Number five of eleven siblings is certainly a unique moniker for Naomi Black. As a legacy student, Naomi knew she would follow in the footsteps of her siblings who also attended and graduated from Paradise Valley Community College. Attending PVCC was a “family tradition” as four of her siblings preceded her and then the remaining five followed after her. The family plan was to start at PVCC and then go forward and embark on their respective interests from there. A piece of advice imparted by her siblings was to “complete the Associates Degree in two years as you can definitely get comfortable at PVCC.”
Naomi found the smaller, intimate campus an ideal setting to start her higher education journey. The professors were always very involved with the students which provided more individualized assistance and a dynamic learning environment. One instructor in particular influenced Naomi during her time at PVCC. Dr. Chris Scinto, PVCC Music Department, made the biggest impact as he encouraged her passion for music. He also said, “Don’t forget where you came from” and encouraged Naomi to come back and support PVCC. She completed the music transfer degree at PVCC and then went on to ASU earning a degree in Music Therapy. Naomi is a Neurologic Music Therapist.