Four Journeys. One Powerful Next Step

Compiled and edited by Anne Denogean, Marketing, Communications and Strategic Outreach

From balancing careers and family to rediscovering passions and overcoming personal challenges, these Pima graduates show what’s possible with determination and support. Whether pursuing healthcare, human resources, the arts or a long-delayed dream, each found their path, built confidence and is stepping forward ready for what’s next.

Adriana R.

Human Resources
Tucson, AZ

What do you like to do for fun outside of school?
Spend my time with my family. In fact, I chose Pima because it offered a convenient at-home experience that fit my schedule as a mother of four and full-time healthcare worker.

What was your program of study, and why did you select it?
Human Resources, I choose this because the field offers job security. The world will always need Human Resources workers.

What stood out most about your experience in your program?
Being able to learn so much. With a background in human resources, you can do many things, from hiring, onboarding, pay stubs and more. You can never get bored.

How has your time at Pima shaped you — academically, personally, or professionally?
It improved my time-management skills. I had to learn to manage my time well to be a student, mother and full-time worker. It also helped with showing my kids you can do anything if you set your mind to it. I am proud of completing my time at Pima.

Isabel C.

Health Information Technology
Escondido, CA

Why did you choose Pima and your program?
I chose Pima so I could go back to school while still caring for my children. The online format made it possible to balance both. I selected Health Information Technology because it fit my schedule and gave me skills in anatomy, medical terminology and coding.

What stood out most about your experience?
The support. My instructors, tutoring services and online tools made a big difference. The Head Start program at Desert Vista also meant so much. My daughter was able to learn and grow while I focused on my studies.

How has Pima shaped you?
It helped me grow academically, personally and professionally. I earned my degree, built confidence and am now preparing for my Certified Professional Coder exam while continuing to support my family.

What’s your Pima story and advice for new students?
As a stay-at-home mom, I became the first in my family to graduate from community college, showing my children it’s never too late to chase your dreams. My advice to others in a similar position: Use all the free resources. They’re there to help you succeed.

Arlette S.

Associate of Liberal Arts
Rio Rico, AZ

What brought you to Pima and what did you study?
I chose Pima because it offered a supportive, creative environment where I could explore both academics and the arts. I pursued an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts so I could build strong critical thinking skills while continuing my passion for dance.

What made your Pima experience meaningful?
I really valued the balance between academic learning and creative expression. Having access to dance and performance facilities gave me the chance to practice, perform and connect with other students who share my passion.

How did Pima shape you?
Pima helped me grow both academically and personally. I gained confidence, learned how to balance my studies with dance and built meaningful friendships along the way.

What’s next for you?
I plan to open my own dance studio, creating a space where people can learn, express themselves and feel confident through movement - just like I did at Pima.