BS - Computer Science, Arizona State University
You are never losing anything when improving your education and your sociability. Being around people who want the best for you is an amazing opportunity. People at SCC want you to grow. Try everything. Seek out opportunities.
Tell us about your involvement at SCC.
I was a member of the Robotics club. As the club president, it was challenging during Covid to develop a plan for the team to remain engaged. I wanted to nurture the ambition of others and engage the membership in volunteer community service with St. Mary’s Food Bank on Saturday mornings. This was not an easy sell, yet proved to be rewarding for all involved.
Outside of class, I owned a candle business. This proved to be a great hobby during COVID. I see value in the intersection of STEM and the arts, and I am committed to continuing to nurture my artistic side and keep it thriving.
What made SCC the right fit for you?
During my campus visit, I felt the campus community’s passion for making students successful. I noticed the peaceful campus environment and was met with positive energy, kindness, and generosity. This atmosphere carried through my entire time at SCC. I always felt appreciated and valued. At every turn, a faculty member promoted something that could help my life or make me great. The environment felt honest and caring, and I was right. This school brought opportunities for my growth; it gave me a space to work hard and strive to be the best. I could not recommend SCC more, and for this school and its staff, I am forever grateful.
Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.
One of my favorite memories is the virtual meeting with the Math department faculty and staff congratulating me. The acknowledgment and validation of their accolades provided were amazing. My mentors and those who inspired me gave me an extraordinary source of praise. Another highlight I recall is lunch with the scholarship donors. This opportunity to acknowledge my gratitude for their support was very impactful. A highlight of each day on campus was spending time at Two Waters Circle near the Math department. This was an incredibly fulfilling experience and an opportunity for reflection. I measured my degree timeline from those moments spent there.
What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?
SCC spoiled me. Being in such a professional-strengthening environment, I expected this culture elsewhere. SCC took the strongest parts of what I learned and furthered my overall well-roundedness. I fondly recall the physics classes I took as being the most rewarding and challenging classes I have taken. I still stay in touch with people from that class.
Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.
I completed an associate's degree in Applied Science. At SCC, I flourished in the Math department as I strived for excellence. Patricia Dueck told me about the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholarship opportunity. Her course was one of my toughest courses. I plan to continue in the ASU 4+1 Master’s program and am considering focusing on cybersecurity. I am yearning to return to the academic environment as I took a break due to employment.
List any scholarship(s) you received while attending SCC.
Receiving a scholarship meant everything at the time it was received, and I have those same feelings now. This financial support lifted such a weight from my shoulders and enabled me to focus on academics. I felt as though I had a support system. I wanted to embody the values of the scholarship donor in what I did in and out of the classroom. I wanted to make donors proud, and I felt propelled forward by their support in the constant pursuit of success.
Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start and where are you now?
I am currently a Security Analyst for United Airlines. I am phasing out an old software program used at hubs nationwide and developing a new one. My goal is to be a security architect working with one of the big four technology companies.
What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?
One of the things students struggle with is fear. They are afraid to make the wrong decision. You are never losing anything when improving your education and your sociability. Being around people who want the best for you is an amazing opportunity. People at SCC want you to grow. Try everything. Seek out opportunities.