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.
Up next, we’re going to explore what led Curtis, who had careers in corporate finance and real estate to go back to college again to fulfill his dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. Curtis, let’s hear your innermost thoughts about attending Scottsdale Community College. Take it away.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. After completing my degree, I went straight to work in corporate finance and real estate. However, I wanted to move into a field I was truly passionate about, psychology. As a re-careering student, I set my goal to become a clinical psychologist and in order to pursue that dream, I wanted to build a strong educational foundation. I was in search of a school that had an interesting variety of classes, passionate faculty, and affordable tuition. Scottsdale Community College provided me with that and more. Even though I was going to be balancing work and school, he helped me create a schedule that fit my availability. I had an array of options to choose from, including in person, hybrid, and online classes. One of the most important things to me was a sense of community even if that meant I wasn’t going to be spending time in the classroom. Once classes started, I felt encouraged by the small class sizes and welcoming professors. They provided interesting and challenging lectures and promoted class participation and deeper discussion. And support didn’t end with the professors, as SCC also provided additional resources and tutors for anyone that needed assistance. I had created a story, the changing fields, and pursuing my passion was going to be an ordeal filled with roadblocks, but Scottsdale Community College made it feel possible. I’ve received an amazing educational foundation and have been propelled into my endeavors as a clinical psychologist. But that’s all from me. Back to you, Alex.
– Curtis, way to fulfill your dream by pursuing your interest in psychology. You imagine roadblocks about changing careers, but the folks at Scottsdale Community College had your back and gave you the support and sense of community you needed to succeed. Truly, truly inspiring. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Let’s continue our journey to Scottsdale Community College, which is built on land belonging to the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community, and is home to the Fighting Artichokes. We’ll meet Nursing student, Amaya, who will tell us why she fell in love with SCC long before she enrolled. Amaya, let’s hear your story and why Scottsdale Community College makes a difference.
– Thank you for that awesome introduction, Alex. When I was a young girl, my elementary school took my class on a field trip to Scottsdale Community College. I remember falling in love with the campus and how it operated. The atmosphere was beautiful and it wasn’t overwhelmingly large. It was then I knew I would be attending Scottsdale Community College in the future. Upon entering SCC as a freshman, I have the opportunity to take all of my courses online with amazing teachers and a 24/7 online tutoring program that is offered here at SCC. The resources that the school provides allows me to work at my own pace. Having the opportunity to take courses from home allows me to spend time with the 27 animals I live with and take care of my family. I also have the freedom to travel and take courses anywhere that I desire with no stress. The MCC DNP or Maricopa Community College District Nursing Program is offered here at Scottsdale Community College. With this four semester program, I am able to get my associates degree in just two short years. The nursing program is offered here on campus and online. Students with the high GPA are offered an Honors Achievement Scholarship that pays for half of their tuition for both fall and spring semesters. Students are able to make their own schedule and get a degree at their own pace. Never have I ever felt overwhelmed by a large campus or excessive fees. I can take my time and get my degree just as fast as big name universities. I am so grateful for the tools and knowledge that Scottsdale Community College has provided. Sending it back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Amaya, what a great story. You are truly an animal lover with a caring spirit. You are on your way to becoming a fantastic nurse and doing it in the way that fits your lifestyle. That is awesome. Take care.
Now, let’s meet up with Allen on the Mesa campus. Allen is gonna share his experience of exploring his interests and ultimately finding his dream career path with the help and support of amazing professors along the way. Allen, please take it away.
– Hello, everyone. When I made the decision to return back to school, I told myself I would only do that if I could remain debt free. Luckily Mesa Community College’s affordable tuition, flexible learning format, and the fact that it’s near my home really drew me in. Originally, I enrolled in the cybersecurity program but I wasn’t sure if this was the career I truly wanted to pursue. Taking the time to explore my interests turned out to be the best decision I ever made. It was during my first semester while I was taking my prerequisite classes that my incredibly supportive professors helped me to find and apply for scholarships, build connections, and find relative clubs to join like the Student Government and the Multicultural Student Council. The encouragement from my professors and peers has really boosted my confidence. Ultimately, I was able to realize my own dream of becoming a lawyer instead of pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Thanks to the multiple learning format options, I’ve been able to tailor my schedules to my needs by mixing in person and online classes. Each of the classes are small in size and the professors are knowledgeable and really helpful. The networking and skill building I’ve been able to do with the school support has even led to a job offer while still obtaining my degree. Now that I’ve changed my plans, I am relieved to know that MCC has multiple programs that will bridge to various universities. Soon, I will be able to transfer to a four-year university. My experience here at Mesa Community College has been nothing but positive. Not only did I discover my dream career path, but I also built on skills that will help me for the rest of my life. So thank you so much and take it away, Alex.
– Thank you, Allen. Sounds like you are on your way to an exciting future, and it’s awesome that you have had all those partnership options for transferring to the university when you finish at Mesa. We know you’re gonna do great things. Thanks again.
Let’s make our way to Mesa Community College, the largest of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges to meet Heidi. Heidi’s been a dance school owner, preschool teacher, and a full-time mom, but is now getting a real charge out of pursuing a completely new career. Okay, Heidi, give us the details on your new career choice.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. When I was younger, I struggled in school and didn’t know what I wanted to pursue in my education. My mother was a dance teacher so when school got frustrating, I stopped and opened another dance studio. That lasted about 20 years. While I loved teaching dance, getting to own my own studio, and teaching preschool for two different school districts, I also had an urge to learn new things. When the pandemic began and the school that I worked for went online, my husband and I felt it was the right time for me to make a dramatic change and to go back to school. I wanted to learn new skills that would help prepare me for an exciting technical career. I researched different educational pathways and ultimately decided on electronics. I love learning how things work, getting to be creative, building, designing, and troubleshooting. Mesa Community College came highly recommended for their electronics program. I found that it’s affordability, smaller class sizes, in class, and online flexibility, and knowledgeable professors were a good fit for me. When I first began my classes, I had limited electronics experience and was very nervous, but because of the professors helpful and positive nature, I have always felt comfortable asking questions and getting the help I need to thrive as a straight A student. MCC also helped me succeed by offering me a paid internship at a nearby semiconductor chip manufacturing plant. The smooth process successfully gave me firsthand experience in a clean room. Having the education and work experience has built my confidence in this new field. After realizing how successful I could be at going back to college, I hope to inspire others to pursue their educational dreams and maybe even a new career path. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Heidi, what an inspiration to hear how you are succeeding and earning straight A’s with the support of everyone at Mesa Community College, your paid internship, and opportunity for hands on experience in the electronics industry is an incredible boost. Thanks for sharing your story with us. That was awesome.