Alumni Success

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

Get friendly with your teachers. This opened up more opportunities to work and collaborate. Developing relationships with your teachers and fellow students enables you to establish a supportive and collaborative network.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I originally planned to come to SCC to study film. Since I had two young kids, I pivoted to Graphic Design as I was able to take a combination of online and on-campus classes, which was a better option for me and my family.

Please describe your involvement at SCC.

While at SCC, I was a member of the Honors Program and graduated with honors and distinction. For my Honors Project, I created a print piece to seek employment with the International Printing Museum (IPM). I also built a website as part of this project. I entered the finished project in a contest hosted by the IPM and won. I entered my work in numerous contests throughout my time at SCC. In the spring of 2023, I entered a sticker contest for SCC Library stickers and won 1st and 3rd place. I won various awards by entering my work into the Print Industry Association’s (PIA) student competition in the Spring of 2025. I was awarded Outstanding Leadership in 2024 at the SCC Excellence Under the Stars ceremony.

Describe one of the most memorable aspects of your student experience at SCC?

My most memorable experience was a Print field trip last year to California. A small group of seven students and three instructors visited three large print facilities (one for Disneyland, one for artists, and the third for labeling medications), and we also visited the International Printing Museum (IPM) and got a private tour of the museum. The IPM has one of the largest collections of antique printing presses in the United States. In addition to expanding my knowledge of the print industry, I further developed my leadership skills as I was the student leader for our group during this field trip.

Who were the most influential instructors or staff members you encountered at SCC, and why?

Peggy Deal introduced me to print, and Jennie Kale Long voluntold me about any opportunities in graphic design and print.

Please share the role that scholarship played in your educational journey.

I received the RAISE Foundation Scholarship awarded to students studying printing management. I also received the Elizabeth Alexander Scholarship. I also received a few other merit-based scholarships within our program. Receiving these scholarships allowed me to take some of the financial burden off our one-income household, enabling me to take all the courses SCC had available in the Visual Communication program.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. 

After completing my Associate's degree in Visual Communication, I have begun to work toward my bachelor’s degree, as this will help me advance in my profession. I will complete a bachelor's degree in Strategic Leadership with an emphasis on Industrial Management through the 90/30 program at Northern Arizona University (NAU). I am currently employed as a Print Operator. Kathy, the rep for PIA, passed my information on to Doxim, and that is how I secured my post-school employment.

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

The Visual Communications program at SCC provided me with hands-on experiences that I would encounter in the real world. The supportive and collaborative classroom environment provided me with opportunities to thrive. When I encountered challenging life situations, I benefited from the support and encouragement of my instructors. I was encouraged to expand my knowledge and reach beyond my comfort zone. I apply the knowledge that I gained at SCC every day at my job as a Print Operator.

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

SCC showed me that I could attend college and work, and that I could get through it and succeed. I learned so much at SCC that ASU felt easier (when I was forced to transition there). By the time I finished my MBA, I was headed to law school. I still PROUDLY display my SCC diploma!!

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Sadly, I did not have a supportive home life when I was young. I had to move out while in high school and attended SCC after a short stint at ASU, which was totally overwhelming for a new adult. SCC took me with open arms and provided a support system that I had never experienced before. Learning at SCC was so much fun.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I loved SCC so much they had to force me to leave! At graduation, I had 10 more credit hours than necessary, and I was so hesitant to go. I absolutely loved my experience there – so much so I've always wanted to donate a tree and bench to the campus when I pass away. SCC was HOME.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Going on dates to the incredible culinary experience that is the SCC restaurant.

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

I got an AAS in Business with honors. My favorite classes were the communications and English classes I took – we always had a great discussion and learned so much about language and people.

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

I completed the SCC-to-ASU transfer program and earned my bachelor's degree in Political Science and History from ASU West in December 2004—just six days before giving birth to my first child. While attending ASU, I worked as a realtor, where I discovered a passion for real estate, contracts, and negotiations.

After graduation, I enrolled in an MBA program, initially hoping to delay repaying my student loans. Soon after, my spouse and I moved to Texas. In 2006, my life took an unexpected turn when I was involved in a head-on car accident. I had to relearn how to walk and undergo jaw replacement surgery. Although I paused my MBA studies while recovering, I refused to let the setback define my future.

Once I regained my health, I felt more determined than ever to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney. While completing my MBA, I moved to San Antonio with my three-year-old son to attend St. Mary's University School of Law. I graduated in 2011, passed the bar exam on my first attempt, and was recruited by AT&T, which brought me to Dallas.

For the next five years, I worked in AT&T's supply chain organization, negotiating contracts and leading a small team. In 2016, I took another leap of faith and launched my own law firm. Today, I lead a team of six employees, and I still rely on many of the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills I first developed at Scottsdale Community College.

Those same skills have also shaped me beyond my career. In 2012, while working at AT&T, I welcomed my daughter into our family. Looking back, I realize that the lessons I learned at SCC have helped me not only as a business owner and attorney, but also as a parent. If my two children are to be believed, I'm doing a pretty good job at that, too.

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

DO IT! Just do it. The worst thing that ever happens in life is death. Signing up for SCC will not kill you. The worst case scenario: you change a class or a major – it's fine.

Whatever your realistic dreams are, follow them. If you want an education, go to SCC. It was as high-quality an education as law school was for me. Seriously, it was better than ASU!!

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I attended with my daughter, and we took several classes together. I found my sense of purpose and self-worth. I found my confidence. My daughter and I graduated and walked together in the commencement ceremony.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

As a (late) returning student, I easily found my place in classes, clubs, and groups.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My peers elected me to lead as the President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

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

It prepared me for my Bachelor's and provided opportunities to give back to the community and fall in love with people of all backgrounds, cultures, orientations, and ages. It taught me to see things from so many different perspectives. I also made several lifelong friends who were also my teachers during my time at SCC.

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

President of the Year, Phi Theta Kappa, completed the Women Rising 4 pillars pins, was the liaison for the campus blood drive for 3 semesters, helped with Human Trafficking Awareness week/month on campus, and I received my pins. Each semester, I achieved the highest honors and graduated with a 4.0 GPA.

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

I received my Associate's degree in the Social Sciences as I focused mainly on Psychology classes. I think I took everything they offered at the time in that field.

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

I received too many academic scholarships to/name.

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

My daughter and I went to GCU, and again, we graduated together with our Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Then, when she continued to pursue her Master's in Health Psychology, I got my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Trauma Emphasis. I interned with A New Leaf, helping those in my community. Now I am the Behavioral Health Lead at Recovia in Mesa, an inpatient and outpatient program (IOP) combining mental health, addiction help, physical therapy, and medical.

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

Enjoy the journey, and take a wide variety of classes that fit within your degree's requirements. I needed a language, so I took Spanish. I needed an elective, so I took Microeconomics to learn more about how the world works. Join clubs, apply for scholarships, and spend time getting to know your classmates and teachers. It's well worth it.

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.