“I would describe PVCC as a community college ahead of others,” says Vanessa Mitchell. “PVCC is deeply invested in their students and is committed to providing great opportunities for those who seek them.”
Two distinct activities made Vanessa’s PVCC experience unique, her involvement with Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and with Service, Learn, Inspire, Change, Educate (S.L.I.C.E.). “At PTK, I was VP of Service, and had the opportunity to make life-long friends, and learn valuable lessons outside of the classroom,” explained Vanessa. “Similarly, S.L.I.C.E. provided an opportunity to serve my community and learn about social struggles in a deep and personal way. I also met my husband through S.L.I.C.E., which I will admit is the biggest gift I got out of that class.”
Vanessa had very positive experiences with her professors. “I absolutely enjoyed Dr. Doyle and Dr. Hank Mancini's classes. I also really appreciated Dr. Scott Massey,” reflected Vanessa, when asked which instructors impacted her the most. “These instructors were wonderful, knowledgeable and influential in my education and future career choices. They were engaging, caring, and always took time to answer questions, going above and beyond to support students.”
Vanessa also mentioned Chris Hunt, Ryan Martin and Mike Ho. Each offered support, flexibility and patience that Vanessa appreciated.
“I learned a lot during my time at PVCC about non-classroom things, like managing projects, organization and group activities,” recalls Vanessa. “I absolutely believe these skills have helped shape me into the person, and professional I am today. Because of opportunities at PVCC for an internship, this led me to obtain other internships and positions, which helped land me in my career today.”
Vanessa’s journey after leaving PVCC is quite impressive. She transferred to ASU and worked as a teaching assistant and a research assistant in the ASU Biodesign Institute. After graduating with a BS in Biochemistry, Vanessa was hired by the Biodesign Institute to work in their start-up tech company. “While I was working, I actually came back to PVCC for a few pre-requisites for graduate school,” she said. “Then, I went to Physician Assistant (PA) School at A.T. Still University and obtained my Master's in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) in 2016. Since then, I have been working as a PA in Family Medicine.”
Vanessa’s advice to students is to actively seek opportunities. “You get out of college, and your time at PVCC, what you put into it,” Vanessa said. “There is more to learn from college than just the materials you learn in the classroom, like people skills, communication, team work, project management, and other leadership and personal skills.”