Okay, now let’s meet Isaac, a student at Glendale Community College whose love is music, and a passion he wants to be able to share with others. For school choice, Isaac went bold and he is gonna explain what led him to select GCC’s music program over that of a four year university. Isaac, you’ve got the spotlight, my friend. Take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. And welcome, everyone. I have been so honored to call this campus home for the past year. My major is in music education because I love teaching music and sharing what has made me so passionate. Glendale Community College was my first choice after a lot of deliberation, as a tuition is lower than that of a university and the music program and instruction is comparable to a four year school. Coming here in the beginning was a little nerve-wracking, but very soon after the first day, I found my footing in this campus. The added bonus of the Community College size is that each relationship with my professors is individualized. If any subject is a struggle for me, I can easily ask and get instruction or advice on just about any topic. My father also attended Glendale to get his music endorsement, and there’s a few of his instructors that we have in common. I think it’s amazing to see his instructors become my own and we frequently talk about how exceptional each staff member is. The music program offers all varieties of instruction and degrees. My specific plan is in music education and my classes vary from music theory and academic courses to music performance, such as various jazz and classical groups. In addition, the college also offers music recording, production and performance for all walks of musicians. My instrument is a saxophone, but all vocalists, guitarists, strings, pianists, winds, and percussionist are more than welcome in the program. The department also covers different aspects of the Performing Arts, such as dance and musical theater. The decision to come here for music education has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The instruction has been invaluable and the tuition is a fraction of a cost of any of the universities in or out of state. My professors are all amazing and are super valuable to me and I’m sure many others moving forward. Thank you Alex, back to you.
– Phenomenal stuff, Isaac. your love of music and passion for teaching others really comes through. It’s amazing you and your dad had some of the same exceptional instructors and can bond over that shared experience. It’s definitely unique. Appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us, Isaac. Take care.
Let’s head to Glendale Community College, an integral part of the community since 1965 and home of the Gauchos. We’re gonna hear from Anyell, a first generation student with a passion for electrical engineering. He’s a real go-getter with an exciting future. We can’t wait to hear more about what he’s been up to. Bring us up to speed, Anyell.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello there. I am a first generation electrical engineer transfer student here at Glendale Community College. My passion for electrical engineering has enabled me to develop exciting connections, participate in the NASA funded program and create projects where I apply my learning. I was unsure what I wanted to be when I started looking forward to college. Then one day I visited GCC’s enrollment center where the advisors were able to on the spot compile my first semester courses, apply my dual enrollment credits, and cover my affordable tuition with the President’s Scholarship. After that visit, I decided that Maricopa Community Colleges would be the best option for me. I found that taking classes at the Community College level was more hands on than university. I was also able to find others with the same passion for engineering in GCC’s engineering club. As a president of the club, our group met virtually to complete many projects, promote career development, and share concepts. Through this collaboration, I help design a model rocket acceleration project and host an atmosphere profiling workshop, similar to NASA’s ASCEND program, which allows students to collectively build a payload designed to collect data at a hundred thousand feet in the atmosphere. Through this experience, I’ve made connections with some of the most passionate and helpful students and faculty from GCC, other Maricopa Colleges, and neighboring universities. The technology building here at GCC hosts numerous resources including a supervised engineering lab, available tutors, and more. Instead of merely learning in the classroom, students have the access and ability to gain hands on experience. Factor in the diverse learning formats, affordable tuition, delightful student to professor ratio, and you’ll have no issues achieving your goals. For me, being at GCC, I built a stable foundation to pursue a university degree or gain certifications to enter my field. Make it happen here at Maricopa Community Colleges. That’s all for me, Alex, take it back.
– Great stuff, Anyell. GCC’s enrollment center really helped you hit the ground running and you never look back. You can’t go wrong pairing up a scholarship and affordable tuition, your club activity, hands on experience in the lab, and on campus networking is preparing you for the next step. Thanks for sharing.
Next up, we’re talking to South Mountain Community College student, Briana. She’s already had a year of university under her belt when she transferred in, but was feeling a lack of motivation. Let’s hear how her experience at South Mountain helped her get back on track. Briana, please take it away.
– Thanks for that intro, Alex. And what’s up everyone. I am so excited to tell you guys about my college journey today. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be part of the medical field, but what I didn’t know were the alternatives available to help me get there. Prior to coming to South Mountain Community College, I have some doubt on whether or not I would have the ability to take courses at this school. I came in as a sophomore university transfer who was struggling to find motivation to continue their degree. Luckily, I found South Mountain right on time. Here, I was able to be transferred in as a student fast and efficiently. They offered several different types of learning formats and classes that are flexible for my hours. From this, I was able to achieve other goals on my life, such as becoming a phlebotomist and earning hours for my physician assistant school. In addition, I was able to take a number of classes that added on to my physiology degree. South Mountain offers a multitude of classes that can grant anyone the opportunity to start or continue their career path. Something I really appreciated coming from a university to a community college were the smaller class sizes. This allowed me to create more in-depth connections all over campus. South Mountain Community College has given me the second chance to keep pushing towards my degree. With their flexibility, I’m able to participate in activities that help support my future career. And with their support, I have the motivation to keep going. Thanks, everyone. And back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Briana. It’s fantastic you are able to refocus on your medical education and keep pushing forward towards your degree. Those smaller class sizes and the added flexibility of the learning formats seem to have done the trick and help get your mojo back. Good luck and keep at it.
Now, let’s go to South Mountain Community College whose founding mission is to promote social and economic change in South Phoenix, and get to know Manas who has an international background and marches to the beat of his own drum. All right, Manas, we’re ready to hear about your time at South Mountain, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. And hello, everyone. I was born in a Muslim country to a Hindu family on Christmas with a complicated sense of belonging and a predisposition to break the mold. Attending college was always a non-negotiable and my family was willing to support every single one of my educational goals. However, due to some residency complications that limited my access to financial aid, I had to find quality higher learning that was affordable. When I chose South Mountain Community College, I didn’t have a clear direction of what I wanted to do, but the college made sure I received the proper amount of attention I needed to be successful in any program. Even through my indecision and self-doubt, the college always offered me a place where I could be myself and fit in. I’ve taken an array of classes from biology to abnormal psych, to Chicano literature, all of which have had outstanding professors and a diverse student base with amazing perspectives. My professors have always offered extraordinary leadership and mentorship. Being that SMCC is in a diverse community where many of the students are first generation college students, the staff directly sees the impact they’re making on the community. This makes for an inviting and fulfilling environment of collaboration. Also, breaking the stigma that comes with being a community college. After a long hiatus, I am back to finish my degree and transfer to a bachelor’s program. SMCC has programs that can directly transfer to any of the four year universities in Arizona. South Mountain Community College has shown me how to break the mold by being a small college with huge values and dedication to its students and its community. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Manas, you are definitely breaking the mold, my friend. It’s awesome that you found the right environment at South Mountain Community College to excel in with the support of your professors and you’re sure to inspire others. Good luck on your journey to getting that bachelor’s degree. Take care.
Our next student we’re gonna hear from is Mahesh. This father of two started his journey when he left the mountainous country of Nepal for the US, where he is currently taking online programming classes at Rio Salado. Okay, Mahesh, let’s hear your story.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up in Nepal, I was always interested in technology and what it will bring for the future. But in 2002, when I moved to United States, that curiosity was lost within me until I decided to pursue a career in programming about 12 years ago. I always wanted to go back to college ever since I had to cut my education short to move to US. While looking for college, I found certificates and degrees that Rio Salado College offers that very much suited to what I wanted to learn. So I enrolled for an online class in 2018, taking few credits at a time. Rio provides well tailored courses and curriculum to match the demand of modern workforce with affordable tuition. Being a working dad of two children and taking care of families here and overseas, it never seemed easy to make time and focus on my classes. However, Rio did make it easy with their flexible start times and online option for almost all classes. And while I’m an online student, I’m never alone. At Rio, instructors are always there to encourage and provide constructive feedback. Taking classes has widened my knowledge and given me the confidence I need to advance in the field of information technology. It’s not just about degrees, it’s the support and assurance that the degree brings. When I first joined Rio Salado, I did not know if this move was right for me. Now I’m glad that I got it started. Rio not only offers appropriate certificates and degrees for me, but also gives me the confidence to continue my education. With the help of wonderful instructor and excellent advisor, I’m looking forward to graduate from Rio this semester with the degree in programming and system analysis. And it will all be worth the effort. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Mahesh, you’ve literally come a long way my friend in your educational journey. It’s inspirational. Coming to a new country to start a new life isn’t easy, but you made it work. Taking care of your family, having a career, and going to college. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story. Take care.
Next, we’ll meet Jackie, an online student from Rio Salado College. Jackie is a single working mom whose college plans after high school got derailed long before they ever got started. She’s gonna share her story of redemption and how the flexibility of Rio Salado’s classes threw her a lifeline. Okay, Jackie, over to you.
– Thank you, Alex. Hello, everyone. As a child growing up, I assumed I would finish high school and attend a university just like my parents did. My path did not go in that direction after high school and my life began to revolve around drinking and drugs. As years passed, the vision of me becoming a college graduate dissipated, creating a belief that I would never be able to receive a college degree. I did not love myself and I lost hope in living a happy life. After many years of chaos and destruction, my life changed forever and I welcomed my son into the world. Never did I think I’d be raising him as a single parent. As I accepted the role of being a mother, my belief shifted and I searched to find purpose in life, and I found sobriety. This sparked an immense desire to show my son the importance of self-love, bravery, discipline, determination, and patience. I then decided to do something I never thought I could, become a college graduate. When I decided to enroll in college at the age of 32, I wanted to make sure I chose a fulfilling career path. Pursuing a degree that would provide me with an opportunity to help others as they have helped me. In recovery, I’ve received some of my most influential life guidance. The relationship with my counselors have provided me with hope and a genuine belief that I could change for the better. I want to offer another individual the opportunity to receive help, guidance, and realize their own potential and resiliency. I firmly believe in paying it forward and I chose to become a counselor, specializing in addictions and substance use disorders. As a working single parent, attending classes on a university campus presented challenges. Rio Salado’s courses are all online. They offer flexible start dates and work around my schedule. This allowed me to pursue an associate degree from home while working and being a mom. The faculty for the addictions and substance use disorder program have long term experience in the counseling field, with a variety of real life experience with all forms of counseling. They understand the qualities and education needed to become a certified counselor. Attending Rio Salado College made me realize that even with a busy schedule, going to school is a possibility. I plan to continue my education, getting a bachelor’s degree in clinical counseling, and utilizing everything I have achieved as a Rio student and further my school experience. Back to you, Alex.
– Jackie, wow. Congratulations on overcoming those obstacles. You put your mind to it and made big decisions and big changes in your life. Not only are you an inspiration to your son, but I’m positive you’ll inspire those you go on to counsel. Jackie, well done and keep inspiring us. Thanks again.
Now, we have the opportunity to meet another Phoenix College student, Rachael. She’s embracing not only a new culture, but a new language and even a new way to communicate. And she can’t wait to share her story as an adult learner with us. Okay, Rachael, we are ready, please take it away.
– And thanks to Phoenix College, I’m learning sign language. On my way to become a sign language interpreter. Throughout my adult life, I was always fascinated by the deaf culture. And now I want to support to deaf by becoming an interpreter. You think I’m too old to attend college? Nah, Phoenix College has a place for me. I’m considered a non-traditional adult learner and I am proud of it. I am so thankful for Phoenix College and their amazing counselors. First, Phoenix makes it affordable to attend. Understand at this stage in my life, it would otherwise be a financial burden. Second, I was a little apprehensive about returning in school at this age, but after speaking to some of those amazing counselors who walked me step by step through the process, they were put my mind at ease and assure me that it’s never too late to learn. I also really appreciate the time the counselors took to ensure I received all my previous college credits that applied to go toward this current program. This deaf studies program really gets prepared for life in the deaf world. With the majority of instructors being deaf themselves, particularly at the Phoenix College, I immediately felt immersed into the culture. The instructors here constantly encourage you to get involved in deaf activities, join deaf clubs, participate in deaf events. I feel as an adult learner, time is so precious and here at Phoenix College, you know your time is well spent and that’s why I am so excited to continue my education on this journey of realizing my dreams. So thanks again, Phoenix College.
– Thanks, Rachael. That was fascinating. And I’m sure you’ve got a bright future ahead of you as an interpreter. Having a great support system at Phoenix College looks like it made a real difference for you when you decided to go back to school. We are all wishing you continued success, okay. Thanks again.
Next up, Phoenix College. Founded in 1921, it’s the first Maricopa Community College and home to the Bears. We’ll be hearing from Amber. Like others, her journey to college got sidetracked, but hers was a pretty major obstacle that took the wind out of her sails. She’s gonna tell us about her journey of perseverance. Okay, Amber, you are up.
– Hey there. Now don’t go telling everyone, but for me, high school was almost 10 years ago and sadly that was a time cut all too short when I had open heart surgery my senior year and had to drop out. Needless to say, I felt highly discouraged and hopeless and thought I was simply destined to be a career server. Then the pandemic hit and reminded me what’s really important in life. So here I am back at it and better than ever. It’s my second semester back, and I’m a 15 credit hour full-time honor student, a competing delegate in the school’s Model UN, an active member and chapter officer in the region’s number one Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and competing member and VP of marketing in the school’s Phi Beta Lambda Business Club. I can truly say that the faculty, staff, and students here at Phoenix College have made this transition so much easier than I ever imagined and I’m so grateful to be here. Earlier this semester, I acted as a mascot to the National Amatic Math Educators Convention, I helped the gardening club plant pollinators around campus, and was even recently selected to serve on the Board of Trustees for the PC Presidential Search Committee. All while working odd jobs to support myself and my Carolina dog and using volunteer and civic action opportunities when I can to better equip myself with the community and culture here. I’m getting all the tools and networking I need to be successful in making a difference in my community and possibly the world. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Amber, rediscovering yourself after being sidelined by heart surgery and excelling in college as a full-time honor student is admirable. Amber, you are crushing it. Keep it up and thanks for sharing your phenomenal story.
We’re at Gateway Community College and ready to speak with Janette who is not your typical student. Janette is taking advantage of an early college program and is going full throttle towards a career in nursing. And we’re all ready to hear your story. All right, Janette, floors are yours.
– Thank you, Alex. Hi, everyone. Guess what? I’m still a high school student, but I’m taking several college classes right now towards my associates degree and I’ll be rocketing to Arizona State University next fall as a nursing student. My education has always been important to me. Coming from a family of immigrants, attending college as a first generation student has made my family proud. Attending Gateway Community College through GateWay Early College High School has helped me reach the goals I have set for myself. I really value how the college focuses on helping all kinds of students from low income to DACA students, earn college credit, get ahead, and make education accessible for everyone. My counselors and teachers pay attention to me. They know my goals, which help me choose my major and get hands on experience in the classroom to eventually become a traveling nurse who can give back to my community. The experience I’ve received through Gateway has been incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at a wonderful non-profit organization, and I value Gateway’s commitment to community service and giving back. In addition to giving back to the community, Gateway has a wonderful fun amount of activities and events like diversity fairs and food drives. The diversity fairs are really fun and exciting because students get to talk about different cultures and they get make food I guarantee you’ve never heard of before. The food also aids to families who need a little extra help at home and who don’t have much. Through my experience at Gateway, I’m ready to get back to others and achieve my goal of becoming a traveling nurse. I would never have the experiences I have now, if it weren’t for Gateway Community College and GateWay Early College High School. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Janette, congratulations on where you’re at in your college education. You definitely believe the early bird gets a worm and are working hard for success. I’ve got no doubt you’ll reach your goal of becoming a traveling nurse. Keep up the hard work. Thanks again
Okay, folks, now we’re headed to Gateway Community College. The first technical college in Arizona and home to the Gateway Geckos. Let’s meet Courtney, a former executive pastry chef currently studying computer information systems who is looking for a new career and greater opportunity. You definitely whetted our appetite Courtney, and we wanna hear more. Over to you.
– Hey, everyone. Growing up, I always wanted to be an executive pastry chef. I moved Arizona by myself to pursue my degree in culinary arts. I worked my way up to become an executive pastry chef, but after being on that journey, as much as I loved making desserts, I didn’t love the amount of time spent and lack of financial incentive that came with the profession. I decided to hang my apron up and focus on something that would set me up for greater success. Re-careering for me has meant that I must work and go to school full-time. I’m in my second year with Gateway Community College, taking all of my courses online. My professors post my lectures and materials weekly with all due dates in advance. This is how I’m able to maintain my 3.7 GPA and work full-time. I’m not gonna lie, I was nervous about taking all my courses online. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to hold myself accountable and my teachers would just see me as just another number. That couldn’t be further from the truth. My professors also have in person classes and take their online courses just as seriously. They’re always quick to get back to me and provide feedback to help me improve. Once I graduate from Gateway, I’ll transfer to ASU through the MAPP program. The MAPP program is a transfer partnership between Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona State University which helps people like me get a degree in the most affordable way possible. I’m currently employed in sales and hope that my degree and time spent working will aid me in reaching this goal. Back to you, Alex.
– Courtney, that was a bold decision to step away from a successful career, but it looks like the online program at Gateway Community College has given you a new recipe for success. We have no doubt you’ll achieve your goals of becoming a project manager. Cheers, Courtney.