In celebration of our graduating Honors students, PVCC is proud to highlight the inspiring stories of those who have excelled academically and personally through the Honors program.
For Jeremy Walk, attending Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about transformation. A first-generation college student and single parent, Walk will graduate in May 2025 with an Associate of Applied Science in Social Work. But his journey at PVCC has been about much more than academic achievement.
“I’ve been an online student, and PVCC’s Honors Program has been instrumental in enriching my learning experience,” Walk said. “Collaborating with professors through Honors projects gave me a chance to dive deeper into topics I care about and pursue scholarly work I never imagined doing.”
The Honors Program offered more than academic enrichment—it gave Walk a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth. “Honors gave me a reason to aim higher and dig deeper,” he explained. “It opened doors to scholarships, improved my presentation and research skills, and most importantly, gave me a profound sense of pride. I didn’t just attend college; I accomplished things I never dreamed possible.”
That sense of accomplishment is reflected in his next steps. Walk was recently awarded the All-Arizona Academic Team scholarship through Phi Theta Kappa, allowing him to transfer this fall to Arizona State University’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. There, he’ll pursue both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work through an accelerated program. As a PVCC Honors student, he also earned automatic acceptance into ASU’s prestigious Barrett Honors College.
For students considering PVCC’s Honors Program, Walk offers clear, heartfelt advice: “Do it. Honors is a fantastic way to stand out in your field of interest. Plan your courses wisely, get to know your professors, and align your projects with your major. The experience will challenge you, but your professors will support you every step of the way.”
His motivation throughout the journey? His children.
“As a single parent, my goals aren’t just for me,” Walk said. “I want my kids to see what’s possible when you work hard and don’t give up. Honors gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities and discover my strengths. I’m not only changing my future—I’m showing them how to build theirs.”