Paris Scobie

Paris Scobie

What inspired you to attend PVCC?
I knew other people who attended PVCC and had a good experience. Growing up, I remember driving past PVCC all the time. Since it was so close to where I lived at the time, I decided it was the best option for me. I also received a full scholarship to attend and was excited to explore their honors program.

What was your major or focus of study at PVCC? And what year did you graduate?
I transferred from PVCC to The University of Arizona’s Honors College in 2015.  Even before starting at PVCC, I was very interested in Psychology. I took Psychology courses at PVCC in the honors program. I liked learning about people’s behaviors and personalities and found the courses so fascinating. My love for writing also continued to blossom as a student at PVCC. 

What were one or two of the most memorable aspects of your student experience at PVCC?
Firstly, I had the opportunity to write for the Puma Press and I loved studying journalism in class with Judy Galbraith. Both allowed me to tell stories, which I love to do. Secondly, Cathy Mendoza, a Counselor I went to see for academic guidance, was very supportive and helped me navigate a very challenging time when I was dealing with some traumatic mental health events.  She encouraged me to write down my feelings and emotions.  

She taught me how to welcome and embrace vulnerability, something I am extremely grateful for. 

How would you describe PVCC to others? Would you recommend PVCC and why?
PVCC is an amazing place to get an education. I would describe it as the perfect place to dive deeper into community, connection and self-discovery. There are so many areas on campus to get involved in. You can join clubs and organizations that help you explore career paths, grow personally and create lasting memories. 

What piece of advice would you give to PVCC students?
To not feel like you have to have it all figured out. It’s okay to change your mind, your major or your career focus. No matter what I know one thing to be true… you will make a difference. In the moments you struggle to feel “good enough” or even “enough,” just remember that your life has purpose and this is only the beginning. You matter because you mean something to someone and you’ve already left a great impact just by being who you are. 

Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…
After leaving PVCC, I graduated from the University of Arizona’s Honors College in May of 2018.  I received my MBA in Healthcare Administration online during COVID so I could learn the industry from a business standpoint. I worked in Case Management at the same hospital that I was a patient in. Now as a professional speaker, my goal is to dismantle the roots of self-stigma within ourselves and those around us. I was the keynote speaker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Conference in CO in June 2024 and the closing keynote speaker for the Help Hope Healing Conference in VA in September 2024.  In 2020, I launched the top 1% globally-ranked podcast, Live Well Bipolar. The podcast has over 226 episodes with listeners in over 130 countries. At first, I wasn’t sure if starting a podcast was the right move, but I knew the only way to learn was by diving in and figuring it out along the way. To make it successful, I had to open up, be honest, and share my story with vulnerability. In 2021, I published Crooked Illness: Lessons From Inside & Outside Hospital Walls detailing my journey moving from patient to provider to advocate within the behavioral health system.


How would you advise students on how to choose their educational or career path?
Start with what you love and what you enjoy learning. Get experience through volunteering and internships, get in the room and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, find mentors and learn from them. Learn to redefine failure because failure is simply a redirection in the right direction. Don’t let failure make you feel like you can’t make a difference because you already are.

In your career journey, what has been one of your greatest successes and one of your greatest challenges?
Success – Publishing my book Crooked Illness in 2021 and sharing my personal story of what I’ve gone through to help others.
Challenge – Overcoming obstacles rooted within my past traumas, thinking I’m not good enough, negative self-talk.

How did your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impact the work that you do?
My experience at PVCC influenced me to stay on a path to complete my Psychology degree to help others. I’m very grateful for my experience at PVCC. It enabled me to step into entrepreneurship as a professional speaker, podcaster, author and mental health advocate. PVCC taught me to never give up on my dream of turning my experiences into a useful guide for others. I believe in you and if you’d like to connect, shoot me a note on https://parisscobie.com/