Along with in-person classes resuming this Fall, Paradise Valley Community College has a new crop of student ambassadors to help spread Puma Pride. As brand ambassadors, they help to spread college news through PVCC’s social media outlets, including announcements, updates and information on school events. These fresh-faced individuals will join various online and in-person campus events, capturing and sharing their experiences through photos and videos.
Here’s a sneak peek:
Audrey Fish began her journey at PVCC four years ago to finish prerequisites for Physician’s Assistant school. After completing the EMT course to expand her educational training in the medical field, Audrey was drawn to nursing. “My passion is helping others and providing exceptional care,” she said. “Nursing offers opportunities to make a big difference.” In her free time, Audrey enjoys hiking, camping, boating, wake surfing, traveling, and hanging out with her three dogs.
Tip: Great study spots include the loft in the Q building with comfy chairs and huge windows or outside the Q building there are tables with a view of the baseball fields.
Haden Newhouse earned her Associates of Arts degree in the Fall 2020 as a general education major. Currently in her third year at PVCC, she plans on transferring to Northern Arizona University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Haden enjoys singing, drawing, painting, hiking, yoga, exercising and traveling. Most recently she has been working to promote her art online via Etsy. A huge fan of PVCC, Haden said she likes the “architectural design and peaceful nature of the campus, along with the services they offer,” pointing out how accessible tutoring, the bookstore, advising and the computer commons are.
Tip: Check out Student Life. It always makes me feel connected to everything happening on campus.
Isabella Herb is a sophomore, majoring in communications. A Washington native, Isabella moved to Arizona in 2015. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys playing tennis, checking out local concerts and events, but most importantly spending time with her two dogs!
Tip: Always keep a planner and make sure you stay on top of assignments. Last semester being online this helped a lot and ensured I got everything done in a timely manner!
Jessica Parsons described PVCC as her home, having been a student here for the past four years. She is pursuing a degree in Theatre and Deaf Studies/Sign Language Interpretation. A self-described storyteller, Jessica enjoys highlighting unique stories, perspectives, and ideas to “showcase our beautiful world.” For two years now, Jessica has been working to help faculty and students find and create low-cost opportunities with Open Educational Resources (OER). Tip: I highly recommend taking 10 minutes after each class, before you leave campus, to write down all the information you remember from the lecture that day. This helps you pinpoint where any questions or discrepancies in your understanding of the material might be. Then you have more of a guideline as to what material you need to research further or ask questions about in class.
Kareem Muhammad is from Chicago and is majoring in Theatre with dreams of becoming an actor. He has performed in several productions at PVCC including Oz: The Land That Time Forgot and Trifles, and you might recognize him from a recent PVCC commercial. He said he has been most impressed with the amount of support given by his teachers. In his free time, Kareem enjoys outdoor activities, as well as watching sports and movies.
Tip: Utilize the resources on campus. Take advantage of on-campus tutoring and counseling. The librarian is also a phenomenal resource for online scholarly databases and journals. Don’t be afraid to ask other students or teachers for help. Make new friends. Make sure you plan at least a couple of hours a day to study and prepare for tests and homework.
Rebeca Anvik is a theatre major and chose PVCC because many of her friends attend school here. She works for a local theatre company and has worked with social media platforms over the past six years. With her past marketing experience, Rebeca will certainly be an integral part of elevating PVCC and the amazing community we have. PVCC recently spotlighted Rebeca and her PVCC journey here.
Tip: Ask for help whether it's your friends, family, teachers, classmates, academic advisor or school resources like counseling, because there's always someone in your corner. Don't be embarrassed because not asking for help when you need it will only hinder your success as a student.
Sam Brown is in her second year at PVCC and is working towards her associates degree. “I am incredibly passionate about theater and look forward to becoming a high school theatre teacher.” Currently living with her parents and working at the local movie theater, Sam is saving her money to transfer to the University of Arizona in Tucson where she wants to earn her masters. She spends her free time with friends and boyfriend, and enjoys doing her makeup and playing with her three cats.
Tip: I would definitely suggest attending club rush. I think it is a great opportunity for students to expand their interests and also reconnect with a community of peers after having been online for so long. Seems like a good chance to try new things and make some new friends!
Keep a lookout for these fellow Pumas on campus and get to know them throughout the semester. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. And make sure to check out our Instagram @PVCC_Official to learn more about them and what’s going on behind the scenes.