A car accident while on active duty with the United States Air Force was the nudge Brenda needed to return to school. She started with a mythology class at PVCC. They read the Odyssey and this “great class,” for which she still has the book on her shelf, propelled her to reach further. Brenda’s desire to pursue a profession in the medical field continued to motivate her ambitions. She completed the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program and began work as an EMT.
Brenda was an International Sales and Marketing Director, yet was not fulfilled. She took a Philosophy class with Surrendra Gangadean that opened her mind and made her think something bigger than herself. Her thirst for knowledge and understanding led her to take all the Philosophy classes he taught at PVCC. She grew to love Philosophy as “it tested your mind and your soul.”
As a student, Brenda found, “the feel of PVCC welcoming. It has a small-town feel. Everything is readily available and easy to maneuver. Life is big and busy and more support and fewer distractions when you are trying to learn is particularly beneficial.” From PVCC, Brenda went on to ASU West and completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy and an emphasis in Ethics.
Brenda served as an adjunct faculty skill instructor in the EMT program, and as an EMT State Evaluator. She tutored in the Learning Support Center (LSC), serving students in philosophy, psychology, nursing, EMT and biology. She developed an Anatomy/Physiology pseudo practice lab to help prepare students for timed lab exams, lowering test anxiety and increasing scores.
Brenda really enjoyed the work that mission trips to Haiti (following the earthquake) and volunteering with the Phoenix Fire Crisis Response team offered, and began to explore the nursing profession. Much to her joy, she was accepted into the Post Baccalaureate Accelerated Nursing Program at ASU. She cherishes a letter she received from Dr. Mancini, retired PVCC faculty member, congratulating her on her acceptance to the highly esteemed, accelerated program. This eleven-and-a-half-month program set in motion her current profession as a registered nurse, clinical nursing instructor, and most recently PVCC’s Adjunct Faculty Association Representative.
Brenda discovered she “really enjoys teaching – it was an ‘aha’ moment.” She particularly appreciates the human interactions the clinical setting provides. This “life-long learner” continues to pursue her quest for learning. In the meantime, she is sharing her time and talents with PVCC, as well as with people in hospice care. She is reflective and appreciative of the impact Ruth Bader Ginsburg has had on her life making it easier to forge ahead and successfully serve her college, her community and her country.
Brenda’s ambitions and desire to learn more about education and leadership will serve many more in the years to come, and take her so many more places touching hearts and minds along the way!