What inspired you to attend PVCC?
I was told early on by a counselor that college was not for me because of my learning disability. I wanted to prove the counselor wrong. I took a college success class and did really well. I then realized that PVCC was a great place to be.
What was your major or focus of study at PVCC? And what year did you graduate?
Business Administration, May 2022.
What were one or two of the most memorable aspects of your student experience at PVCC?
I received a tremendous amount of support from the Disability Resource Center. They worked with me and the accommodations I needed. In addition, during the 2021-2022 school year, I was the PTK Recruitment Officer. During my time at PVCC, I learned how to communicate what I needed, especially with the Disability Resource Center, on when I would use certain accommodation. Another thing I learned was time management, this really pushed my comfort level as I would come to understand that if I wanted to do certain things on campus, I needed to make sure I could find the time to volunteer or be part of the community, while finishing up important assignments with available time I had.
How would you describe PVCC to others? Would you recommend PVCC and why?
Overall, my experience at PVCC was amazing. I had the opportunity to connect with people, be a part of the college culture, and make new friends. While at PVCC, I was working at Six Flags Water Park for 6 years and moved up to a team lead for admissions. During COVID, I had to learn to manage my time more efficiently. I buckled down and took as many credits as I could in a year and a half to complete my degree.
What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?
Try to make as many memories as possible. Make time to go to events and be involved.
Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…
After earning my degree at PVCC, I transferred to GCU. I am majoring in Sports & Entertainment Management and will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in April 2024. In addition, for the past two years I have worked as a 50/50 Raffle Representative for the Arizona Diamondbacks. I work about 70 games a year. I am hoping to be an Authentics Intern for the Diamondbacks, which would involve management of all the merchandise with signatures and figuring out how much to sell them for based on importance and who the player is.
How would you advise students on how to choose their educational or career path?
When choosing my educational or career path, it came down to what I grew up with, which was sports. Also having a family member, my dad, working in sports helped me decide what industry I wanted to work in. As for my education, I had heard that GCU had a great sports program and that Jerry Colangelo was in charge of the business college. Having guest speakers come to campus to share their experiences has been truly helpful. Overall, the biggest piece of advice I would suggest is doing research about the school’s program and create connections with people from ASU, GCU, U of A, wherever it is, and start to understand what their program is like and what makes them different. One more thing I would suggest is study what you are passionate about and research the best program for that field/industry.
In your career journey, what has been one of your greatest successes and one of your greatest challenges?
In terms of success, last year I found my stride in selling the 50/50 Raffle Tickets. I used to be shy in public, but I overcame that and became more confident which resulted in selling more tickets. I was the August 2023 Employee of the Month.
In terms of challenges, on my 21st birthday, while working in Guest Relations at Six Flags Water Park, I was insulted by a guest. I learned from that experience how to keep my composure and keep things under control.
How did your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impact the work that you do?
My experience at PVCC allowed me to further my skills. I have also learned that you have to have fun and enjoy more experiences in life. I am so glad I was and always will be a PUMA forever! Go Pumas and of course, go Lopes!!