Work & School

Paradise Valley Community College

I use to say that I was the product of fun.While all of my friends were in college planning their future, I worked as a waitress, living in the moment, earning daily cash; not realizing just how poorly I was setting myself up for the future, by not setting myself up for the future. Now I can say that I am a product of Paradise Valley Communtiy College. Not only am I a student of PVCC, earning an education so that I can be financially independent but I found a job here on campus. My employers have asked me what I want from my job and have done their absolute best to develop the skills that I have requested, which is to be work-ready in any work environment.

School

My twenty-something younger self left a messy transcript. In 2024 I began my current college career with a 2.76 GPA and several withdrawals (W’s) from leaving a full-time schedule mid-semester in 1997. In 2024 I enrolled full-time and attended all classes in person. My first major was Diagnostic Medical Sonography, but within a few months I realized the program required more time than I could realistically commit as an older student. I sought advice through career counseling and learned about Clinical Research Coordination. I immediately signed up for the first class, it began directly after Spring Break. Then I couldn't stop, I took a full course load that summer.

My second year differed: the Clinical Research Coordination classes were online, but I still longed to be on campus. Financial dependence made earning my own income a priority, so I decided to apply for a federal work-study position at Paradise Valley Community College.

Work Life

I was hired in the Student Life and Leadership Office at Paradise Valley Community College. The description for my job was to help coordinate The St. Mary’s Food Distribution and maintain the Puma Pantry. Two separate resources on campus that help fight student food insecurities. The Community Food Distribution occurs the first Thursday of every month that school is in session and the Puma Pantry provides food for the little Pantries around campus and emergency food bags for students in need. A few responsibilities and tasks were given specifically to me. However, I learned quickly by observing my co-workers as well as my supervisors, that Student Life employees work as a team. We all do our own part of the bigger picture and help our teammates where needed. 

Strengths

Before Paradise Valley Community College, I didn’t know what my strengths were. I came here as a returning student much older than most of my peers and as I am approaching the end of my college career, I learned that I adapt to new environments, I am determined and I can see projects through to the end.   At times, I would argue this next statement, however, I know it is a strength; my age is one of my strengths. I am 53 years wise. I bring life experience to everything.

Goals

I am receiving an education at Paradise Valley Community College to earn my AA as well as an AAS in Clinical Research Coordination in addition to the CCL in Clinical Research Coordination that I earned this past December. I will be walking at Graduation this May, however there is still a little more work to be done. My summer plans include completing my last 3 courses while working on campus in the Student Life and Leadership office. Summer classes as well as my most favorite job of my whole life will end in July, freeing up August and September for packing and moving into a new home.

I am completely torn when it comes to the work I want to do. I am absolutely in love with my job in Student Life and Leadership and have decided that if a job opens up at Paradise Valley Community College somewhere in the KSC Building, I may want to give this a try before Clinical Research Coordination. However, if that special job does not open up or come to me, I will search for a job in Clinical Research Coordination. I know that either road I take, it will lead me to life-long financial independence. Once I have been at my future job for a year, I plan to continue my education at NAU Online and earn my Bachelor's Degree.

Resume

Student Email: lis2059626@maricopa.edu

Contact: lisahight@mac.com