Jasmine chose Paradise Valley due to the location and affordability of classes. “As a physics major and someone that works full time, the school provided a way for me to not only get experience as a student but still maintain my job.”
The most influential instructor Jasmine encountered is Casey Durandet. Jasmine shared, “She is an extremely supportive professor and pushes me to do my best and beyond. She was the first person (outside of my father) that encouraged me to keep going. I appreciate her time, her patience and overall kindness as I navigate my journey in a new field.”
The calmness of the library is among Jasmine’s most positive memories. “The set-up is spacious and allows plenty of students to go in and study, without feeling over-crowded. I love the access to the myriad of white boards and study rooms. The library staff is also extremely friendly. I love studying there.”
Jasmine readily identified her Physics 121 class as having a profound impact on her experience at PVCC. While completing her business degree, Jasmine found working in groups intimidating and avoided the experience. Physics did not allow students to "avoid" working together. Jasmine went on to share, “We had to work in groups, and to be honest, I'm glad we did. Working with people on solving problems teaches you much more than working on your own.”
Jasmine describes PVCC as a “place where you can get down to business. It's a place where you can go and be comfortable, where there are plenty of resources available to help you in your studies, and plenty of places to go and do the studying. Our professors are more available than larger schools. It's a special place.”
Jasmine encourages those that follow in her footsteps to “take advantage of the smaller class sizes. The older I get, the more I realize the value of it. Ask the questions! The answer is always "no" if you don't. It has made a huge difference for me to start asking questions whenever I don't fully understand a question or an assignment. It does have a positive impact.”
In closing, Jasmine shared, “The experience I've had here has made me more confident in the decision to change careers and follow my passion. I am learning to utilize the resources we have on campus more and look forward to seeing what else I can do at PVCC to further my education in Physics and Education.”
Jasmine is currently employed at a financial firm as an Insurance Services Associate and has returned to PVCC to further her education to become a university professor and assist in research in geophysics and materials science. “PVCC is helping me get there!”