Many local students begin their college careers at a Maricopa County community college, either getting mandatory prerequisites out of the way or perhaps just figuring out what they want to do with the rest of their life. It’s an affordable option for those unsure about heading off to a four-year university or college; a smaller step into the vast unknown. With hands-on learning experiences in a more intimate setting, community colleges create an environment where students thrive in discovering themselves.
Three of Paradise Valley Community College’s brightest students are headed to Arizona State University this fall after earning their associate’s degrees. The former Pumas are set to become ASU Sun Devils with big plans in the making.
Brandon Berg, a music student, has been at PVCC for two years studying percussion performance and composition. With aspirations to become a multimedia composer in Film, TV and Video Game soundtracks someday, Brandon plans to double major in percussion performance and popular music at Arizona State University, while receiving a minor in film and media production.
“PVCC has been great,” he said. “The resources available to me in the music department have enabled me to pursue my passion at the highest level. I am thankful for my mentors and peers at PVCC who have always had my back. They always had my best intentions at heart, helping me discover the best options for me.”
Rimyal Awfe, a criminal justice student, also dabbled in the arts at PVCC, acting in two plays her first semester, which cemented her bond at PVCC and its theatre department. “I made so many great friends and memories from those experiences,” she said. “PVCC helped me figure out what I want to do in life in an intimate and affordable way. With smaller class sizes and teachers always available, I felt supported, like I could do anything.”
Awfe is a part of PVCC’s Honors program and received the President’s Honors Scholarship, which paid for her education at PVCC. She plans on continuing her criminal justice studies at ASU, as well as pursuing Human Rights or International Studies.
Faith Pullen is another criminal justice student at PVCC who plans to continue her studies at ASU. “I have loved my time at PVCC,” she said. “It’s been the most life-changing experience, transcending social barriers, poverty, and other nuisances that have enriched me in so many ways.
As part of the Student Ambassadorship Program at PVCC, Pullen was exposed to indispensable tools that helped her polish her leadership skills. “The entire experience has taught me some crystalized knowledge about this diverse world composed of millions of people with different viewpoints.
To learn more about PVCC’s transfer program and our transfer partners, click here.