“We help children and families get to where they need to be – to be successful at whatever it is they’re struggling through as it relates to their mental health. So, the job I do is really rewarding and fulfilling in the sense that I have the opportunity to go out every day and help other people. And, just having that idea that I’m making an impact and knowing that I’m doing something to help not just help individual children and families, but also impact the greater community as a whole.” – Robert Madril, College Success Arizona Scholar, from Nogales, Arizona who received his Bachelor’s Degree, in Psychology, from the University of Arizona, and works as a clinical supervisor at an outpatient mental health clinic in Tucson.

“I know that psychiatric nursing has been brought more into the light over the past few years, and I feel that I want to be on the front lines of making a difference in that field, because it is very new as far being able to diagnose. It’s kind of a fuzzy line, because you are basically diagnosing people on symptoms that can overlap each other…” – Cynthia Lee, College Success Arizona Scholar, currently working as a Registered Nurse at Banner a Health in Tucson and at Tucson Medical Center.

Continuing with this feature, we’re be taking a closer look at the College Success Arizona team, the people that make all that we do happen.  We’ll be asking the normal “tell us a little about yourself” questions, but also delving a little deeper into each team member’s personality, and what makes them who they are.

This month’s subject is our newest Success Adviser, Staphany Ramirez.

In this edition: In this edition – Congratulations Graduates ― 62 of our scholars are receiving their degrees this month; Partnerships: The Key to Student Success ― As the labor market becomes increasingly dependent on skilled workers who have at least some education beyond high school—whether that means an associate or bachelor’s degree, or a professional credential—student success in college is as important as it has ever been; Student Spotlight ― Tim Balzora, 19 years old and attending Glendale Community College, has a long-term career goal of using technology to improve microphones; College Success Arizona Awards Scholarships to 131 Arizona High School Students; DACA Ruling ― The April 9th ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court dealt a blow to thousands of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students in our state; Leaders & Legends 2018 Update ― Luncheon Moved to November 1st

“I realized pretty early in life that I am motivated by protecting people, and helping people, because that’s what I was expected to do by my other siblings when we were growing up in a bad environment. And, then when I was growing up a teacher helped pull me out of depression which was caused by my home situation. So, my job now and my mission now is a ‘permanent pay it forward’ sort of thing.” – Joan Smith, College Success Arizona Scholar, from Yuma, now working in Tucson as a Social Worker.

“Ever since I was little I’ve always admired teachers, and especially throughout my whole middle school and high school career. During that time, I grew really close bonds to two of my teachers, and I think that really encouraged me to pursue a degree which would allow me to become an educator. I’ve always wanted to work around little children and be in that world, so maybe I’ll end up being a Kindergarten teacher.” – College Success Arizona Scholar, Citlalli Celis, who was born and raised in Phoenix and graduated from North High School in 2017, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Development at Arizona State University.

“I say to anybody who is planning to attend college, ‘definitely don’t be afraid to just jump right in.’ Everything that can be very stressful about going to college can be fixed by asking a simple question and raising your hand. I would say that are no stupid questions and there is no discrimination because we are all here to learn, and the professors are all here to teach…” – Tim Balzora, College Success Arizona and Glendale Community College Excel student who plans on getting his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University, once he completes his Associate Degree at GCC.

“One of my goals is to definitely make a bigger difference – I know that here on the West Side there aren’t that many resources available to get help if you’re going through some type of trauma or substance abuse. I definitely want to help out in my community, because my community is very important to me, and growing up here just made me realize that somebody needs to step up and provide those type of resources” – Ashanti Ruiz, College Success Arizona Scholar from Phoenix, who graduated from Maryvale High School and is currently wrapping up her second year at Glendale Community College, from there Ashanti plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health, and eventually a Master’s Degree.

In this edition we cover – We’re Hiring ― College Success Arizona is seeking a qualified Director of Development to join our team to further our mission of providing access to a postsecondary education for first-generation and low-income students in Arizona, College Attainment and Future Success Begin with Improved Financial Aid, Student Spotlight ― Paulina Vazquez Paulina Vazquez is working on her dream of one day being an orthopedic surgeon for the Arizona Cardinals, or another professional sports team, Renewal of Prop. 301 is Good News for Public Education in Arizona, AzCAN Information ― In-State tuition revoked for DACA Students & Member Spotlight – Mesa Counts on College, and more.

“Oh my gosh, it was so hard! It was definitely harder than I thought it was going to be, and I was working full-time while attending night school. So, it was definitely something that I wasn’t ready for but overall I finished it in the time that it’s supposed to take, and I guess that’s all that counts.” – Vanessa Hernandez, College Success Arizona Scholar, who received her Bachelor’s Degrees in in Political Science and Justice Studies from Arizona State University, and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Grand Canyon University, and is now working as aan Admissions Counselor at Grand Canyon University (GCU).