Success Stories

A theatre audition call back provided Jordyn the opportunity to find a welcoming learning environment. She wanted to have the close-knit feeling she enjoyed in high school, and the Theatre program sounded warm and inviting. “PVCC is a welcoming environment, and everyone is very helpful and friendly,” Jordyn said. “The professors are just people ready and willing to help you succeed. It is as if we are coworkers (students and faculty) and we work together for a common purpose.”

Jordyn had a “ton of memorable experiences in theatre. One that stands out is getting to put together a show for local students. There were six students in the class, and we took parts of old folk tales from Peru, Africa and Japan and created a show. We each got to play all kinds of characters (guinea pig, ostrich, etc.).” Jordyn really enjoyed Craig Kosnick’s ‘Theater for Youth’ class as he “is such a fun person who makes character creation easy.” Andrea Robertson, PVCC’s Theatre Director, “is a great mentor and gives you every opportunity to succeed,” Jordyn said.

Another memorable experience was the weekend Honors Retreat. Jordyn was “terrified of the ropes course,” however, she and a fellow student teamed up to provide each other encouragement and support, and they conquered the course!

The “coolest part” of her PVCC experience was being both a student and a student worker as this “helped root me on campus, and Michaelle Shadburne is an awesome mentor.” Jordyn was able to graduate from PVCC without any debt and attributes this to the Honors scholarship and working on campus. She encourages others to look at the community college. “It is an opportunity to save money and, oftentimes, develop better connections with instructors in an intimate learning setting. It also provides the opportunity to do multiple shows.”

Jordyn has returned to her high school as the Assistant Director of their Theatre Program. She works with her former high school Theatre Director (she had been his peer leader while a student there). Jordyn draws upon the time management skills she developed while a student at PVCC. Learning to direct a one act play in the Directing Class she took with Andrea has been really beneficial in her current role as Assistant Theatre Director. Jordyn also works with Special Education students to develop their social skills by performing in one act plays, as well with the after school theatre program where they work on their stage combat skills, a skill set she developed while at PVCC. Jordyn knows these skills will help her as she moves forward to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, too.

Jordyn has her sights set on becoming a high school Theatre teacher. Her experiences working for a talent agency as well as working with students in grades 9-12 on their community service activities will round out her expertise as she accomplishes her professional goal.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

PVCC has always been a choice for me since I grew up in north Phoenix. After returning home from military service, I wanted to attend a college close to home.

What was your major or focus of study at PVCC? And what year did you graduate?

My main focus was getting my general courses fulfilled at PVCC and seeing if college was right for me. I graduated from PVCC in 2016.

What were one or two of the most memorable aspects of your student experience at PVCC?

I enjoy going to class. The faculty at PVCC are real rock stars regardless of the subject; the attention and feedback provided really help. As for me, being a non-traditional student, I needed extra help, and PVCC had good professors and plenty of resources.

How would you describe PVCC to others?

PVCC is a great place to learn the quality of education, nothing less than the best.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

Listen to your professors, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, get involved in clubs or student-affiliated organizations.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After graduating from PVCC, I transferred to The University of Arizona. In 2018, I graduated from U of A and started working in the agriculture chemical industry. I am now working on a Master of Environmental Science from the U of A.

How would you advise students on how to choose their educational or career path?

I recommend taking advantage of internships while in school to get a snapshot of future careers.

In your career journey, what has been one of your greatest successes and one of your greatest challenges?

I think my greatest career success is to wake up, love my work, and be a part of the agriculture industry of this country. I feel incredibly thankful. My greatest challenge was to get certified as a Western region crop advisor. It took many years and exams, and the process was quite long.

How did your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impact the work that you do?

Getting a strong academic foundation from PVCC has helped me in my crop advising career.

Joshua Olsen’s decision to attend PVCC was a financial one. Rather than incurring debt starting at a four-year institution, Josh chose the opportunity to attend PVCC. As a recipient of the Honors Scholarship, Josh was able to complete his coursework debt-free.

As Josh reflects upon his PVCC experience, two faculty members come to mind. Dr. Debra Adair showed him how incredible pharmaceuticals are and how medicine plays a vital role in the overall well-being of society and local communities. Dr. Satinder Bains, Josh’s Organic Chemistry instructor, instilled in him a work ethic that he continues to draw upon to this day. He taught Josh that it is not a matter of intelligence but the effort and commitment one invests in practicing and honing your craft until you get to the point of knowing and understanding the material. 

Josh’s most positive memory of PVCC is of the library. “The welcoming atmosphere coupled with the peaceful, quiet, serenity offered an ideal environment for studying.” He found the librarians “always readily accessible and very responsive to requests for assistance.”

“The instructors are of very high quality and you get a very stable foundation,” Josh shared when asked if he would recommend PVCC to others. “Sometimes the sheer size of universities does not allow access to professors nor does it provide the ideal opportunity for students to connect with fellow students” that you would experience at a community college. Josh found the opportunity to engage in one on one interaction with faculty to be a definite bonus. Josh went on to say, “The instructors are there because they are committed to teaching and teaching is not secondary to research.”

As a student attending school full-time and working full-time as a certified pharmacy technician, Josh did not have time to get involved in extracurricular activities; however, he is an advocate for extra-curricular involvement. “Participation in student clubs helps you develop your networking skills.” As a matter of fact, while conversing with a fellow student between classes, Josh received a tip of an employment opportunity that led him to a series of jobs related to his ultimate degree of a doctorate in Pharmacy. This first job reference was the catalyst for a series of internships and employment opportunities that led him to his current position as a Clinical Pharmacist, Safety and Monitoring, with CVS Health.

If Josh were to change anything about his educational experience it would be to “have scaled back on work and to get involved in clubs. A person can bloom socially and professionally through involvement in student clubs and extracurricular activities.”

Not even a pandemic is going to stop alumna, Josie Emch, from launching her own business.  In March 2020, she did just that.  She combined her two passions, education and entrepreneurship, and created Sitters Select.  Sitters Select offers babysitting, tutoring, pet sitting and housesitting. These are not your traditional babysitters. These sitters are education majors that are ready to teach. Of her 45 employees, 75 percent of them are PVCC Education students or graduates. This supports the Sitters Select mission of “creating professional and financial opportunities for superior individuals in the field of education.”  Josie recognized that current educators often need to supplement their teaching income and current students need practicum hours and resume building experience.  She currently collaborates with the Education Departments at PVCC, ASU and GCU.

In these uncertain times, Josie has learned to be accommodating, utilize her critical thinking skills, keep an open mind and develop a plan of action that best suits the needs of the families they serve. She uses the Leadership Board model that she learned at PVCC to create a culture of support for all her sitters.  They meet monthly for team building, brainstorming, discussing concerns about children’s behavior and homework, and for professional development.

“My business and success would not have been possible without the education and mentorship she received at PVCC.” Josie says, crediting Meggin Kirk, Carrie Barker, Caron Sada, Doug Berry, John Douglass and Ryan Cornell. Josie says she had a lot of anxiety upon coming to PVCC and guidance from Jim Rubin in the Counseling Department and Meggin’s encouragement and belief in her potential helped her tremendously. 

Josie was a dedicated student, and also made the most of her time outside the classroom. On the Club Ed Leadership Team, she volunteered many hours, put leadership skills into practice and found her niche.  She used her creativity and breathed new life into the campus food pantry, the Puma Pantry, by boosting the supplies through food drives and helping students and their families connect to the pantry.

Josie applied for the All-USA Academic Scholarship with Meggin’s support, and she was one of two students at PVCC to receive the scholarship in 2019, which enabled her to complete her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education & Interdisciplinary Studies degree tuition free at NAU Online just this summer.  As a recipient, Josie traveled to Florida and was awarded the national Coca-Cola Gold Scholarship worth $65,000 in tuition waivers to further her education.

Josie is an advocate of community college, especially PVCC, because of its affordability, small class sizes and quality professors who truly care.  She says tongue in cheek, yet seriously, “You can learn from Meggin Kirk, or you can incur $60,000 in student loans at a university.”

Josie’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for education will surely drive her to accomplish her goals.  She hopes to franchise her company one day, create a dating website for a community of like-minded 20-30 year olds and appear on Shark Tank. You make PVCC proud, Josie!

First as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, and now as Principal, Junior Michael has drawn on a can-do attitude and commitment to excellence. He gives credit to David Barney, PVCC's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach, who helped instill this belief into the students he coached. Developing life-long relationships with teammates, studying, competing, and collaborating on a variety of tasks are among Junior's greatest memories of his educational experience at PVCC. "This was very powerful in an athletic setting, but it was even more powerful in academics and career aspirations."

Junior took a number of math courses and attributes the qualified instructors to his success in these courses and felt he would not have had a comparable experience at a four year institution. Junior shared, "PVCC offers a top notch educational experience for Merit Scholars as well as individuals who are looking for two additional years to grow before transitioning to a 4 year institution. PVCC is set in a friendly environment, led by dedicated instructors, providing varied opportunities for a rewarding higher ed experience."

Junior had previously worked as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Mountain Ridge High School, before he returned to his role as student, to pursue his doctorate degree at ASU. His problem of practice for his Ed.D., focused on the pronounced achievement gap of black males. He currently serves as Principal at Ingleside Middle School in the Scottsdale Unified School District.

The receipt of a Maricopa Community College flyer in the mail, coupled with a desire to brush up on her job skills, led Jyoti Dobriyale to PVCC.

Jyoti recognizes her Professors, Michelle Carter, Dorothy Behrens and Lynn Clark for playing a significant role in her professional life. She is appreciative of their guidance, faith in her capabilities and support. She said, “I would not be here without them. The instructors go above and beyond to help the students both in the classroom and in providing guidance for their long term career goals.  They really want to see their students succeed in life. That’s a very selfless approach!”

Taking Professor Behrens’ Tax class, and later volunteering to assist people in filing their individual tax returns with AARP at the PVCC campus, provided Jyoti with sufficient exposure to determine that she wanted to make a career in taxes.

Working and studying at PVCC, Jyoti found the campus culture “very accepting” and felt that “every individual is valued for their contribution and not judged by their ethnicity.” This was very different from her other work experiences in the United States. This thriving environment instilled in her the confidence to work toward her career goals and succeed in her efforts. “My interactions with all my teachers were very positive. I was appreciated and welcomed in every class. My employment at PVCC’s Learning Center, where we had a very diverse and inclusive culture, helped me accept and respect other individuals just the way they had accepted me.”

Jyoti attributes her past three years of employment to the referrals of her PVCC instructors. Coming from Asia, and being a stay-at-home mom for six years, it was not easy for her to obtain employment and recognition in this country. She was humbled by the PVCC instructors’ acceptance and respect for her hard work and efforts. She found their helpful attitude and their keen interest in seeing her succeed “very honoring.” Jyoti said, “They went out of their way in mentoring me and guiding me in the right direction!”

While studying at PVCC, Jyoti got a job as a bookkeeper in a small business through one of her professors. After completing her accounting course, she got placed at a local tax firm in Phoenix, but her employment was cut short due to Covid-19 lockdown. After being unemployed for a few months, she was hired as an Administrative Assistant at a Vehicle Insurance Agency.  She continued searching for jobs in taxes and finally got that opportunity through another professor’s referral.

Like many of the students who come to Paradise Valley Community College, Kaitlyn Simon did it all on her own, making the moment even sweeter. She navigated through the pandemic, juggling work and school to earn her associates degree in arts.

“To take that leap of faith, try to navigate and understand the system and figure out how to pay for it on my own, it was a lot, but so worth it. It feels so wonderful to be able to achieve something on my own and not having to rely on anyone,” she said.

Kaitlyn started her journey at PVCC in Fall 2019, intending to study music. However, as life does, things changed and she found herself drawn to creative writing, immersing herself in her classes, and finding inspiration from Creative Writing Professor Ryan Stone and her peer mentor instructor Dr. Diane Chapman, subsequently becoming a mentor to other student writers.

“With Kaitlyn, there are some things you simply know. You know she'll be supportive; you know she'll be ready to listen; and you know she'll bring a positive attitude every day to every situation. She's been a wonderful member of our creative writing program,” said Stone.

“It was an incredible experience being able to collaborate with others on what we were writing, sharing feedback, and learn from one another,” Kaitlyn said, adding that the biggest takeaway was growing in her leadership skills, which will inevitably help her become more successful in life. “I’ve discovered so many leadership tools to help me continue to guide me in helping others for years to come.”

Chapman described Kaitlyn as “dedicated and conscientious”, showing a strong commitment to assisting students along their academic journey with foresight and heart.”

Kaitlyn was also a part of PVCC”s Honors program and although she never qualified for any of Honors various scholarship opportunities, she said the connections she made and experiences she had were essential to her development at PVCC.

Kaitlyn is the best version of herself when helping others. Strong in her faith, she worked for many years as a youth leader at her church and hopes to continue mentoring young adults there. She said the skills and knowledge she learned at PVCC grounded her and enabled her to see what she is capable of achieving.

Having overcome many personal challenges before attending PVCC, Kaitlyn looks back on these times as fortunate learning experiences. Reflecting on her past failures, she doesn’t get upset; rather, she says, “Life is full of failure and really it’s an opportunity to stand back up and try things differently. That’s what I did and I couldn’t be prouder of myself. Some of the best things in life come from prior failed attempts. I believe as you endure you grow more when you walk through those challenges.”

Kaitlyn is currently attending GCU to complete her bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies with an emphasis on worship leadership. She is heavily involved in my church's youth ministry as a youth leader and also maintains a position as a restaurant manager, working while attending GCU full time. Kaitlyn will graduate from GCU in Spring 2024.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I had not given any thought to attending college upon graduating from high school until my parents gave me a choice to enroll at a local community college. PVCC was close to home and allowed me to continue to work.

What was your major or focus of study at PVCC? And what year did you graduate?

I started at PVCC in August of 1988 without any idea what I wanted to do. I often tell students that I meet in my current role, I changed my major five times until I finally landed. That decision took me to NAU in August of 1991. PVCC gave me a safe space to mature into a college student and cover many core classes I needed to achieve my college degree.

What were one or two of the most memorable aspects of your student experience at PVCC?

Faculty. I had two spectacular professors. A Spanish professor who was so kind and passionate, our class became a cohort and friends outside the course. And a professor of communication who inspired me to study communications. They helped me mature and launch me toward my bachelor’s program.

How would you describe PVCC to others? Would you recommend PVCC and why? 

I would describe PVCC, to others, as a safe and welcoming space for students from diverse backgrounds. I sat in a class with my mother once and other returning students. I had an opportunity to hear perspectives from students from completely different backgrounds and I never felt I could not share my own perspective. With the rising cost of education, I believe PVCC is an excellent choice for students who want to attend college yet must find affordable ways. Whether they want to achieve an associate's degree or transfer to one of the state universities to continue, PVCC offers a great starting point to mature as a student and explore your educational path.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

Study what you love because it will make you a much better student. Take advantage of any internship or mentorship while you are a student. NETWORK! If I can leave a student with one piece of advice, I wish I would have known in college, networking will provide you avenues in your life you may never imagine.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

I left PVCC in 1991 to pursue my degree in broadcast production at NAU. After graduation from NAU, I moved to Indiana and landed a job in radio. I spent a decade in marketing and sales before transitioning my skills to higher education fundraising. I spent 3 years at Ball State University, then moved back to Arizona in 2008 to become the Executive Director of Community Health Charities of Arizona. After that role, I was fortunate to be the Vice President of Marketing and Development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Arizona for a few years. Then, I had a phenomenal opportunity to work as a Development Officer for my alma mater, NAU. I am currently a Senior Director of Development in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. I oversee development officers in our Office of Native American Initiatives, College of Health and Human Services, and our newly established College of Nursing.

How would you advise students on how to choose their educational or career path?

I firmly believe you should study what you love because when you do, you enjoy your education. I think that getting a good education and exploring internships or mentorship in different careers helps students define how they can transition their education into a career path. Every degree offers you the chance to refine critical thinking skills, writing skills, and, hopefully, public speaking skills. I believe all can be used in so many career opportunities.

In your career journey, what has been one of your greatest successes and one of your greatest challenges?

One of my greatest challenges has been balancing my work and family time. I am very passionate about the work I do, no matter what I may be doing, so I often become overly committed to the work. Over the past few years, I have worked on this challenge.

One of the greatest successes in my career is seeing those I have had the privilege to lead and mentor grow into outstanding leaders. When someone I worked with and coached reaches new career heights, I am overwhelmed with joy to see them succeed. Helping others has been such a great career success. I feel fortunate to get to do this daily.

How did your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impact the work that you do?

Great question! Looking back, I think the faculty at PVCC encouraged me, leading to finishing my education and receiving a bachelor’s degree. Without the great faculty, I am not sure I would have persevered in my educational journey, which has led me to amazing career opportunities.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I was inspired to attend PVCC when we decided to have a home daycare for a few years after my daughter was born through ASCC. Association for Supportive Child Care would visit at least a couple times a year and the subject of furthering my education came up in conversations. I had started college several years earlier however I never completed my education.

What was your major or focus of study at PVCC? And what year did you graduate?

I graduated December 1995 with an Associates and was focused on being an elementary teacher.

What were one or two of the most memorable aspects of your student experience at PVCC?

My memorable experiences while attending PVCC was participating in the honors program and learning about art and literature through my humanities courses. I also had great math instructors who sparked my interest in a subject I had struggled with during high school. Really all the instructors I had at PVCC were outstanding and I really felt I received an excellent foundation with which to continue my education as a transfer student.

How would you describe PVCC to others? Would you recommend PVCC and why?

PVCC challenges students to engage academically and with the greater world around them. I would recommend PVCC as it is top quality education for students of all ages and abilities.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

Don't give up. Ask questions. Take courses that interest you to find your true calling. Take care of yourself as a student physically and mentally. Eat right, get enough sleep and exercise. Get involved in honors, clubs, sports, and activities offered. I actually shared mine and my grandfather's art work during a PVCC art show one year and I utilized my grandfather's art when I taught evening Continuing Education art classes one summer at PVCC. I was able to scan prints my father prepared to share them with the class digitally.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After leaving PVCC I worked in the investment, health and property insurance fields. I also returned to PVCC one summer to teach watercolor and drawing as part of the adult continuing education program. I studied art, graphic design and advertising as an undergrad although I did not major in art. I am currently employed as a licensed Claims Examiner with AMEX Assurance Co.

How would you advise students on how to choose their educational or career path?

I would advise students to choose their education or career path by pursuing something that they are enthusiastic about.

In your career journey, what has been one of your greatest successes and one of your greatest challenges?

In my career journey one of my greatest successes has been to establish myself as a licensed insurance adjuster first handling Uber claims for an insurance company, then retail claims. In addition, returning to PVCC part-time evenings, and teaching watercolor and drawing to Continuing Education students of all ages. I love art and design. One of my greatest challenges was returning to work full time after being a stay-at-home Mom for several years.

How did your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impact the work that you do?

My experience at PVCC helped me become a successful researcher, communicator, and writer which helps me day to day as a licensed claim examiner.

Kaylee Wright had a rocky start to her college career. After dropping out of college to travel South America and surviving an abusive marriage, her life experience had transcended her education. She returned to school, but it wasn’t until her last semester at Paradise Valley Community College that she decided to really dedicate herself to school. She changed her mindset.

Wright decided to put herself out there and fell in love with the people, students and faculty at PVCC. With the help of her faith and determination, she finished her last semester with a new purpose and outlook on life. When Wright felt discouraged, she would bring herself up by embodying her favorite Bible passage; to "trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, seek Him in all of your ways and He will make your paths straight.” - Proverbs 3:5-6.

She wants to continue her education in psychology with an emphasis on trauma and eventually pursue her master’s in leadership. Wright wants to help others who have experienced domestic violence by becoming a motivational speaker and advocate.

A professional development opportunity provided the impetus for Kelly Fenderson-Gonzales to enroll at PVCC to complete a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE). As a Center Director for a Preschool Program it became necessary for her to take her credentials and skill set to the next level in order to advance in her profession.

There were several influencers for Kelly at PVCC.  Faculty member Charlotte Quiros had a significant impact on how Kelly thinks about young children. Ana Stiggson’s Discipline and Guidance course inspired Kelly to analyze and deploy different ways of thinking. ECE Department Chair Christie Colunga, was a great resource person and very supportive insuring Kelly had what she needed to be successful.

Kelly’s most memorable impression of attending PVCC occurred in the seminar course (final course before graduating). She was encouraged to critically analyze the mission, vision and values of Early Childhood organizations to determine if they align with her vision. Identifying incongruence in this foundational aspect was a pivotal moment for Kelly. She learned that it was critically important to find a place that aligns with who she is and with what children need and deserve.

Her advice to others is to, “stay in close contact with your advisor, maximize your experiences and stay on track. Faculty at PVCC are respected members of the community.” Kelly’s words of advice: “take advantage of the great tools and resources available; try to attend professional development opportunities and stay connected and grow and learn.”

The foundation and experience Kelly received at PVCC launched her into her current profession. She remembers having lunch with Christie and Ana and their conversation propelled her to strive toward a Bachelors and Master’s degree that would support her on her professional journey. In her current professional role, Kelly is teaching early childhood instructors for Bright Horizons. Additionally, Kelly has returned to PVCC as a valued faculty member and avidly embraces the opportunity to inspire and guide others on their educational and professional journeys. 

As a first-generation college student, Kelly followed the path of least resistance.  On her daily trips to high school, Kelly’s mother pointed out PVCC and stated, “This will be your college.”  The support and encouragement of one of her professors, Surrendra Gangadean, guided Kelly’s higher education journey that began at PVCC in 1990 and has brought her full circle.  Kelly has been a Residential Faculty member at PVCC since 2014 and recently completed her Ph.D. in Humanities with an emphasis in Philosophy.

Kelly enjoys engaging with students through conversation and utilizes the Socratic method to foster thoughtful dialogue in the classroom.  She enjoys music and playing percussion instruments, reading the Great Books, and hiking with her Australian Cattle Dogs.

PVCC Alumna and Faculty member

B.A. In Philosophy, ASU, 1997

B.A. In Literature, ASU, 1997

M.A. Philosophy, ASU, 2000

Ph. D. Coursework completed in Religious Studies ASU, 2005-2014

Ph.D in Humanities with an emphasis in Philosophy, Faulkner University, 2017

Kerrin began her higher education pursuits at ASU on a scholarship. Due to her need to work while going to school, Kerrin decided it prudent to take classes during the summer so as to not overcommit during the fall and spring semesters. Since PVCC was nearby, it provided an ideal venue for summer classes and was more affordable than ASU.

She took Philosophy 101 and Spanish 202.  Kerrin found "PVCC’s campus easy to navigate, parking was readily accessible and free, plus there was always someone to help me if needed (things that I did not find to be true when I was at ASU – that campus was so large and overwhelming).”

Kerrin fondly recalls, “In Spanish 202 we actually did a field trip to Nogales Mexico.  I had been taking Spanish for years and I could pass the tests but never have a conversation.  For some reason, going to Mexico helped for things to ‘click’.  After that trip, I was able to use the Spanish I knew more conversationally.”

As for Kerrin’s vision of PVCC, she shares, “I’d really like it to continue to teach students and prepare them for university, or their specific study areas. I think it brings good jobs to the community and gives people who might not otherwise be able to a chance to learn.”

When asked if she would recommend PVCC, Kerrin replied, “Yes, I recommend PVCC to this day. You can get a more affordable education with high quality educators. You can work with counselors to make sure the credits you take can transfer to ASU, or wherever. You can live at home and work if needed. These were all things that were important to me.”

Kerrin is currently employed full-time with the American Heart Association as Vice President of Health, Phoenix, and is appreciative of the educational experiences she had at both PVCC and ASU where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting and Business Management.

Getting an introduction to backpacking and developing a love for the outdoors is Kyle Kacerek’s most positive memory of PVCC. As a member of the PVCC Emerging Leaders program, Kyle experienced his first backpacking trip. After this introduction to outdoor recreation, Leave No Trace principles, and the ins and outs of backpacking and back country living Kyle was “hooked.” His sophomore year Kyle served as a facilitator for the Emerging Leader program.

As Kyle reflects on his PVCC experience, three “influencers” readily come to mind: Heather Kruse, Mike Ho, and John Douglass. They were the staff facilitators in the PVCC Emerging Leaders program. “Mike Ho encouraged me the whole time I was in the program, and was a great mentor and positive influence on my growth as a leader while I was at PVCC.” The mentorship Heather and John provided enabled Kyle to help lead a weekend backpacking trip in Sedona for the Emerging Leaders program the spring of his sophomore year and a week-long backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada Mountains that summer. Kyle’s “newfound passion for the outdoors” coupled with the skills he developed while leading backpacking trips prepared him to secure employment with the University of Arizona (U of A) Outdoor Adventure Program while he worked toward his Bachelor’s degree.

Since graduating from the U of A, Kyle has volunteered for the Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors Program for nine years. This program takes underserved youth of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds on outdoor trips that otherwise would not have the opportunity. Kyle served as chairman of this program for four years. He continues to organize outdoor adventures with friends and family for recreation. “All of this can be traced back to PVCC and my involvement with the Emerging Leaders Program and the mentorship of Mike, Heather and John who ignited my passion for the outdoors.”

Kyle attributes the “smaller class sizes, passionate teachers and extracurricular programs” to making PVCC a great educational option. “You get the same if not a better education at a fraction of the cost of a university. The quality of the courses is just simply top notch,” Kyle states. “I am 100 percent satisfied with my two-year experience at PVCC and am so glad I chose to go there and not directly to a University.”

Currently, Kyle owns and operates Prest, a coffee drive thru in Tucson, AZ. He started this business six years ago, and it’s growing each year. “I have two great employees under my leadership and consider myself and my business a part of the fabric of the Tucson community,” Kyle says. He credits his experience in the Honors and Emerging Leaders programs with helping to shape him into the leader he has become.

“PVCC was a great stepping stone for me,” says Laura Besong. “I immediately felt at home.” Laura was not ready to go right on to a university out of high school, so she chose PVCC since it was close to home and she had taken a few classes while still in high school. She loves art, so she decided to make that her focus while getting her Associate’s degree. She describes her Art History class as “wonderful” and credits professor Gene Rister for making it a great experience.

When asked about her most memorable experiences at PVCC, Laura says being a Student Ambassador had a big impact on her. She had the opportunity to interact with many different people as she gave campus tours, recruited new students, participated in new student orientations and did some fundraising for PVCC.

Laura believes PVCC gave her a great launching pad to adulthood. She says PVCC was a safe place to grow up a little, help her mature and prepare for the next step to launch her to where she is today. She says, “if you are looking for an Associate’s degree or a gateway to help you make decisions in life, PVCC is a great place to go.”

Laura notes her involvement in activities outside the classroom helped her meet students of all ages and backgrounds. She liked the diversity that the PVCC environment offered. In addition, she says that her participation in activities outside the classroom set her up to say “yes” to future opportunities presented to her throughout her career journey.

And, it’s obvious Laura’s “yes” attitude has taken her far. After PVCC, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at ASU by attending night school while working full-time. Her advisor told her about internships offered through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars in Washington D.C. She jumped at the opportunity since she had family in the area. She was first hired as a Community Arts Center intern and loved it. After working for several years at the University of Maryland, Laura went on to receive her Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Baltimore. She pursued her interest in the federal government and entered the Pathways Program which serves as an entry into government careers.

Laura began her government career as a Records and Information Management Specialist for the U.S. Department of Education. She quickly climbed the ranks on the government’s General Service scale. She is now the Assistant Director of Records and Information Management for the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. She says the position is perfect for her as it combines her interest in the history of the nation and her strong organizational skills.

Laura says she has fond memories of PVCC. She is an advocate for community college as it is a great place to figure things out. She admits to being a bit of a wild child, but she says, “when I was ready to do the right thing, PVCC was there for me.”