Alumni Profiles

What made SCC the right fit for you?

At the time, I was being raised by a single father, and our resources were tight. I was seeking a space that would provide a solid education and that was within our budget. Although, at the time, I lived in Mesa, after visiting the SCC campus and speaking with several of the instructors and current students, it felt like a better fit for me than other options I explored.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

While I was at SCC, I focused on my core curriculum, like English, math, language, and some classes that brought me great joy in both history and art history. Those art history classes were the first I had ever taken, and they transformed me in a way I can’t adequately articulate. Now, working in an Arts organization, I can look back and see that some of those classes were instrumental in instilling in me a love of art and the importance of art within the scope of our humanity. I did eventually transfer to complete my bachelor's degree at Arizona State University.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Ahh, this is a silly memory, but at the time there were some ground owls on the campus. I had a particularly rough day and happened upon them from a distance. I recall sitting down on the ground and just observing those owls for what feels like an exorbitant period of time. Owls, out in the middle of the day, and on the ground? What sorcery was that? At the time it felt that they appeared just for me, and in a moment when I needed to see something magical and unexpected. Those owls were exactly what I needed that day, and I returned often hoping to see them and brighten my days. I hope they are still on campus and living a good life. If they are, and you see them, please tell them hello for me.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

SCC allowed me to jump start my education with affordable classes which eventually took me to ASU for my bachelor’s and eventually my masters degree in HR Management, and now as Chief Administrative Officer/Chief People Officer (CAO/CPO) for Scottsdale Arts.

Tell us about your involvement at SCC. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I did not participate in extracurricular activities. Like many paying their way through school, I had to hold down several part-time jobs while attending classes, which limited my availability.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I don’t believe I earned an AA through SCC, although I did transfer straight to ASU to finish up the last couple of years toward my BA. As I mentioned above, the art history classes were a particular favorite of mine.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start and where are you now?

After SCC, I transferred to ASU, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in History, with an emphasis in Medieval Russia. Upon graduation, I transitioned into the workforce and looked toward pursuing a law degree. I applied and was accepted into law school but then decided to shift direction to Human Resources when I met my husband and we decided to start a family. I obtained my master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Catholic University in America in Washington, D.C. I explored the field of HR in the private sector for many years and was recently hired as HR Manager for Scottsdale Arts in 2021. In 2023, I was promoted to CAO/CPO. It has been a gift to be able to serve the employees of Scottsdale Arts.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

Education is a gift that you give to yourself, whether that be in pursuit of education for education's sake or to advance in your career. There is no metric for the correct way to pursue your education. I advise you to find the space that supports your dreams, and gives you a path forward. Community colleges are a great way to get started on that journey; to explore what interests you, to discover what you don’t like, and to find deep connections with peers and educators. I recommend SCC as such a space for people of any age and any background to explore their interests and discover a deeper part of themselves.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I have always loved creating music, so in 2017, I decided to enroll in SCC’s Audio Production Technologies Program. The program includes a great balance of music business, music theory, electronic music and studio recording classes, and all of the professors are really qualified and supportive, so I always looked forward to attending classes! It was also great to meet so many like-minded peers who also had a passion for music production. I always enjoyed attending SCC concerts, and I was fortunate to perform in the 2018 George Benson Showcase where I was presented with the Oscar Mayer Scholarship. After taking 21 units in the Fall and 28 units in the Spring, I was happy to receive my Audio Production Technologies Certificate of Completion in May 2018.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

The flexibility of SCC’s programs made it the perfect fit for me! I attended SCC during my senior year of high school, so even though I had not received my high school diploma yet, I was still able to take as many SCC classes as I could every afternoon in the Fall of 2017 and the Spring of 2018. My professors and peers were always really supportive, which made SCC not only a great place to learn, but also a great place to build community and collaborate with people who had similar interests.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

Like many things in life, education is what one makes of it. I was fortunate that I was able to utilize my time at SCC not only to learn all about audio production and to meet like-minded people, but also to shape my time management and organization skills. Taking a variety of classes at SCC while being a senior in high school allowed me to prepare my time management skills and organization skills so that once I began school at the University of Southern California, I was able to utilize my time management skills by taking the maximum amount of units while interning each semester.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory of SCC was knowing that each week I would have the opportunity to take audio production and music classes that I was passionate about with a great community of students and professors. I enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to learn so many useful skills and concepts in each of my classes.

What are you doing now and for whom?

As of Fall 2020, I am currently a Senior at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. In addition to taking class, I am also an A & R Scout at APB, which is a joint venture with Atlantic Records. I enjoy discovering and pitching a variety of artists, writers and producers to the A&R (artists and repertoire) team which is responsible for signing and nurturing talent. I am also completing an internship at SiriusXM, where I work with the Music Programming , Music Library, and Archive teams to assist with research and channel builds. I also enjoy writing and producing original songs for my artist project, Serapha, and assisting friends with their artist projects through my artist services startup, Palm Court Drive. I am looking forward to continuing to pursue a career in the music industry to inspire people through the power of music.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

When I first started, it was the schedule and the fact that they accepted students under 18. I was 15 when I first attended SCC because I was homeschooled and started to complete my dual credits and general education requirements at an early age. SCC continued to be a good fit because of the amazing dance program.

What do you do now and for whom?

I am a studio business owner with my husband and friends. We own and operate Elektro Dance Academy which includes all ages, all levels, and all styles. I also have my own photography business on the side.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory has to be the fact that I met my husband at SCC. We both took a summer ballet class taught by Angela Rosenkrans. That was such a fun and magical summer packed with many core memories.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

When I talk to others about attending SCC, I tell them that the dance program is one of the best and shaped me into who I am today.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

My time at SCC has been one of the best experiences I hold close to my heart. Because I started in the dance program at SCC at a young age, it significantly shaped me into the artist I am today. I took my time completing my degree due to other opportunities that slowed my degree flow down... But there were opportunities I wouldn’t have had or felt confident doing if not for my time at SCC and what I learned there. I created lifelong bonds with people. Angela Rosenkrans was my mentor and still is someone I go to for life talks and heart-to-heart advice. I learned and worked with many working professionals nationwide from different dance companies. I got to travel with my teams for college dance festivals. I presented my award-winning choreographic work in competitions, and college festivals, and even got to perform my job at SCC’s fall/spring shows. I learned technology skills such as music editing, video work/editing, photography, etc. I also gained hands-on experience putting on a full-stage production. We learned how to create a light plot, properly set up the stage, hang lights, stage manage, call cues, and work the light board and soundboard, etc. My time at SCC has also helped structure how I teach dance today because of the courses about dance history, somatics, and injury prevention, you learn how to anatomically approach your technique which helps you better understand internally what is going on for a healthy career and future in dance, and so much more. I could go on and on about the program and my time there because I have built much of my career and what I do now on the knowledge and experiences I have gained from SCC. The dance program is designed to help you have a great academic or professional career after your time there.

How did SCC influence your success?

How does it not?! To this day, I use all the skills I learned in the program. Anywhere from teaching, choreographing, photography, video editing, tech needs, injury prevention/rebuilding, directing, professionalism, networking, etc.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

Yes! I am honored and proud to say that I am now on faculty at SCC and teach Jazz and Modern every week and I do the photography for their teams and spring and fall performances. It’s a wild and fun full-circle moment. All my professors created such a memorable experience for me as an SCC student, so I aspire to do the same for the next generations of dancers.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Scottsdale Community College was the right fit for me for many reasons, mostly centered around the fact that SCC felt like a warm place to call my second home. Even before I attended SCC, I had very welcoming and encouraging experiences with them. SCC did many outreach activities at my high school. I took dual enrollment courses at Saguaro High School through SCC – AP US History, AP English, AP Government, and AP Economics. They were all extremely effective programs and some of the best classes I have ever taken. I met Sarah Galarza, a former School of Film+Theatre staff member, who convinced me that SCC was the place for those who wanted to explore the film world. My family and I grew up watching movies together, so naturally, I wanted to learn how to make movies at such a beautiful and convenient campus! I enjoyed all my classes and have many memories from my three years there.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I came into myself and became a much more confident and content version of myself. I completed all my General Education classes and two tracks in the film school – an Associate of Arts in Film Production and a Certificate in Screenwriting. SCC is such fun, and it didn't feel like school. All of my General Education, Film, and Screenwriting professors were unique, fun, memorable, kind, intelligent, and interesting. My fellow students were also incredible people, I remain close friends with many of them. The film classes were the most challenging and fun – getting our hands on film equipment and making movies was so rewarding. I will always remember the people I met and the classes taken together.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memories were those involving the varied classes, the unique professors, and the community of peers and friends I made while I was there. A month-long stretch of film classes with a group of students stands out. I would get to campus early, and leave late at night to spend more time with my peers, inside and out of class. Sarah Galarza was the instructor of our capstone class. This class consisted of multiple hours of hands-on instruction, interviews with people who worked in the film industry, and different lessons every day of class. I would dream of being on campus because I was so in the moment, and couldn't believe how lucky I was. A few classes gave me that feeling – Professor Aragona's Mythology class, Professor McDonell's short-story class, Professor True's Screenwriting class, and Professor Tutnik's Biology class. These were excellent classes with awesome students.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

SCC made a huge impression on me with a high-quality and realistic learning standard that set me up for success. With school and jobs, taking your time and ensuring you are doing what you want is important. SCC has reminded me to appreciate where you are in life and to find a balance between enjoying the moment and preparing for the future. Emotionally, I started at SCC as a teenager but left as an adult. I have friends I will have forever and memories of teachers who took their time and allowed us to explore who we were. As a teacher, I strive to bring that atmosphere to my students.

Tell us about your involvement at SCC: list extracurricular and co-curricular affiliations such as clubs, organizations, programs, honors, and athletic teams. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I was mainly involved with the School of Film and Theater's capstone films as extra-curricular activities. These capstone films are student-funded short films that involve full crews consisting of 40-60 people, 5-6 12-hour days of shooting, with students occupying actual positions as jobs. These long, challenging days tested our patience but were extremely fun. You help make the movie for 12 hours, pack up, go home, come back, and do it all over again. I made lasting friendships. By taking advantage of extracurricular activities and connecting with those around you, you may make career and personal connections that will last forever.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I earned an Associate's Degree in Film Production and a Certificate in Screenwriting. I also earned all of my General Education credits, which I highly recommend getting at SCC due to the unique and fun professors who do a great job teaching at a level of excellence.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start and where are you now?

After graduating from SCC, I worked in the film industry for a while. I then decided to return to school and continue my education through my interest in storytelling. I attended ASU and received my BA and MA in English Literature, which was made easier since my GenEd classes carried over and translated easily. I have held several teaching jobs and internships, including Read Better Be Better, ASU Global Launch, and Brophy College Prep. Upon graduating in December 2022, I accepted a teaching position at Veritas Preparatory Academy. Currently, I am living in Old Town Scottsdale about 10 minutes away from SCC, and now my sights are set to return to the place of my favorite and exciting second home, hopefully as an instructor, rather than a student this time around. It is my dream job to work at SCC.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

Get your General Education courses done at SCC! It's also a great campus to experiment with courses, you may be surprised and take a course that helps you find a new interest, hobby, or even career choice. Also, walk around the campus, because it's a great way to enjoy nature and think. SCC is a great place to slow down and find yourself at your own pace. Also, take advantage of internship opportunities and work-study programs – there are many to choose from, and may help you discover what you want and build your resume.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

SCC taught me how to adapt. I learned how to deal with studio situations that wouldn't come up for most music industry people until after school is done and they are in the workplace. A studio teacher might change the Protools session timing on purpose and let you and your classmates figure out the issue. Having gone through many different kinds of troubleshooting for problems in the classroom, I was very prepared for the professional studio settings even when something went wrong.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

The teachers are what made SCC the right fit for me. The SCC Music Department is full of teachers and instructors who genuinely care about your future in music. They build strong technical foundations as well as provide wise business and life guidance. If you do the work and put the effort in, they will support you 100%. Experiencing this versus what some of my colleagues have gone through for their music training is a huge blessing.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I had a very unique time at SCC. I started in 2011 after high school, taking an even class load. After the first semester, I focused mostly on the music classes. I loved every day I got to come into the music department. I was in music business, studio classes, electronic music, and DJ classes. There was great energy in that building. I remember how close all the students got. We would see each other outside of school as much as inside. We all really got to grow together. After the first year and a half, I started taking only 2 or 3 classes a year. I was working more in the industry so I decided that focusing on the classes that would help me at the moment was my best option. I ended up moving to California for music (and weather) and took a few semesters off from school. I came back to AZ for a few months and took a few music classes at SCC, then packed up my speakers and moved to Brooklyn for 3 years. With only a science and English class left to complete my degree, I finished online in NYC in 2019 to finally get my Degree in Audio Production Technology.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

SCC taught me how to adapt. Taught me a lot about how to deal with studio situations that wouldn't come up for most music industry people until after school is done and they are in the workplace. A studio teacher might change the Protools session timing on purpose and let you and your classmates figure out the issue. Having gone through many different kinds of troubleshooting for problems in the classroom, I was very prepared for the professional studio settings even when something went wrong.

Ron said something in music business class that always stuck with me, "You have to have multiple streams of income, you have to diversify." This comment really got my brain in motion to think of creative ways to create music, promote, and monetize my music skills. This way of thinking has allowed me to be creative and flexible when working on my own music and working with clients or other musicians. Being able to adapt and diversify in the music industry is key. I currently produce instrumentals, manage several recording artists, own a record label, am a recording engineer, DJ, and own a rolling paper company that's backed by the record label. Knowing after the first day of class that I would need to be able to wear many hats in the industry to be able to live off music alone made making a plan to do so very important. I would be doing everything I am today without Ron & Craig encouraging me to go after these different lanes in the music industry.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory of SCC is when I was an hour early for a morning music class and somehow found my way into the drum room next to the studio. We had just gotten a new electronic drum kit and I may or may not have "found" the code. I went in and connected my iPod to the set and jammed out for what I thought was the hour before class. I ended up missing class by over an hour. I made the good decision to go back to the drum room for the rest of the day. I was finally kicked out by the cleaning staff.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

I would say that SCC is a place where you can work hard and the people around you really have your back. I'm still great friends with several teachers. To this day I can call Craig and talk for hours about a studio build or a performance. The knowledge and support I got from the music department is something I wouldn't trade for anything.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

The last time I was at SCC I got to come back and teach some current students about beat making and the music industry. We made a few beats, I let the students show me their skills and a few of my good rap friends from town stopped by to give out some game. I love coming back to share some of the things I've learned since leaving school. Always great to see Ron and Craig. And they let me bang around in the drum room for a bit. Great day.

What are you doing now and for whom?

Currently, I am running Chop Records, a team of 7 producers. Chop producers can be found in MA. NYC, GA, NJ, AZ and CA. I manage the Color 8 Band and VALLEYBOY P. I am also still producing and DJing. My latest venture is a bit outside of music, Chop Rolling Papers. I started making rolling papers as a merchandise item for the 1st Chop Japan tour in 2018. The idea and business has been growing ever since. We are excited to release the rolling papers collaboration with several artists from around the city. My favorite thing to do is to produce music, TV, and commercials. I have worked with Atlantic Records, Sony Records, RCA, ASAP Rocky, Nike, Undefeated, fELT and a few more.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

My experience at SCC taught me everything from time management to what it really means to be a leader. It also showed me the importance of networking and building lasting relationships. Beyond academics, the life skills I gained while attending SCC truly transformed me and paved the way for me to become the successful professional I am today!

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I began my nutrition career at SCC, taking my very first nutrition course with Robert Martin, whom I am proud to work alongside today as both a colleague and a friend. Robert and the other staff at SCC played a pivotal role in not only motivating me to pursue a career in nutrition, but also to become engaged in campus initiatives, join the Honors program, take on leadership roles, and even work past my fear of public speaking through club activities and unique presentation opportunities at events like the World Hunger Breakfast. During my final year at SCC, I became the President of the Fitness and Nutrition Club, which gave me valuable skills that served me very well after I transferred to ASU and even now, as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My absolute favorite memory at SCC is definitely the time I spent as a member of the Fitness & Nutrition Club. Even before I became the club's president, it was an incredible experience that allowed me to connect with my fellow students and engage in amazing initiatives both on and off campus.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

Not only have I returned to the SCC campus since graduating, but I am now an instructor here! While the classes I currently teach are primarily online, I still get the same great, welcoming feeling when I step on campus today as the very first time I visited! Few campuses are as inviting and beautiful as the SCC campus!

What are you doing now and for whom?

I became inspired to succeed by my time at SCC. I had attended other community colleges out of state, but SCC was different. The staff truly cared and supported me in my goals. There were also opportunities for personal growth that I never experienced at any other college. As I already mentioned, Professor Robert Martin was key to getting me interested in nutrition, but he also motivated me to be a better version of myself and that has had a lasting, positive impact.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

To anyone considering SCC, I would say that you owe it to yourself to see the difference that an education at a smaller, but thriving and forward-thinking campus can make! The staff are wonderful and truly care about your success. The campus is beautiful and has everything you need to learn, study, be social, and even relax between classes! Plus, students are friendly and it's easy to make friends, even life-long connections! There are plenty of opportunities for personal growth and the atmosphere is one of both learning and inspiration. If I had to do my education over again, SCC would still be my top choice!

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I chose SCC because I was specifically looking for Graphic Design courses and heard nothing but great things about their program.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I attended SCC for two years, loading all 4 semesters with as many classes as I could. I loved the program and learned so much from all the great teachers. Every teacher had vast experience in the subject of their course and were there to help us succeed. They did an excellent job teaching not only the skills but how to design a successfully produced product.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

In my position at Prisma Graphic, I often see the work of many designers and sometimes it is a great design in theory but to print and produce is either too costly for the client or the function of it will not work with the designers concept. Taking courses with SCC helps me catch these things before the entire job is set into motion. Therefore, saving our clients time and money in getting things worked out to be functional.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

So many great memories, but one of my favorites would be in my photography class when the instructor, Rick Burress, told us a story of taking a baby to the jungle... No, not a "real" baby and not a "real" Jungle, he was speaking of a photo and using Photoshop to do all your editing. It's a story I'll never forget and you can hear it yourself by taking his class.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

I have gone back several times for IDUG meetings (InDesign User Group).

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

SCC helped me attain my current position with Prisma Graphic. I was part of the SCC Externship program during my final semester and through that position helped determine what career I wanted to continue with. I applied for and was offered a full time position as an Account Manager with Prisma Graphic upon graduation.

I met so many wonderful people through SCC and being an Alumni that works in the business, I continue to meet others. It is like our own little family of great creative people. I can always count on them to answer my call if I need them.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I’ve been with Prisma for 4 years now. I am a team lead in the Account Management department and work with a great group of people. My team works with a wide range of clients but has a special focus on Hospitality and Healthcare. We are responsible for successfully initiating, planning, controlling, executing and monitoring many projects to be sure they are completed to meet our clients expectations. Beyond Prisma, I still do some design work on the side along with my hobby of training detection dogs for a local company that provides dogs and training to police agencies across the country.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

You will not find any greater pool of knowledge for designing in the real world than the group of instructors in the program at SCC.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I started SCC as a home-schooled, dual-enrolled high schooler. SCC was a convenient and accessible institution that would enable me to become embedded in a college environment. With its small class sizes, variety of degree options, and sense of community, this would be the perfect place to begin my college experience

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I was actively involved in student life, from leading the campus newspaper to presiding over the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter (Psi Gamma). During these experiences, I enjoyed sharing stories of various campus community members, collaborating with colleagues in staging educational programming and feeling engaged in the evolution of our campus. I loved getting to know many faculty members and staff who supported my journey

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

The most significant memory during my time at SCC unfolded on the very last day when I delivered my student commencement speech during graduation. I was beyond thrilled (and anxious) to have the opportunity to be selected for this role, and it represented a "defining moment" for me, as I used that space to publicly share for the first time about how autism had shaped my life and academic journey. I finally felt comfortable being vulnerable about a part of me that I had long kept hidden and, more importantly, pride over the structural challenges I had battled to succeed in life. I was extremely touched to be met by a standing ovation and many individuals coming to me after the speech to discuss their connections to autism. This night remains perhaps one of the most important of my entire life

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and career?

On a personal note, many of the friends I made 12-15 years ago as an SCC student remain core individuals in my life; they were there for my doctoral graduation and will continue to support me as I embrace additional opportunities. Similarly, several of the faculty and staff have remained core connections of mine, people who I still consult for advice and share experiences. As for how SCC shaped my career direction, it was through interviewing various community members that I built my foundation of learning about academia and the people who belong to these educational institutions. Though I was pursuing a journalism degree at the time, as I wrapped up my Bachelor's at ASU, I realized that I sought to have a career where academia would be the centerpiece. Consequently, I ultimately attained my master's and doctorate in higher education, in which I conducted research about, among other topics, community college student transfer pathways. I also engage in scholarship around autism in higher education, for which most people in my space associate me. SCC continues to be a piece of my academic pride; most colleagues are aware that I went to the school with Artie the Artichoke as a mascot and see my associate degree hanging on my wall alongside my doctoral degree.

Tell us about your involvement at SCC: list extracurricular and co-curricular affiliations such as clubs, organizations, programs, honors, and athletic teams. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I led two student organizations: the Green Club (focused on environmental issues) and the Psi Gamma chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Theta Kappa. I also worked across all levels of the student newspaper for over two years. I was actively engaged in the honors program and various student life efforts. These spaces allowed me to connect with many individuals and contribute to the campus community.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication.

List any scholarship(s) you received while attending SCC.

Honors Program Scholarship

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start and where are you now? This can include information about your education, service, and career paths

I pursued graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in its leading Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis department. There I took courses around issues in higher education and conducted numerous research projects around issues on community college transfer, LGBTQ+ campus climate, and autism and disability in higher education. During this time I also joined the leadership team of College Autism Network, a nonprofit organization centered on advocacy, research, and training in higher education. After receiving my doctorate in 2021, I served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University and then as an Assistant Professor of Adult and Lifelong Learning at the University of Arkansas. In Fall 2024, I will make another institutional transition as I embark on a new chapter as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Career highlights include being named a K. Patricia Cross Future Leader from the American Association of Colleges & Universities and an ECMC Foundation Career and Technical Education Postsecondary Research Fellow. Most notably, reflecting my engagement in research on autism in higher education, I was thrilled to receive, with my colleague Dr. Bradley E. Cox, a $500,000 grant from the Spencer Foundation as we make sense of autistic college student success. This research study is allowing us to study, at a national level for the first time, the experiences of autistic undergraduate college students and what matters to them in terms of feeling successful (e.g., mental health, friendship, graduation, employment).

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

SCC represents a "community" in the truest sense of the word. Everyone enters college from various vantage points. SCC honors that spirit by creating opportunities that foster comfort, friendship, and academic possibilities for students across numerous life experiences and entry points.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start and where are you now?

I am an Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Communication at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey. After leaving SCC with an AAS, I completed a BA and MA at ASU, and a PhD at the University of Central Florida. Then I returned to school to get an MFA in Film & Television Production (to finally complete a lifelong personal and professional dream since graduating from SCC in 2005). Some of the best times of my life were at SCC and I share those stories with my students today. I have developed film production and theory courses at my current institution, and my community college experience helped me get hired, as so many of our student population are transferring in from two-year schools. I have had quite the journey since leaving SCC in 2005 and subsequently AZ in 2009.

Tell us the ways that SCC prepared you for additional education and your career.

I had some of the best professors and met some of the best people. My experiences at SCC were deeply impactful, and I remain good friends with many people from those days.

Tell us about your involvement at SCC: list extracurricular and co-curricular affiliations such as clubs, organizations, programs, honors, and athletic teams.

I was deeply involved in the film program then - all we did was make films in and out of class. It was a special, tight-knit community.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey?

Stay in touch with the friends you make as an undergrad - these will often become lifelong friendships.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I earned an AAS in Film and Television Production, with a Certificate in Acting and Directing.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

I see a lot of people in my age range struggling to find careers or jobs that make them happy. Every time I get frustrated with a client, my job, or myself, I think about what I was doing before I went to SCC for Graphic Design. Work will always be work, even if you're doing what you love...but I've found that if you enjoy your work, the frustration and struggles are so much more rewarding at the end of the day.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Amazing teachers, and an awesome curriculum that isn't offered anywhere else.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I signed up for classes in the Spring of 2018 on a whim, unsure of what I wanted to do, but sure that I wanted to go back to school. I was immediately blown away by how much the Graphic Design Program had to offer. I enjoyed learning in a way I hadn't in the past, and eventually I became obsessed with typography, digital color theory, negative space, Printing with a capital P, the history of design, and more. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a career that feels less like work, and more like a creative passion that I happen to get paid for.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

Everyone needs a Graphic Designer. I found that out right away when I started getting asked to make birthday invitations, save the dates, posters, t-shirt designs, you name it. I was lucky enough to get a full time job in the field even before I graduated SCC. It can be overwhelming when you're new to the industry, but if you take the time to learn the craft, Graphic Design is a skill that will always keep you employed.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

I had the pleasure of coordinating the 2018 Creative Expo. It was a lot of work, and I was still new in the program so it was a great opportunity to get to know my classmates and show off the design skills I had acquired up to that point.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated? If so, tell us about your latest visit.

I haven't visited in a while due to the Pandemic, but I do remain in close contact with a few teachers. I consider Peggy Deal (the Graphic Communications program chair) a mentor and a friend, and will probably be seeking her out for advice for the rest of my career.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

If you're unsure about whether or not to go to SCC, just think about this: 2 years are going to pass by whether you go to school or not. At the end of those 2 years you could have a degree and a ton of job opportunities, so why not at least try it?

What are you doing now and for whom?

I work for a company called Runbeck Election Services. As their PrePress Graphic Designer, I work closely with 18+ states and dozens of counties in the U.S. to prepare for print, edit, and design various election deliverables. These include Voter Information Guides, Publicity Pamphlets, Election Envelopes, and other related materials. When the election cycle slows down, I collaborate with our Marketing Team on internal projects and marketing campaigns.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I initially attended ASU’s dance program but ultimately couldn’t afford the tuition and had to leave. After a year without dancing, I decided to try a dance class at SCC. After that one class, I knew I was fully committed to completing my dance education with SCC. It was an affordable education that was unparalleled by any other I had experienced in the past. They saw me as more than a student; they saw me as a human with multiple full-time jobs. However, they still held me to high standards and pushed me to reach for greatness.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I am currently a faculty member of the dance department at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA. I teach two fitness classes, Modern I and II, and Dance Production, and choreograph each semester for their shows.

How did SCC influence your success?

The faculty of SCC are true rock stars and have influenced who I am as an artist and a person! I am pursuing a career in teaching dance in higher education because of the faculty.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

One of my favorite memories from SCC was being awarded “most improved” in Modern II during the Artie Awards! I remember feeling like I was finally making real progress in my dance journey after a long time of feeling like I wasn’t getting anywhere. This honor lifted my spirits and reminded me I was on the right path! Have you visited SCC since you graduated? If so, tell us about your visit. Yes! I came to the 2020 ACDA hosted by SCC where my choreography was selected for the Gala and to compete at Nationals. I also recently visited SCC as a guest artist and took over teaching the Modern III class for a week. I look forward to continuing my relationship with SCC Dance and everyone in the department.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

The faculty and community were committed to excellence and guided by love!

After leaving SCC, did you get a job or did you transfer to a university?

I transferred to ASU and graduated from the College of Interdisciplinary Studies with a BA in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I originally picked SCC in part because it was the closest school to me, but also because I had heard the CIS department was one of the best within the Maricopa Community Colleges. Having now attended 4 different colleges and universities, I can say with 100% certainty, SCC was where I grew my skillset the most.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I came to SCC after previously failing out of another school, I was lost and very unconfident when I enrolled here. The first class I took was worth every penny and set me down my current path and I recommend it for every new student: CPD 150 Strategies for College Success. The course covered strategies for getting good grades, but most importantly, it was an exploratory class that helped me finally settle on a direction, CIS. While in the CIS program I dabbled in every aspect - IT, design, programming and databases before finally settling on Database Development. I also credit the CIS faculty immensely for being so supportive. Under their guidance, I completed honors projects, received scholarships, and won competitions. It really was a growing experience that I did not receive at any other institution and for that reason I consider myself an Artichoke for life.

What do you do now?

I am a Business Intelligence Analyst at Offerpad.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

I look back most fondly at my Photoshop class. It was excellent not only because I clicked with the professor immediately, but also because Photoshop is simply an amazing tool. I finally found a way to express the art I had always struggled to create with other mediums. I am most proud of my project for the World Hunger Fair was selected as the winning design for the flyers. Have you visited SCC since you graduated? Yes. I am incredibly grateful to have been invited back as a guest alumni by my previous professors.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I originally picked SCC in part because it was the closest school to me, but also because I had heard the CIS department was one of the best within the Maricopa Community Colleges. Having now attended 4 different colleges and universities, I can say with 100% certainty, SCC was where I grew my skillset the most.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I came to SCC after previously failing out of another school, I was lost and very unconfident when I enrolled here. The first class I took was worth every penny and set me down my current path and I recommend it for every new student: CPD 150 Strategies for College Success. The course covered strategies for getting good grades, but most importantly, it was an exploratory class that helped me finally settle on a direction, CIS. While in the CIS program I dabbled in every aspect - IT, design, programming and databases before finally settling on Database Development. I also credit the CIS faculty immensely for being so supportive. Under their guidance, I completed honors projects, received scholarships, and won competitions. It really was a growing experience that I did not receive at any other institution and for that reason I consider myself an Artichoke for life. What do you do now? I am a Business Intelligence Analyst at Offerpad. After leaving SCC, did you get a job or did you transfer to a university? I transferred to ASU and graduated from the College of Interdisciplinary Studies with a BA in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC. I look back most fondly at my Photoshop class. It was excellent not only because I clicked with the professor immediately, but also because Photoshop is simply an amazing tool. I finally found a way to express the art I had always struggled to create with other mediums. I am most proud of my project for the World Hunger Fair was selected as the winning design for the flyers. Have you visited SCC since you graduated? Yes. I am incredibly grateful to have been invited back as a guest alumni by my previous professors.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Instructors go above and beyond for students and that was a huge part of my success. I really miss the instructors and their eagerness to help and assist me to grow as a designer.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Honestly, going into college I never thought about where I would go. I just knew Community College was the right option for me. SCC ended up being my choice because of location and moving right after high school from California to Arizona. Knowing that, I really got lucky.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

SCC was great. I was not expecting to get so much value and learn as much as I did during my time. My degree program of Visual Communication went above and beyond to teach things that my current university does not even begin to cover. SCC set me up for success more than I ever knew it would during my time as a student.

After leaving SCC, did you get a job or did you transfer to a university?

I transferred to ASU Poly for Graphic Design and work for ASU Enterprise Partners | Outreach Hub as a student graphic designer.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

Yes.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

If you're looking to learn graphic design then definitely go to SCC because the program there goes above and beyond to really teach students key elements of design while simultaneously getting them ready for the workforce.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I am a student graphic designer for ASU Enterprise Partners Outreach Hub doing everything from print posters, banners, and invitations for the university to online advertisements and tee shirts.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

The Visual Communication program at SCC is that needle in the haystack you never expect to find. The instructors go above and beyond to really teach graphic design in theory and in practice. Helping students every step of the way, they provided extra guidance and feedback to ensure you are ready for the next steps, either transfer or a real world career.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

The teachers cared about giving the best education and wanted to watch you grow. No matter who you are, you were welcomed with open arms and taught how to be the best version of yourself.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

It was amazing! I loved every part of it. My teachers set me up for success and did everything they could to teach me how to be the best designer.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

It has brought me a lot of value. It taught me to think professionally before being out in the field and how to be professional when the time came.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

It has helped tremendously! Having teachers that are so supportive and encouraging changes everything! My experience at ASU was not the same, I enjoyed my time at SCC more.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Meeting Peggy Deal. She absolutely changed my life and will always be one of the most important moments in my life. She is so caring and dedicated to her students, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have the support and care she provided. Appreciate everything you have while you're at SCC, you will miss it beyond belief!

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

I came back to visit maybe 1.5-2 years ago! I got to see Bernie and the new classroom too. I was welcomed with hugs and it felt amazing to be back.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

You will not get an education as great as this anywhere else. I went to ASU too, and my time there doesn't even come close to this. The friends I made, projects created, connections achieved, are completely unmatched. I would come back in a heartbeat! SCC made me who I am today, and seriously changed my life for the best. Some people frown upon going to a Community College, but it was the best experience I ever had in my life!

What are you doing now and for whom?

Always an enthusiastic professional, I recently established my own freelance graphic design business, Jules Design Studio, LLC. Working steadily with small business clients with branding and marketing collateral, I recently signed on to be a corporate freelance for bigger companies like Fox Restaurant Concepts and True Food Kitchen. Projects range from designing animated social media graphics, everyday print ads, promotional items, web and digital ads and even some typographical murals that go inside the restaurants. This contractual work gives me the benefit and security of working for big companies, but still be my own boss.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I took various classes from DJing to biology to nutrition. Had a wide variety of programs to help me find my passion. I liked the campus, staff, and my classmates.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Location and affordability.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Discovering my passion for nutrition. Props to Robert Martin for being an awesome nutrition professor! I really enjoyed all of his classes.

After leaving SCC, did you get a job or did you transfer to a university?

Transferred to ASU

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

I was able to afford to go to school. The ASU transfer pathway was very straight forward; I was able to start my education in community college and finish at ASU. If it wasn't for SCC, I would not be where I am today.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I am a Registered Dietitian working as a clinical dietitian at Banner University Medical Center Phoenix.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

There are many different classes and options at SCC. The campus is well kept and conveniently located off the freeway. The faculty is helpful and supportive. I enjoyed my time at SCC.