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: list extracurricular and co-curricular affiliations such as clubs, organizations, programs, honors and/or athletic teams? 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 towards my B.A. 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.

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 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.

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.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

SCC was the right fit for me because I knew the reputation of the culinary program, and that I would receive a quality culinary education at a much lower cost than going through a traditional culinary program. Additionally, I could see that I would be qualified to start working as soon as I graduated and have the basic skills employers were looking for because of the comprehensive training received at SCC. Lastly, being an accredited program, I was able to gain my professional certification through the American Culinary Federation. This was an important step for me.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

Being a non-traditional student, it had been many years since I’d been in an educational environment. I was a little worried that I might struggle with going back to a math class, for instance, or that I wouldn’t fit in with the younger students. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that many people in my demographic were returning to school, either for re-careering like myself, or just to finish a degree that might have been started some years ago. All of my professors were incredibly willing to meet with me or otherwise engage in discussion to help me through difficult spots in my coursework, and the online systems were fairly easy to navigate and I was able to submit assignments without any issues. I enjoyed my time on campus.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

I’m proud to have graduated from SCC’s Culinary program. It has a great reputation and every time I’ve mentioned where I attended, it is met with nods of recognition and approval. I’m certain that my success in the program at SCC has enabled me to get my foot in the door at more than one employer.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory of SCC is the day we finished the culinary program. We all received our “tall hats” and proudly posed for pictures in our chef’s coats. I still remain in contact with several of the students and we share in each other’s successes.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

Because of the pandemic, I haven’t been able to return to campus. But I have been in contact with my program director and several others with whom I worked in the program. Even now they are supportive of my endeavors and I feel a part of that community.

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

Especially for the Culinary Arts program, there is no better value in the state than to attend SCC. I’ve worked with several people who attended “big” culinary programs - and paid big dollars to go with it - and I can truly say that my education equaled theirs. The quality of the instructors and the support received, including job fairs and contacts, were invaluable to me. The support staff, especially in Advising, also worked hard to ensure that I was on track and had the credits and classes I needed to graduate on time, and because I was an older student that was especially important to me.

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

I think first and foremost there are friends & mentors I made at SCC that I am still connected with to this day. It obviously had a personal impact but was also great professionally, from bouncing off ideas of job opportunities, career challenges, and feedback on my work over the course of the years. It's also been amazing to see where people have gone with their careers over the last 10-15 even just through LinkedIn and knowing I can always connect with them if I am ever in need.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I'd heard it was the best design program in the state, even over ASU.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

Being a part of the fairly early days of the program at SCC and then seeing where the industry went, it became a passion of mine to help students from a mentoring program as well as showing design as a career and its potential impact. While I was in Kansas City, I guest taught high school and college classes, participated in mentorship programs, mentored portfolio reviews, judged portfolios, and founded a non-profit geared towards inspiring, connecting, and educating design professionals with a tangential focus on students.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I'm currently Head of Design at a startup in Sydney, Australia. While my career is predominantly focused on digital products, I also work with our marketing team for design needs which taps back into all the education and knowledge I got at SCC from Peggy Deal's classes. To this day, I still have to remember about bleed, leading, kerning, orphans, etc. There are so many fundamentals I learned from design principles around white space, balance, hierarchy, etc. that are absolutely pertinent to today's design work that I do.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

No, I moved from AZ in 2011 and currently live in Sydney, Australia.

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

Particularly for the design program - it's by far one of the best programs you can be a part of over any uni or online school. Whatever you're interested in, it will give you the foundation you need for any design direction you want to go.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Born and raised in Scottsdale, SCC was in my backyard, so to speak. When I finished high school a semester early, my mother gave me two choices: 1) start college early or 2) get a job. I selected the first option and in the second semester of my high school senior year I dipped my toe into college and took an English class. This helped prepare me for the transition to college. Upon graduation from high school, I became a full-time SCC student.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

Since my brother was a member of the SCC baseball team, I was already attending the games so it was a “natural fit” to take on the role as statistician for the baseball team. This gave me a connection to the college outside of my classes. My first degree was Elementary and Special Education. While in the process of completing my coursework, I learned I had an interest in history. My history instructor, Marshall Trimble, had a knack for storytelling and his ability to captivate a classroom instilled in me a genuine interest in history.

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

As for my personal life, I met my husband of 30 years. We started dating while both students at SCC and have two children. SCC is where the “magic happened.” I learned that I find history interesting and that education is a career that I would enjoy for many years.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

I was not always the best student in high school. My educational and extracurricular experience at SCC enabled me to see that I could be a successful college student and that I could do it on my own. I learned that I was tenacious and that I embodied the persistent determination to complete a college degree and become a successful educator. Just being willing to take that first step and enroll at SCC started my journey toward a 24 year teaching career in both Special Education and Government and Economics.

What words of encouragement do you have for those who follow in your footsteps?

It can be frightening to start college, yet you will find “the community” in a community college. Give college a try and do it at your own pace. High School is so scripted; at college you get to be in charge. SCC is very accessible, the cost is affordable, the class size is comfortable and the setting is convenient. Just be willing to take that first step.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I took classes there before returning to ASU to complete the final year of my bachelors degree and have taken several standalone classes over the years. STEP was the first complete program I took at SCC. I found the instructors available when needed, staff always friendly and helpful, and the campus easy to get around.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

It is the neighborhood community college with a neighborhood feel.

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

I teach College and Career readiness at the middle school down the street, so it has helped me in numerous ways. Knowing there is such a great educational option so close is wonderful.

How has SCC helped influence your success?

SCC classes gave me the education and tools to make my 2nd career move.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Creating tight bonds and lasting relationships through the rigorous year+ in the STEP program.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

Yes. I have taken my 7th and 8th graders to SCC for scheduled campus tours.

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

It's convenient, easy, friendly, and affordable.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I am a College and Career Enhancement teacher at Mohave Middle School in Scottsdale. This is my 5th year teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in Mohave’s Habits of Study class. I was fortunate enough to help define the curriculum for this a few years ago and enjoy teaching the students how to be successful today, tomorrow, and in the future. The STEP program allowed me the opportunity to learn the teaching practices necessary for a successful classroom. That learning along with my years of life experience in several areas, has allowed me to find a place where I can enjoy the privilege of connecting with pre-teens as they strive to fine-tune the habits that will help them continue to successfully reach their goals.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

A friend suggested that I look at SCC. I had gotten admitted to school in New York but it was financially out of reach. I knew I wanted to focus on theatre, but even the state universities were out of my price range. While in high school, my teacher was unsupportive of my theatre ambitions, given my status as a person with a light-sensitive seizure disorder. I wanted to prove her wrong and follow what I was passionate about, so I started researching and asking my friends in college questions about their experiences. I entered SCC with a plan. I was going to find an effective way to communicate with the theatre faculty, and my future co-workers, and actively discover solutions to the challenges my disability presented in my chosen field. I could do this successfully because of the care and dedication of the theatre faculty. They advocated for me when I didn’t know how, and taught me that my voice was powerful and worth listening to. I was worth working with, even if I had roadblocks.

At SCC, I learned to advocate for myself and I learned the value of self-care and time management. As they say in theatre, “the show must go on”, therefore it is essential to focus on caring for my ensemble and myself.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

It’s hard to pick one because I have many unforgettable memories here. Everyone on campus is friendly! I have felt that kindness even more since I began working here. My current favorite memory of working here has to be the day I helped out with the Dance

program by running the box office for their high school matinee. One of the teachers invited was an SCC alumna, and she excitedly started showing her class some of the pictures hanging on the wall in the lobby and pointed out “I took those pictures!”

The students were in awe of the pictures and looked starry-eyed at their teacher. Angie, the head of the dance department, also watched this exchange and decided to surprise this alumna and her students by including a piece directed and videographed by this same teacher. When the video of the dance played, the kiddos went wild and cheered for their teacher and the dancers in the filmed piece. It was so exciting to watch the kids get so excited, and it was heart-warming to see that even after graduating, the faculty here at SCC care so much about all of their students, past, current, and future.

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

Why wouldn’t you come to SCC? There are many opportunities here, not just in the Performing Arts fields. There are so many fun and engaging on-campus events. Our classes are cheaper than university classes, but the quality of education is the same and in some cases, even better than what the universities offer. It’s a great place to learn something new every day. Everyone is so supportive and interested in your success.

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

SCC has helped me foster confidence in myself. When I first got to SCC, I believed my high school theatre teacher was right; that I had no place in the performing arts with my disability, that I was taking up space that could have gone to someone else more able-bodied. But Don, Mandy, Maren (former faculty), Bill, and Glen have all shown me ways to communicate effectively with others about my disability, and have given me a space to try things and fail and get back up and try again. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. I would have never written a play or opened up our theatre company, Devil’s Dice Productions. But they were there, they stepped up for their students every single day, and I can only hope that one day I help someone out the way they all helped me.

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

When I started SCC, I was a frightened little kid. Today, I work in the department that raised me. I am the acting Performing Arts Coordinator for the Scottsdale School of Film + Theatre. On top of my day-to-day duties, my mentor, Don K Williams, has given me opportunities to assist him in co-teaching workshops and enrollment events to help encourage high school students to join our department after graduation. Some of my favorite experiences with our future students include these workshops and speaking with them at other enrollment events like College Fairs and Table Talks. I love the enthusiasm and excitement of these future students, and it is easy to convince them to consider us a viable option for higher education because we offer so many opportunities here at SCC.

My most exciting endeavor beyond my job at SCC is a play/project that I started as a student in Don K Williams’ Acting 2 course, The Death of the Swan, and our theatre company, Devil’s Dice Productions. I am a devised artist. Devised theatre is the practice of collective collaboration, wherein a group of like-minded artists work together to tell a story. They write or improvise the script, find compelling metaphors to interweave into design elements and workshop the play until it’s a finalized piece. I came to Don because I wanted to work on those artistic muscles, and he suggested that I take his Acting 2 course due to the final project, the solo show.

The assignment was to pick a famous or infamous person from history who has passed on and tell a wider story about the world using their life or influence as a starting point. He also suggested we look at the special skills section on our resumes and pick someone with the talents we shared. At first, I thought of using Carrie Fisher, but I needed help finding a simple and effective way of telling the story. Don told me to return to the drawing board and suggested I consider the other option I brought to class, the famed Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova.

Most people these days probably don’t recognize her name, but I grew up attending Nina Marlow’s Russian ballet school. Nina’s great-great-grandfather, Mikhail Fokine, was a constant collaborator of Anna Pavlova. Her family owned these large, elaborate pictures of this beautiful ballerina in a bright, feathery white costume. I knew her name but didn't know her story until I started researching her for my assignment. Once I did, I discovered that her artistic ideology matched well with my and my SCC mentors' teaching. I found similarities in our chosen story-telling styles and inspiration in her famous solo piece, La Morte de la Cygne (or, The Death of the Swan), which documented the final moments of a swan right before its demise. I started playing with the idea of what if instead of the Swan fighting off the cold grip of Death, it was Anna.

I found my subject, and the next part of the project was figuring out how to tell the story compellingly. We weren’t allowed to write our own words for the story. The expectation was to find direct sources and either quotes from them, from famous roles they played, or songs they sang. I was worried that writing a compelling script with such a strict limitation was impossible, but as Mandy Embry always says, “Limitation breeds creativity!”

My first stop was the SCC Library, and I was lucky enough to find quite a comprehensive autobiography on Pavlova, titled Pavlova: A Portrait of A Dancer. This overview of her life introduced me to a second text by Pavlova’s husband, Victor Deandre. Both sources of text and a collection of poems written in honor of Anna Pavlova created my script today. I then had to figure out where Death’s lines would come from, and here’s where the devised collaboration came into play. I asked my loved ones to give me a list of references of their favorite versions of personified Death, and I began to pick and choose some of my favorite iterations and character traits from them. After a long process of writing, editing, and designing a soundscape for the very first time, I finally finished the first draft of The Death of the Swan. This first round was 15 minutes by myself on stage. I played both Anna and Death, but luckily Death was a recording of my voice layered over itself to sound spooky and ethereal, so I didn’t have to memorize their lines. After this initial round, Don approached me and told me to keep going. He told me I should expand it, so I did, this time as a 30-minute version by myself onstage. After showing that round to the summer conservatory students, Don approached me again and said, okay, once more! Expand it just a little more. This time, I was determined to bring in another actor to play Death, which then turned into two

actors playing Death. After months of practicing and refining, we were fortunate enough to be selected to attend the Tucson Fringe Fest, and we got to perform the piece for a larger audience. We received amazing feedback from the festival attendees and even won the Best Show With Dance (Physical Movement) award.

The next stage of the journey is the most exciting part; in June our small crew will be attending the Hollywood Fringe Festival for 6 performances of the piece. We performed The Death of the Swan for the community on the SCC as a benefit concert to raise funds for our trip to Hollywood. For more information about the performance, please visit The Death of the Swan or email me at [email protected].