provided feedback on her medical school application essays as well as a letter of recommendation.

To students considering PVCC as their educational provider, Susan provides an emphatic, “Yes. PVCC teachers actually make time for their students. The PVCC Science department faculty are amazing - they are so good! Many of the faculty members have professional experience in the fields they are teaching and they are very committed to the success and educational experience of their students. This makes for an ideal learning environment.”

As a PVCC Student Ambassador for two semesters during the pandemic, Susan embraced this opportunity to engage with social media to provide study tips to students, “Take notes by hand! Even though so many classes use Power Points, taking your notes by hand helps with memory retention and remembering more in the long term.” She was also actively engaged in taking videos and photos to share campus resources and information through social media, the college website, and the college YouTube channel. This role was the springboard into her foray into the social media arena. She harnessed the power of social media to develop her own YouTube channel designed to help guide students interested in pursuing careers in medicine. Susan shared, “I am now very comfortable with social media. The more you grow up and grow out, the better.” 

Susan laid the foundation for a pursuit in the field of medicine by seeking employment opportunities that would afford her the opportunity to view the profession from the perspective of the patient. While attending classes at PVCC, she was employed full-time as a Patient Experience Coordinator at a physical therapy clinic. Prior to that experience she worked part-time as a physical therapy technician. Additionally, as a mentor for the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), she provided ASU West students with resources and connections needed to become competitive and well-rounded applicants to pre-health programs. While no longer pursuing a career in Naturopathic Medicine, Susan is currently enrolled in a Masters of Public Health in Applied Epidemiology through the University of Arizona online.

Best wishes to Susan as she embarks on completion of her Masters Degree.

Susie Satta started her higher education journey at PVCC.  What started out as a plan to take a few courses while able to continue living at home ended up being an opportunity to develop lifelong friendships coupled with the freedom to figure out what area of study she wanted to pursue.  Susie shared, “I was able to do more exploration due to the affordability of classes.”

Susie appreciated the one-on-one interaction with her professors.  “In difficult subject matter areas, this was especially significant as it enabled me to get a better education in my general education classes.”  The small class size was more conducive to settling in and being able to get the academic support needed in comparison to the large, lecture-style general education classes offered at our state 4-year institutions.

Susie fondly recalls the public speaking class she took some 13 years ago at PVCC.  She draws on what she learned in Felicia Ramirez’s class and finds it relevant in her career today.  Additionally, a marine biology class provided a great opportunity to explore her interests in marine science.

Upon finishing her Associates Degree at PVCC, Susie completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication and Media Studies at ASU and graduated Magna Cum Laude.  Susie started her Digital Marketing business in 2018 specializing in social media strategy development and implementation.  As a PVCC Alumna, this opportunity to share the PVCC story with our community is especially meaningful.  Susie enjoys seeing the transformative changes that have occurred since her time as a student at PVCC. 

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

My journey at PVCC began through the Early College program. As a 15 year old, I was initially nervous and hesitant when it came to this opportunity, but my brother encouraged me to apply and I am forever grateful he did.

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

Associates in Business, Fall 2020.

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

English was always my toughest subject growing up since it is my second language, but Professor Noschka changed my perspective. His class inspired me to write in my free time and gave me more confidence in my writing abilities. In fact, I now have a goal of publishing my very own book!

Being a Lead Peer Leader is another memorable aspect of my experience at PVCC. I learned the value of being surrounded by like-minded individuals and ultimately discovered my purpose of helping others.

How would you describe PVCC to others?

I would describe PVCC as home. Home of generous, understanding, and influential people. I would most definitely recommend PVCC because everyone is welcome and everyone belongs.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

Don't let fear of the unknown hold you back from trying new things. I am forever grateful I took the leap as a 15 year old and began my journey at PVCC.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After graduating from PVCC in December of 2020, I transferred to ASU where I obtained my Bachelors in Business Administration. Once I graduated in August 2022, I was searching for jobs for 8 months and felt discouraged until I was blessed with my current career at ASU as a Project Coordinator. I am now thriving in my career and plan on starting my MBA in Spring 2024.

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

Initially, I was unsure of which educational and career path to choose and I felt lost. The silver lining is that uncertainty opens you to endless opportunities. Keep an open mind, and give various industries a chance. Treat your educational/career path as an experiment and don't get comfortable.

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

One of my greatest successes in my career journey is the people I have met along the way. From working at a movie theater to interning at the Senate to working in education, I contribute my success to those around me.

On the other hand, one of my greatest challenges was feeling immense pressure as a first-generation American. Luckily, the communities I am a part of have made me feel at home.

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

Working as a Lead Peer Leader at PVCC peaked my interest in working in education and helping others. PVCC helped me find my purpose.

Theresa Mazza has had a remarkable journey. From sous chef creating recipes and menus for celebrities, athletes and high profile clients to entrepreneur and brand ambassador with stops along the way to complete her Bachelors of Science in Health Promotion and a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Then it was on to get her Masters of Public Health. Theresa was proud of these accomplishments and yet something was missing.

Theresa came to PVCC to pursue her passion: nutrition. She enrolled in the Associates of Applied Science in Dietetic Technology to become a Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR). She says, “My time at PVCC is literally why I do what I do now. The number one thing our professors conveyed was to always be professional and make connections.” Theresa made a good impression on one of the preceptors and she recommended Theresa to her neighbor, a registered dietitian that needed social media support. What began as a part-time hustle blossomed into Theresa starting her own business all from a connection she made during her time in this program. She shares, “To say my life has changed for the better because of this program is an understatement.”

Theresa appreciated the diversity of the students in this program. “I learned so much from my fellow students.” She had not thought of including the need for more education around foods from different cultures. “MyPlate and dietary recommendations are based heavily on the American diet and don't showcase foods from different ethnicities and backgrounds. The students in my classes opened my eyes to a lot of things in the field of nutrition.”

Theresa strongly advocates for PVCC, “The professors and staff are all professional, knowledgeable and amazing humans. I could not have imagined doing this degree anywhere else.” The connections Theresa made at PVCC surpass those from other educational institutions she had degrees from.

One of the highlights of her experience occurred during the community rotation for the dietetic technology practicum. Theresa developed a webinar series that included students and faculty from dietetics, nursing, exercise science and EMT. This five-part series focused on diabetes management for community members and the fitness center. “I loved putting together the slides and presenting my expertise on nutrition and diabetes. You could tell it really helped the people watching and there was always an amazing turnout.”

Among a host of wonderful professors, Tricia Montgomery “went above and beyond to ensure we would have the best interning experience possible during the pandemic. She designed fun and creative ways for us to hit our competencies and she was always there when we needed her. She has become a friend and colleague and has helped me with finding preceptors for my upcoming dietetics degree.” Additionally, Lori Anonsen and Margie Tate were great influencers during Theresa’s time at PVCC and beyond. “Margie and I connected over my background in public health and we all treated each other like humans vs. teacher/student. Lori has been so supportive of my unconventional journey post-graduation. She supports my entrepreneurial spirit and is the first to brag on me and I truly appreciate that.”

Theresa is currently completing a Master’s of Science in Applied Nutrition.

Tiara confidently states that “PVCC provides all the resources for students to be successful.” As support for this proclamation, she points to the coursework and extracurricular opportunities available at PVCC as brought to life by its remarkable faculty and staff.  As illustrated by Tiara herself, however, these opportunities need students to be fulfilled.

During her enrollment at PVCC, Tiara interacted with a number of wonderful people, such as, Regina Garcia, Ivette Quintero, and Cheryl Brinson, who genuinely care about students.  Tiara shared that they were very helpful and passionate about helping students be successful.  In addition, Tiara singled out Academic Advisor Beth Whiteman’s help in sorting out her classes and making sure that she stayed on track with her transfer goals.

Thinking back to her time at PVCC, Tiara recalls having both the opportunity to help the living and learn from the dead.  Working with cadavers in her anatomy and physiology class was one of her most remarkable and unique experiences at PVCC. Tiara also shared that, as a Work Study student, she received positive feedback from a student whom she had helped locate scholarships and grants. Tiara served an important role in helping this student to continue her education.

Tiara recommends PVCC to others because faculty and staff are very resourceful, helpful and passionate about students and their success.  She specifically recalled her English 102 Professor, Bill Smillie, in helping her to hone her writing skills.

Tiara shared, “Everything I learned at PVCC was critical to successfully completing my degree in Community Health at ASU.”  That is a ringing endorsement from an alumna and a PVCC employee!

A visit to the Fresh Start Women’s Center proved to play a significant role in Tiffany Matthews’ desire to start a small business. While there, Tiffany saw a brochure promoting the Small Business Start-up Certificate for PVCC Women in Business. “As a woman of faith,” Tiffany felt this opportunity was a sign that “God placed this path before me.” Tiffany came to the Women’s Center to update her Word & Excel skills while transitioning from being married to single again and walked away with support toward achieving her goal of becoming an entrepreneur.

The Fresh Start Women’s Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Program is offered in partnership with PVCC to exclusively offer the Small Business Start-up Certificate to meet the needs of women who wish to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. Tiffany shared, “I loved that it was an online course Monday thru Friday with the class and professors meeting up on Saturday to go over the week’s classwork and homework in addition to offering time for review. The program offered opportunities to network with other small business entrepreneurs and the faculty’s ability to relate to students was amazing,” said Tiffany.

The most influential instructor she encountered through this program was Dominic Bartola. For Tiffany, his personal story was both inspiring and instructive. Learning how he has confronted challenges and solved problems coupled with his commitment to become exceptional was evidence that “anything is possible to those who believe, focus, and execute. The way he taught different perspectives, caused paradigm shifts” and was inspirational to see. She also appreciated the support and guidance of Norma Chandler and Dina Preston-Ortiz. Their compassion and support enabled her to complete the program despite managing several personal challenges. And, although she “wasn’t looking for it, it was the perfect opportunity for me,” Tiffany said.

Tiffany says that her medical education background and work experience before completing the Small Business Start-up Certificate have assisted her growth at WebPT, where she has been employed for the last eight years. In 2020, despite the pandemic, recession, inflation, racial uproars and shifts in the workforce, she felt the need to pivot. She ultimately decided to stay with WebPT. She accepted a promotion as an Onboarding Project Manager and Trainer with a significant raise and then shortly after that her duties pivoted to Onboarding Intake Specialist, Project Manager, and Database builder which earned her another raise.

“My experience has shown me and others that the certification I received from PVCC can be used in many different aspects, whether starting your own business or working for a small business to help in the growth and success of someone else's business. As I am still working on my personal goal of becoming my own boss. The experience has been a great opportunity, and I am thankful to God and the alignment he had in bringing me to the Fresh Start Women’s Center to team up with PVCC,” said Tiffany.

“I hope that others who read my story will be motivated to go forth and pursue their dreams in spite of what is going on in the world.”

After a break from college due to health reasons, Tira decided it was time to return.  Originally her degree was in Theatre; however, she wasn’t sure her “old” credits would transfer. “While waiting in the lobby to speak with PVCC’s Theatre Director, Andrea Robertson, I heard students talking and laughing in the green room. The whole atmosphere in the department just felt very inviting. What stood out to me about the program were the different courses offered to help you grow in your profession. It had always been a goal of mine to perform in Musical Theatre and PVCC offered a Musical Theatre Workshop course.”

Several of Tira’s instructors were influential. “Craig Kosnik’s creativity and point of view during the production of Minotaur truly inspired me to dig deeper when it comes to playing a character on stage. Craig’s choice of warm up and critical thinking exercises impacted how I got ready before for a show.”  Andrea Robertson provides “unconditional support for every student and truly shares her passion for the arts when instructing a class or directing performers on stage. Her coaching style influenced the way I approach auditions and has truly added to my success in landing current roles.” Karla Frederick‘s Intro to Technical Theatre course was “so inspiring! She took the time to provide hands on experience and challenged students to try other roles off stage like Properties Design and Wardrobe. Her courses allowed growth as an artist and provided a true understanding of what to expect when working for a professional theatre company.” Performing in a musical had always been one of Tira’s goals and Piper Pac-Smith’s workshop instilled the confidence Tira needed to go out and audition.

Tira’s most memorable aspect of her student experience was being nominated for an AriZoni Award (Supporting Actress in a Non – Musical Play “Minotaur”). “The camaraderie and support of my fellow students/cast will be something I remember forever.”

The Intro to Technical Theatre class had a profound impact on Tira’s PVCC experience.  She says, “It gave me more opportunity to watch live, professional theatre and see all the moving parts to a show in real time. It kept me motivated to finish my degree and pursue a career in the arts.”

“PVCC is a place where you can thrive as a student and truly find your passion.  My advice would be to try any course you are interested in, you will be amazed at the skill sets you didn’t know you had.”

Tira adds, “the support students get from the staff in the theatre department is comparable to none. Due to the training and experience provided through PVCC, I was able to work with many different theatre companies around the valley; The Phoenix Theatre Company, The Bridge Initiative, Tempe Center for the Arts and Desert Foothills Theatre to name a few.”

Following the advice of his father, Tom D’Ambrosio pursued his undergraduate degree in order to achieve his dream of becoming a chef. This pursuit started at PVCC and culminated in a business partnership with close friend and PVCC alumnus, Kyle Hollenbeck.

Tom’s pursuit of his dream was filled with success. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Tom was selected to work as an apprentice lead chef at The Greenbrier in West Virginia under certified Master Chef Richard Rosendale. This is just one of the accolades he has achieved along this journey. Chef Tom competed in a post-secondary Skills USA competition in Kansas City, where he placed first in the nation.

They combined Tom’s expertise as a chef with Kyle’s math, business and marketing acumen to form Aioli Burgers. Kyle credits the support he received in PVCC’s Tutoring Center with his appreciation for and success in his math coursework at PVCC. As the mathematician behind this business venture, Kyle utilizes his PVCC education on a daily basis. While students at PVCC, they both worked in the restaurant business and envisioned the day when they would own a restaurant.

Kyle refers to their business relationship as “the ying and yang of entrepreneurial enterprises.” Their seemingly opposite talents are complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in their business ventures and professional growth. They have added Oakwood Fire Pizza to their food truck line-up of Aioli Burgers and Modern Tortilla. More recently the business partners have added Bro's Seafood, Super Mac Bros, Protein and Poke, and AZ Lemonade Stand, a beverage brand you can find in stores such as Aj's and Frys. This totals their food truck fleet to 12. Their AZ Lemonade is now in over 350 stores and it will be 500 by the end of the year.

Chef Tom has also led Aioli brand into the winners’ circle of state & national competitions such as Arizona’s Burger Battle, Phoenix Devoured, and Scottsdale Culinary Classic Events. He was also crowned Chopped Champion on The Food Network in January of 2019 on the episode Tacos & Tequila. Their team has gone on to win Best Burger Phoenix New Times, Phoenix Magazine and several other awards for their Lemonade and Food Truck Brands.

Additionally, Kyle and Tom have purchased a commissary kitchen. This purchase enabled them to have the necessary kitchen prep space for their multiple food trucks, along with offering a solution to others who are trying to test or grow what they are doing in a commercial kitchen setting. This shared kitchen space had been custom designed to include a nursery to accommodate Tommy and Kyle’s role as fathers. Now that their sons are older, they have turned it into more office space, following the purchase of a second kitchen in Mesa and a soon-to-be third kitchen in Glendale. They are growing the Shared Kitchen Business Bltkitchens.com, to offer a place for other entrepreneurs to start or continue their business and help them grow. "We want to give space to other businesses to help them grow and pave an easier path for them than we had," Hollenbeck states.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers and Catering started with a food truck with something delicious to deliver; it has now grown into multiple food trucks, fully catered experiences, and three of the tastiest burger joints in the Phoenix area. They are located at 32nd Street & Shea, 7th St. and Bell, and Camelback and Litchfield in the Valley. Their business ventures continue to reach new heights.

A late-night conversation with his roommate while seated on the kitchen countertop provided the “a-ha” moment for Travis Guinta.  He always had an urge to serve his country...but in what way; this was the unknown.  In the late-night conversation they explored what they were good at, the life-style they wanted to live, and rewarding career options.  After several hours of deep conversation, everything pointed to one pursuit.  From that day forward, Travis would begin his journey to pursue the rewarding career of becoming a Firefighter!

At this point in time, Travis was teaching music with multiple organizations like, The Arizona Academy Drum & Bugle Corps and Dark Sky Percussion.  A former student of his was currently involved with the Fire I and II Academy and he suggested that Travis strongly consider the Fire Science program at PVCC.  After considerable research on the various programs available here in the valley, Travis was convinced that PVCC offered the best program to help him be successful.

From the get-go, Travis noticed a huge difference in the Fire Science program compared to other college classes he had taken.  From having numerous instructors for one class; to the abundant resources available for hands-on training with the same equipment used in the field; to Phoenix Fire Department allowing PVCC to use their Regional Training facility and apparatuses; to each student (known as a Recruit) getting exposure to multiple live burns.  Travis felt that this program was top-notch.

Among the most influential people for Travis was Captain Sunder, Fire Operations Academy Director.  Travis found Captain Sunder’s boisterous enthusiasm and passion challenged them to be smarter in their decision-making and thought processes and enabled them to become safe, competent firefighters.  Travis shared, “The Fire Science program is especially grueling mentally, physically and emotionally.  The Firefighter Mentors play a key role in breaking down and building up the Recruits as they move through the training process.”

A key component of the program that Travis found to be beneficial is the early initiation of hands-on-training and its continuation throughout the duration of the program.  “This has a huge influence on the preparedness of the students and their ability to succeed in this profession.”

Travis shared, “The resources that are made available to the students are extremely beneficial.  Additionally, PVCC has expanded and developed their Fire I and II program by offering Intern and station immersion opportunities after completing the Fire I and II Academy.  Students are able to focus on: expanding their networking skills, learning about station life and culture, advancing fire ground tactics, maintaining physical fitness, and working on interview prep while trying to get hired.”

Travis's educational and professional journey has offered a few twists and turns.  His expertise as a soccer player led to his giving of his time and talent as a volunteer coach for several valley high school programs.  Without a Bachelor's degree, Travis was not able to assume the title of Head Coach and get paid for the coaching he was doing.  As he reflected on his long-term ambitions, Travis was motivated to go back to school to get his B.Sc. to help with promotional opportunities in his Firefighter career.  Travis pursued and completed a Bachelor's degree through NAU's 90/30 program in Emergency Service Administration in 2013. Subsequently, Travis enrolled in the PVCC Fire I and II Academy.  He was then invited to be a Lab Tech for the program which provided him additional opportunities to hone his skills and insights while helping others do the same.

Travis Guinta exudes enthusiasm for his job, his role as an instructor, and for life in general.  Travis is currently employed with Scottsdale Fire Department and is thriving in his career and able to leverage his skills in a meaningful way.

Dr. Trisha Chandler attended several community colleges upon graduating from Desert Mountain high school.  She found the science track and professors at PVCC to be a perfect fit as she progressed through her educational goals. She felt at home at PVCC. The counselors and professors were supportive and helped tailor her education accordingly. At the time, Trisha did not know she wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy, but knew she was interested in healthcare with a passion to serve others.

With the start of her PVCC college experience, came Trisha’s most influential instructor, Dr. Hank Mancini.  She is forever thankful for the support and guidance he offered her.  Even after graduating from PVCC, Trisha continues to touch base with Dr. Mancini and update him on where her education and career have taken her.

One of the most memorable aspects of Trisha’s experience at PVCC was working with Dr. Jane Marks on an Honors project they developed for the Anatomy & Physiology 101/102 course. “The Honors program offers students a tailor-made approach and enables students to be creative and produce outcomes that are sustainable and applicable for future students to use.”

The PSP2 program was initiated during Trisha’s time at PVCC. Students interested in a science-based education or career could be part of this program. Trisha wrote her first published research paper while in the program on the drug “Vioxx” and its link to cardiovascular disease. A few years later, her “findings proved to be true and “Vioxx” was pulled from the drug industry due to its negative health risks.” Trisha continues to work with Dr. Scott Massey at PVCC and volunteers her time to speak with students on how PSP2 benefited her education and her pharmacy career.

Trisha’s vision of PVCC includes "guiding students along pathways, supporting them financially, educationally and emotionally to allow them to truly experience college in a smaller classroom setting while gaining the best resources and education to support their future career and educational goals.”

Trisha highly recommends PVCC to students. “The professors and counselors are supportive, and the learning environment creates an atmosphere that allows new students to adjust to college seamlessly from high school. The teacher to student ratio allows for individualized learning and the campus is very easy to navigate.”

As an Honors College scholarship recipient, Trisha encourages others to pursue the scholarship opportunities available to them at community colleges and beyond. “Obtaining an education can be expensive. Scholarships can assist in helping you successfully complete all your educational goals. You should never be intimidated to apply for all the scholarships you can and work hard to meet the GPA and other requirements for them.”

Trisha’s experiences at PVCC have defined who she is today. She always knew she would pursue a career in the healthcare industry and PVCC guided and refined her path to pharmacy.  Currently, Trisha is a Lieutenant Commander on active duty serving under the U.S. Public Health Service as a pharmacist. Her reach has, by far, exceeded her expectations.  “If you would have told me that this is where I would end up when I started at PVCC; I would not have believed you. The experiences and changes I have been able to make for patients and our healthcare systems are humbling and life changing.”

Uche’s family immigrated to the US from Nigeria in 1996. Upon graduating from high school, Uche zeroed in on computer engineering. He quickly realized that he was not cut out for a sedentary job. Per his Mother’s encouragement, Uche did complete the program and received an Associates in Computer Science Networking.  He took a year to travel the country with other young adults speaking to teenagers about making good choices. This experience really helped him “become more mature and learn about different ways of thinking, etc.” Additionally, he got to see a huge part of the west coast. 

Upon returning to Arizona, at age 20, Uche became a youth pastor to pursue his desire to mentor teenagers and young adults.  During that time, he discovered his passion for movement and the body’s ability to heal itself through exercise.  Uche did not have the prerequisites for PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant) school so he set about fulfilling these at PVCC while working as a Physical Therapy Technician at a couple of clinics.  He also continued his work as a pastor. Upon finishing PTA school, Uche realized that he wanted to do more so he set his sights on becoming a Physical Therapist.  The requisites for PT school are very different than those for PTA school.  Uche learned he needed to complete a Bachelor’s Degree.  He was able to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences through the NAU program offered at PVCC.

Uche found the environment at PVCC very conducive to learning.  He shared “the smaller class size and the teacher engagement and support meant there was someone always there to help you get through.”

Uche received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in July 2019 from AT Still University of Health Science. He currently works in the outpatient and home health settings. Uche loves working with people on an individual basis. His aim is to provide adequate physical therapy care while possessing a deep understanding of the body as a whole, synergistic system. 

Uche’s commitment to giving back is evidenced by his involvement in non-profit organizations, such as the Refuge Foundation. He is committed to supporting his community as well as his home country.

Additionally, Uche continues to give back to PVCC. This spring, Uche and his brother, Afam, were recognized for their service to their community as well as their outstanding leadership and dedication to PVCC with the Puma Choice Outstanding Alumni Award.

“I would describe PVCC as a community college ahead of others,” says Vanessa Mitchell. “PVCC is deeply invested in their students and is committed to providing great opportunities for those who seek them.”

Two distinct activities made Vanessa’s PVCC experience unique, her involvement with Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and with Service, Learn, Inspire, Change, Educate (S.L.I.C.E.). “At PTK, I was VP of Service, and had the opportunity to make life-long friends, and learn valuable lessons outside of the classroom,” explained Vanessa. “Similarly, S.L.I.C.E. provided an opportunity to serve my community and learn about social struggles in a deep and personal way. I also met my husband through S.L.I.C.E., which I will admit is the biggest gift I got out of that class.”

Vanessa had very positive experiences with her professors. “I absolutely enjoyed Dr. Doyle and Dr. Hank Mancini's classes. I also really appreciated Dr. Scott Massey,” reflected Vanessa, when asked which instructors impacted her the most. “These instructors were wonderful, knowledgeable and influential in my education and future career choices. They were engaging, caring, and always took time to answer questions, going above and beyond to support students.”

Vanessa also mentioned Chris Hunt, Ryan Martin and Mike Ho. Each offered support, flexibility and patience that Vanessa appreciated.

“I learned a lot during my time at PVCC about non-classroom things, like managing projects, organization and group activities,” recalls Vanessa. “I absolutely believe these skills have helped shape me into the person, and professional I am today. Because of opportunities at PVCC for an internship, this led me to obtain other internships and positions, which helped land me in my career today.”

Vanessa’s journey after leaving PVCC is quite impressive. She transferred to ASU and worked as a teaching assistant and a research assistant in the ASU Biodesign Institute. After graduating with a BS in Biochemistry, Vanessa was hired by the Biodesign Institute to work in their start-up tech company. “While I was working, I actually came back to PVCC for a few pre-requisites for graduate school,” she said. “Then, I went to Physician Assistant (PA) School at A.T. Still University and obtained my Master's in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) in 2016.  Since then, I have been working as a PA in Family Medicine.”

Vanessa’s advice to students is to actively seek opportunities. “You get out of college, and your time at PVCC, what you put into it,” Vanessa said. “There is more to learn from college than just the materials you learn in the classroom, like people skills, communication, team work, project management, and other leadership and personal skills.”

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.