Success Stories

Watching a friend in the PVCC production of “Radium Girls” inspired Megan to seek the opportunity to perform in the Center for Performing Arts, a venue she “fell in love with.”

Andrea Robertson, Director of Theatre, played a significant role in Megan’s PVCC experience.  Andrea introduced Megan to the art of directing and taught two of Megan's favorite classes: Acting and Directing. Karla Fredrick was also a huge part of Megan’s PVCC experience. The highlight of Megan's community college experience was being a part of a group of students who travelled to Hawaii for a theatre festival/competition. Megan exclaimed, “Every professor I had in the theatre department was incredible and so dedicated to their students.”

Upon reflection, Megan shares, “The most memorable aspect of my student experience at PVCC, was any show I was in! They were all wonderful experiences.” She fondly recalls her favorite performance memory, “The 'Theatre for Youth' class taught by Dr. Craig Kosnik where we created a show and then took it on tour to schools. It really helped shape my passions in the theatre world/craft.”

“Another favorite professor, Dori Brown, taught Design Scenography and I adored going to that class. She taught me so much about design and construction.  PVCC was a place where I was able to explore my craft and find what I really loved and what I didn’t. It reaffirmed my desire to continue studying theatre at a university. It was a time of learning and discovery about myself and my career goals.”

As an Honors student, the money received through the Honors Program enabled Megan “to go through community college free of debt (I saved all the crippling debt for university)!”  Her leadership role as vice president for CAST (the theatre club), helped Megan “create more connections and give ownership over my time at PVCC.”

Megan emphatically states, “Go. To. Community. College. You will save so much money and it will give you an opportunity to make sure that what you think you want to do is, in fact, what you want to do. Own your time when you are there, you will get exactly as much out as you put in.”

In summary, Megan shares, “I learned to work hard and take ownership of what I am doing. The main thing that my time at PVCC did was make connections.  I put Andrea, my professor and mentor, down as a reference for my current full-time job. I’ve reached out multiple times to professors to ask for their wisdom and council." Megan currently works as an Education Associate for Arizona Theatre Company and regularly works in the local theatres.

We asked Michael to describe himself and he told us how proud he is to be the single father of a 13-year-old daughter who is maturing into a fine young woman - and that he happens to be an Elvis Presley Super Fan! He spoke, too, of his vital evolution at PVCC from being “a nervous 42-year-old returning adult student, lacking confidence and facing the beginning of rebuilding my life,” to now earning his degree as a 44-year-old, All-USA Academic Team member and scholarship recipient, student leader, Peer Mentor, and five-semester President of the A.W.A.R.E. (Adults Who Are Returning to Education) Club and support system.

Michael also committed himself to being part of the Honors Program and a member of the Club Ed Leadership Board, Phi Theta Kappa, the Men’s Network, and the RISE (Recovery Inspired Social Empowerment) Club.

To what does he credit these academic and social/campus involvement achievements? The “transformational learning experiences at PVCC!” He describes “instructors who do more than teach — they inspire, encourage,” and provide opportunities to PVCC students so that they may “create opportunities for themselves” to fulfill their “goals and passions” with greater success.

Today, Michael wishes to share with us this quote from Carlos Castaneda:

“For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length — and there I travel looking, looking breathlessly.”

Michael’s future goals? Earning a B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education followed by an M.A. in Higher Education Counseling and then a PhD in Higher Education Counseling. He hopes to cap this off with employment at Paradise Valley Community College as a professor and counselor!

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I was inspired by the peacefulness of the campus and friendly environment.

What was your major or focus of study at PVCC?

Pre-nursing/AA

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

I really appreciated my anatomy 202 teacher Dr. Putzke and my biology teacher Mr. Treolar. They were very knowledgeable and kind to me. I also appreciated all the elective classes I took, from Rock History to Guitar to Police Function. These classes made me a very well-rounded student who could speak to multiple dimensions outside of the hard sciences.

How would you describe PVCC to others? Would you recommend PVCC and why?  What advice would you give those considering PVCC as their educational provider?

PVCC is a great place to start a career, with very kind, knowledgeable staff and reasonable tuition fees. The campus is peaceful, walkable, and non-intimidating for new college students. I would highly recommend PVCC for new students, as it has everything you need to get your career started. In order to make your career a reality it is important to be open minded, connect to resources and campus life, and to study hard. Take advantage of the library and math lab tutoring services offered at PVCC. Push yourself in the sports and clubs available. Learn to be a leader in the student council. Take advantage of every program you can, as they can and will lead you to success in the long run.

Is there anything you would have done differently on your educational journey?

I think I probably would have pushed straight through for my master's degree after nursing school, as it would have given me the opportunities I am enjoying now at an earlier age. However, I wouldn't take it back, because the 12 years it took me to get my Master's was a huge period of growth for me. I am grateful for the 12-year journey, knowing that some do not make it that far.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

I left PVCC in 2007 after graduating with my Associate of Arts degree, then went to Glendale CC and ASU West in 2008. In 2010 I became a licensed practical nurse then went to the Army fulltime in 2011 after 3 years in the Army reserves. In 2013 I left the Army and finished my Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Winston Salem State University in May 2015 and my Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling at Winston Salem State University in August 2017. Currently I have worked in either the nursing or counseling field since 2017.

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

Give yourself some space to explore in your first two years. Connect with colleagues, your employer and your family on your career choices. Join as many clubs as you can and participate in as many helpful, career focused activities as you can such as job fairs, workshops, clinics, etc. Try for an internship your first or second year of school. Use as few student loans as possible.

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

I think finishing grad school has been one of my greatest successes, because it allowed me to achieve a level of autonomy that I would not have imagined otherwise. My greatest challenge has been working to fill the role of a counselor and being comfortable with this role.

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

It taught me to be patient, resilient and studious. It taught me to never give up and to try my best. I am grateful to PVCC for the time I spent there learning, growing, working, and training in cross country/track.

Miguelina Meireles, a single, working mother of two wanted to exemplify her passion for education and personal development and be a positive example for her daughters. Upon completing her GED, Miguelina decided to achieve her higher education dreams at PVCC.

PVCC taught Miguelina the importance of community and the value each interaction brings to a student’s sense of belonging. While there were many employees that guided and inspired her from counseling to administration, the Honors Program team, led by Dr. John Douglass, Paul Golisch and Meggin Kirk, were the catalysts for her growth and achievements. In addition to supporting her daily; they gave her one of the most memorable adulthood moments by believing she could capably represent PVCC’s adult learners as a commencement speaker. Delivering the commencement speech was by far one of her most inspiring moments throughout her education journey. 

The most positive memory she has of her experience at PVCC is the sense of community and camaraderie is. Having been out of school for some time, finding the right environment to help you grow is fundamental to success. Storytelling, with Meggin Kirk and the Festival of Tales were highlights of her PVCC experience.  “Ms. Kirk was simply amazing: her energy, her passion and the fact that she enabled each student to find their voice was a thrilling process.”  The PVCC family propelled her to complete her Associate’s degree, Bachelors and Masters degrees.

“PVCC is a family business for us.” Her daughter followed in Miguelina’s footsteps and also graduated from PVCC.  “The level of integration and faculty excellence set the standard that has not been matched once I left PVCC.” In summary, Miguelina states, “PVCC changed my life.”

Paradise Valley Community College Alumna Miranda Yost couldn’t avoid her fate. Raised by psychiatric professionals (her mom’s a psych nurse and her dad’s a counselor), Miranda began her dream of becoming a dancer at the young age of three. However, after 15 years dancing and performing as a classical ballerina in productions like the Nutcracker and Swan Lake, her injuries got the best of her and she had to reexamine her future, which led her into the family business.

Miranda began attending PVCC while still in high school through the Early College Programs. In 2013, she started full time at PVCC, going on to earn her Associate’s degree in dance. While rehabilitating her injured knee after graduation in 2016, Miranda took eight months off from dancing to figure out what else she enjoyed doing. She knew she enjoyed working with kids and had an interest in psychology.

Miranda had a birds-eye view into psychiatric nursing watching her mother work for years. Pursuing psychiatric nursing is in her blood. For three years, she worked with inpatient psych patients, 12-to-17 years old with various debilitating mental illnesses like bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia to suicidal and homicidal tendencies. She left her job in December 2020 to concentrate on finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at GCU.

For almost a year now, Miranda has been working as a nurse in adult acute-care. For Miranda this was a “big change after only working in psych for so long, but I’m loving it! I’m learning and growing a lot.” Miranda works as a preceptor for nursing students and plans to continue her education with a Master’s degree next, although she is unsure which route to pursue, either practitioner or educator.

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.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

After graduating from high school in 2016, I knew I wanted to go to college, but I wasn’t entirely sure what to study. I was able to earn the Presidential Honors Scholarship, so I got my Associate’s degree without any debt! Funnily enough, I attended preschool at PVCC while my Mom got her degree in Early Childhood Development at PVCC in the early 2000s. So I was familiar with the campus my entire life.

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

I did change majors a few times, but I ultimately got an AA with a focus in Sustainability and Geography in 2018.

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

My favorite part of the student experience at PVCC was being a part of the Honors Program. I was also chosen to be a Student Honors Advisory Council leader from 2017-2018. We hosted retreats and meetings throughout the school year. We did events like bowling, trampolining, zip lining, and rock climbing. At the end of the school year, I gave the convocation speech to the Honors graduating class.

My second favorite event was the Star Parties hosted by the Astronomy professor. I was able to see many planets like Mars and Saturn in a telescope for the first time.

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

PVCC is a school that deeply cares for its students. The class sizes are small and intimate. The professors take the time to get to know you and support you in any way they can. There is a lot of flexibility with work/life/school balance. Your fellow students work hard because they are most likely paying for themselves to be there.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

Join a club or organization that interests you. It’s a great way to make friends. Getting to know your professor will help you to better understand the course content and make the class more enjoyable. They want to help if you are struggling.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After PVCC, I transferred to ASU. I completed 1 semester in Tempe and switched to ASU Online when I moved to Texas. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Sustainability with a focus in Energy, Materials, and Technology in 2020. I took a year off work when my daughter was born in 2021. Now, I am the Energy Analyst on the Corporate Sustainability team at U-Haul International. I have been here for about 2 years. I give internal grants funds to U-Haul Self Storage buildings to improve their energy efficiency, track utility data to report to municipalities nationwide, negotiate fixed energy and natural gas rates, and install EV charging stations.

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

Take classes on topics you are interested in to decide if you would want to continue learning about that as a career. Look up jobs in your desired field to see if the job description is something you would enjoy doing everyday and if the salary aligns with your goals. Then work backwards to see what kind of degree or certifications you need to get.

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

In my current role, I had 2 managers leave soon after I started. It was difficult to have many different managerial changes in a short amount of time. 

Last year, I was selected to be on a team for young professionals called Emerging Sustainability Leaders with the organization, Arizona Forward. Each month, we toured different cities and businesses to learn about their sustainable processes and practices.

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

My professors at PVCC inspired me to step into leadership positions and to follow my interest in physical sciences. I greatly appreciate the mentorship I received from Caron Sada, Doug Berry, Jenny Weitz, and John Douglass.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I started at PVCC in 2010 as a dual enrollment student while attending Paradise Valley High School. My mom also worked at PVCC at the time that I started and I used to visit the college to wait for her to get off of work.

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

My major focus of study was Forensic Science and I graduated in May 2017.

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

My student experience became memorable as soon as I walked through the doors of PVCC the first time. I was welcomed with open arms, and guided through the process with little to no hiccups.

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

PVCC is a place for self growth and discovery. PVCC is a safe space for students to grow and learn, and become the best version of yourself. I would recommend PVCC because it is a fantastic start to your higher education.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

I would tell students at PVCC to become involved in campus life and to say yes to every single opportunity that comes their way! It was such an amazing experience to be a part of the growth of the college and be connected to all aspects of the college.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After I completed my journey at PVCC, I continued working at Apple as a specialist, and from there moved into working for start up companies. I am proud to say that I am now working for TikTok training for the Scottsdale office.

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

I would advise students to explore all of their options! Go and meet with advisors and take career exploration assessments to really find your passion and have it develop into your dream career.

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

One of my greatest successes has been being part of the retail tech world! It jump started my passion for training, which is what I currently do. One of my greatest challenges has been continuing to strive for the highest level of success.

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

My experiences at PVCC directly impacted the work I do today, by allowing me to step out of my comfort zone. When I first set foot at PVCC, I was very shy and very insecure of what I wanted. I left, finding a passion for public speaking, and wanting to pursue a training career instead.

The best choice for Nia McMillon to start her educational journey “without breaking the bank” was to attend a community college before transferring to a university. Upon visiting the campus, Nia fell in love with the college and the atmosphere and signed up for her first classes the summer following high school graduation.

The representation of many cultures at PVCC helped Nia to feel at ease about herself and who she represented. Being a woman of color, Nia found the Women Rising and the Male Empowerment Network were two of the most powerful clubs on campus that gave representation to the People of Color (POC) community. Each offered leadership opportunities coupled “with a vast community behind us each step of the way.” Nia said, “I grew the courage to make my voice heard and to help others in similar places feel empowered to speak their mind and strive for inclusion on their campuses.” She traveled to Washington, DC through Women Rising, and she also represented PVCC at other leadership conferences.

Nia’s roles as Vice President of Student Government and President of Women Rising enabled her to experience the importance of leadership and planning towards creating a memorable community foundation for those thereafter. She said, “I loved the rush of having a precise schedule as it kept me busy and involved across the campus.” These experiences laid the foundation on which she has built moving forward.

Nia is deeply appreciative of Cranston Forte, one of the many amazing staff and instructors she connected with, and his encouragement and dedication, that made her feel like she had a community backing her every step of her journey.

PVCC offered Nia an environment that supported her career exploration. She changed her career focus from Fashion Journalism to Child Psychology. Nia said, “Since I had the freedom to explore without judgement, I am now part of a field that gives me satisfaction in a whole new light.”

During her sophomore year, Nia focused on graduating with honors, engaging in extracurricular opportunities and developing relationships with her peers. Nia was awarded the coveted Golden Puma award as recognition for her community and club engagement. Nia shared that she will never forget the honor of being able to speak to her graduating class. “It still brings tears of joy to my eyes; something I will never forget or take for granted.”

For Nia, PVCC will always feel like home. “PVCC may seem like a small, creative community, but this place lays such a huge foundation for any career opportunity you are striving for,” she said. “You have to be open to all they offer and remember nothing is off limits if you really push for it!” She encourages students to “Step out of your comfort zone. PVCC is the type of community where you can have great experiences and put yourself out there without the fear of falling. Connect with as many staff and faculty as possible and you will be surprised how far you will go!”

Nia completed her degree at the University of La Verne, receiving a BA in Psychology. Upon graduation, Nia worked in the residential field for at-risk youth for 3 years. Currently, Nia works in a Mental Hospital as a Mental Health Technician and plans to return to school to achieve an RN licensure.

Nicholas Bechard did not consider college to be an option for him upon completing high school. “I did not apply myself in high school and my family had next to no money. After a gap year, I was inspired to fulfill my dream to be a teacher no matter the cost. I knew going straight to a university would be the more expensive and a more difficult option as I was unsure which university would accept me after looking at my high school transcripts. PVCC proved to be the most accessible option. I was determined to make the most out of the opportunity PVCC afforded me, a fresh start.”

 The guidance and patience of Meggin Kirk, Education faculty, was invaluable to Nick’s growth as a teacher and as a person. Upon reflection, Nick shared, “In many ways, each professor left an impact. As someone who knew they would be an educator, I got to see what I wanted to emulate daily.” The Club Ed (future educators) program enabled Nick to experience many aspects of the teaching profession. “This uniquely prepared me for what I would experience over the course of my professional career.”

 Nick’s most positive memory is the feeling of community he experienced at PVCC. He said, “The classes, conferences and meetings that I benefited from were enriched by the presence of others, people from all walks of life, different ages, different motivations, and unique perspectives. The community college experience socializes you with people who have a lot to teach one another; we're all learning and being learned from. That sort of authenticity cannot be found in a traditional university experience.”

One of the aspects Nick loved was “the fact that you had so many students eager to take advantage of a second chance. Whether they were in their late teens like me or whether they were well into adulthood with children and spouses, there were a variety of individuals who possessed enough perspective in life to make them appreciate the opportunity to be successful that we all felt at PVCC.”

 Nick encourages others to “get involved with something that you love.” He said, “A lot of people talk about how getting involved is critical for success in college and while that is true, there's an important detail that gets left out of that axiom: It's not enough to be active in clubs just for the sake of being active and it's not enough to love something but never act on it; fusing hands-on experiences with the thing you're passionate about pursuing is what makes it all worthwhile. When I participated in Honors retreats, when I contributed to Club Ed events, when I collaborated with Student Government, it was all to further the realization of a dream. PVCC grants folks like me with those sorts of opportunities.”

 Upon completing his degree at ASU West Campus, Nick accepted a high school teaching position. Currently, Nick teaches AP Microeconomics at Catalina Foothills High School in Tucson, Arizona.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I began attending PVCC because it was a more affordable option for a time when I was still exploring and trying to determine what career path I wanted to take.

What was your major or focus of study at PVCC?

Initially I was taking any and all classes that sparked my interest. Eventually this led to my joining the Creative Writing Certificate Program.

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

One of the best parts of being at PVCC was the strong community it offered. I always felt welcomed and supported by both my professors and peers.

How would you describe PVCC to others?

PVCC has a lot to offer its student body. In my experience, the professors really care about each individual, and are looking to give each one the best learning experience possible. The variety of class subjects offered gives everyone a place where they can find their niche!

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

When offered good opportunities, take them. Don’t let your fears hold you back. You never know what may come from taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After attending PVCC, I transferred to ASU where I got my bachelors in English and Creative Writing. While at ASU I worked as a reader for both Hayden’s Ferry Review and for the Maricopa County Artist of Promise Writing Competition. I am now attending Northern Arizona University pursuing my Master’s in Creative Writing.

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

Go where your passion leads you. Enthusiasm for what you are pursuing will take you far. If it matters to you, don’t give up on it.

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

My greatest challenge has been overcoming my social anxieties. It’s hard to put yourself out there and meet people, but creating a good community that supports you is a great asset both personally and professionally. Thus far my greatest success has been getting into graduate school!

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

PVCC laid the entire foundation for how I’ve gone about my academic career. It was there that I explored my options and discovered my creative voice which led to my pursuit in writing.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I was a newly single mom and as I drove past PVCC it hit me like a ton of bricks that I now had this child I needed to provide for.

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

Nursing, Graduated Spring 2022.

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

Going to college with people as young as 18 and some in their retirement years was extremely enlightening. I learned from other people's perspectives, experiences, and even mistakes. I was able to establish relationships with staff members that supported the goals I set for myself as well.

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

PVCC is an environment where everyone can learn, find people they align with, and have support from others in working towards their goals.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

Don’t be afraid to try something new or go outside your comfort zone and ask for help when you need it!

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

After graduation I successfully passed my NCLEX exam and obtained a job at Honorhealth working on a Med/Surg unit. I am currently working as a hospice nurse.

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

Think about what you’re good at and how you can use those skills to find something you enjoy. Be open to the idea that your journey may shift and that’s ok, but keep pushing towards your goal because it really is worth it!

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

My greatest success in my career is finding a way to provide for my family from a career that I enjoy.

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

PVCC gave me the ability to open my mind to the changes in the world and will help me to be a better parent to my son.

What inspired you to attend PVCC?

I was unsure what career path I wanted to take right after high school. My sister went to PVCC, she showed me around the campus, and I felt like this was the next best step for me after high school. Going straight from high school to university felt like too big of a step.

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

I went in with an open mind, but with an interest in accounting. I took my first accounting class and fell in love. I ended up graduating with an associate degree in 2018.

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

I joined the honors program, and that really helped create a community that I never had before. The honors center was an amazing space that helped me feel comfortable and provided me a space to meet like minded people. Having a community that the honors center provided was the best part of my experience.

The other memorable aspect was the teachers. The teachers there genuinely cared about the topics they were teaching and the students in their classes. The enthusiasm they had made my experience at PVCC so enjoyable and I was able to walk away with more than a class credit.

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

PVCC is a clean and friendly environment. They want their students to succeed not just in their classes but in their futures. The smaller class sizes, the teachers that cared, and the professional skills they provided helped make me a more well-rounded person.

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?

Please enjoy this time. It’s still important to maintain good grades, however, this is the place to try new classes, make new connections, and discover what your next steps will be.

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…

I graduated from PVCC in 2018. I immediately went to GCU for a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. During the spring semester of 2019, I did the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World. This was an internship where I worked in the park and was able to take classes that Disney hosted. I then had an internship with Insight as an Internal Auditor during the summer of 2020. I finally graduated from GCU December of 2020. I immediately started at Ping Inc., the golf club manufacturer as a Staff Accountant. During my first year of work, I loved accounting so much I decided to get my Master of Science in Accounting from GCU while working full time. I graduated in May of 2022. Now I am working on being a CPA. I have passed ¼ tests and am studying for the next section.

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

Use the career tests that some classes offer as a guideline. The main way to choose is to reflect on your strengths and utilize what comes naturally to you. For me, I was always fascinated with business and how money works. I also have a strong sense of organization. When I was little, I would color code my Christmas list in excel. I am not sure what other little kid would do that, but looking at what brings you joy and comes easily will set you up for the future.

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

During my career journey, the greatest success has been building my grit and determination. Working full time and self-studying is a tough thing to balance. I have to make an effort everyday to push myself and also know when I have to take a break for my mental health. It was a challenge to learn to ease off the gas pedal. You can’t run a marathon full speed the entire time, you have to take care of yourself.

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

I learned so much at PVCC. I still use the resume and interview skills that PVCC provided, and it landed me a perfect job. Having my accounting classes being taught by the most amazing teacher, Lynn Clark, encouraged me to become an accountant and soon a CPA.

As a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student, Oscar Hernandez Ortiz’s progression to college was limited despite having been academically prepared.  Fortunately, the Maricopa Community Colleges stood by their values to provide a quality higher education to all students and provided in-state tuition prices to DACA recipients.  PVCC became “home for his initial college years due to the financial accessibility to DACA recipients and the broader commitment by the Maricopa colleges to educate those that make up its communities.” While studying Hispanic Heritage in the Southwest, he became more interested in pursuing civics and politics, focusing on immigration and education. It was then, Oscar found his path at PVCC.

Oscar became highly involved at PVCC including student government president, he joined the Sustainability Club as well as Phi Theta Kappa, and served on the Student Honors Advisory Council. He received various accolades including the Chancellor’s Civic Leadership Medallion from the Maricopa Community College District’s Center for Civic Participation, and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Chicanos Por La Causa Scholarship from Chicanos Por La Causa.

As President of Stugo his Sophomore year, Oscar participated in the Student Public Policy Forum (SPPF). Through this program he began to understand the different power structures at various levels of government in Arizona. Additionally, the SPFF created spaces to discuss issues affecting local communities and provided a bridge to insight from local politicians and community leaders. This opportunity refined his professional skills but more importantly was one of the reasons he pursued a degree in Public Policy.

After his time as a Puma, Oscar moved on to ASU to pursue a degree in Public Policy and a minor in Justice Studies; while doing so, he co-founded the ASU Undocumented Students for Education Equity (USEE) to help DACA students obtain resources to navigate higher education. He went on to earn his master’s degree in education with a concentration in elementary education and teaching. He also taught for Teach for America for two years in Avondale, Arizona.

PVCC holds a special place in Oscar’s heart. “I believe that this campus contributed in shaping me into the person and professional I am today. Every milestone I hit, I always take time to reflect on how it all started at PVCC. I am happy for the professors I had, the mentors and friendships I made, but I am more joyful over choosing PVCC because I was able to experience college with people from my own neighborhood.”

PVCC was honored to have Oscar address the Spring 2023 graduating class at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Oscar currently works on the executive team of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. With aspirations of going to law school, he hopes to continue to use his education to serve as a public servant.

The role of the community college is so important for the individuals and the community it serves. I attended PVCC for two years from 1995-1996. When I was a senior in high school, my father drove me past the campus and suggested it would be a good place for me to attend. Initially I wasn't convinced but then I discovered that I could finish my high school classes by taking college classes and I quickly enrolled at PVCC. 

I still remember all of my professors. They were all fantastic. As I left my first class on my first day, I had been challenged to answer the question "what is the good."  As I left the lecture I thought, "this is exactly what I want to study."  

I was given opportunities at PVCC that shaped my academic career. These included honors projects, student government, writing and developing plays, creative writing awards, and support for my next steps in academic life. 

In 2012 I was awarded the PVCC alumni of the year award. For me this was a significant honor because it represented how I was shaped by my time at PVCC and the continued way this college contributes to the community. I continue to work with colleagues and students at PVCC and am encouraged to see the continued excellent work that is being done. 

For me PVCC introduced me to the basic questions of the academic life. I continue to study these and have been helping students do this same thing because of the tools I was given at PVCC. 

Associate Professor

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Honors Faculty

School of Humanities, Arts & Cultural Studies

New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences

Arizona State University