Student Stories

These are the stories that make our work worth it. We love seeing students reach success, even if they need a little support along the way.

Student Name

Intro paragraph that starts to tell a student's story. Shows their hardship and glimmer of hope from MCCF, then trails

Read Name’s Story

Student Name

Intro paragraph that starts to tell a student's story. Shows their hardship and glimmer of hope from MCCF, then trails

Read Name’s Story

Gillian

"I hope to give back to those who have helped me during my education journey."

"When I first saw the scholarship acceptance email in my inbox, it immediately reminded me of the excitement and passion I have for my field. Your support helps confirm the fact that I am on the right path and going to make a difference in the world. Keeping people safe, and helping them understand complex subjects, is something I loved about working in insurance. Being able to continue to do this makes me believe I will live a very fulfilled life! I am currently figuring out my bachelors degree details, and graduating seems more and more in reach as the days go by. I recently decided to pursue the Cyber Policy and Law focus in my major and I am thrilled at the opportunities the future holds. Without the financial burden, I am able to fully focus on my studies and put my best foot forward into my career. I recently got a new job as an executive assistant to an internet company. Being connected to the channel and interacting with experts carrying decades of experience, has reinforced my commitment to the tech security world. We need online security more than ever, and I hope to give back to those who have helped me during my education journey."

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Talmage

"I am honored and grateful for this opportunity, and I will pursue my education to help protect individuals from online...

"Thank you so much for helping me to advance my schooling through this scholarship. I am currently attending Glendale Community College with a major in computer science. This scholarship helps me to advance in the cybersecurity field. Specifically, this money helps me to pay for transportation to the college, and it helps me to save money for my own mode of transportation. One of my proudest achievements was receiving the eagle scout award around the age of 15. Another achievement of mine was graduating with a 3.89 GPA. With this scholarship, I can put my knowledge and learning to use to become a productive member of society. I am honored and grateful for this opportunity, and I will pursue my education to help protect individuals from online attacks."

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Eduardo

"I am writing this letter to inform you of my gratitude towards your generosity. I feel honored and lucky to...

"I am writing this letter to inform you of my gratitude towards your generosity. I feel honored and lucky to have been awarded this scholarship to help fund my education towards a degree in cybersecurity. This is actually my first scholarship that I have been awarded. When I read the email I literally screamed. Part of the reason for my excitement is that I know how much this award will help. My total monthly amount for bills is just over two thousand dollars. So by accepting this award I know that a quarter of my bills for the next two months will be covered. This will allow me to worry less about bills and focus more on the material I am trying to learn. I aim to graduate with my degree by next year. And I can not thank you enough for your belief in me and your support. I will make sure to do you proud."

Read Eduardo's Story
anabella

Karen

"I am sincerely honored and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your scholarship."

Receiving this scholarship means the world to me, thank you so much! I am going to school and continuing my education to be a nurse. I have dreamt of being a nurse for as long as I can remember. I have always felt the need to help others and making a difference in someone's life is something that makes me content. I am incredibly grateful to have been accepted into the Paradise Valley Community College nursing program. I plan to work my absolute hardest to be the best student I can be. I am going into block two this fall! I know in my heart that I will be an amazing nurse someday. I am very hopeful for the future, and I am excited about this huge stepping stone that will lead me closer to achieving my goals. I also have an amazing daughter who is my biggest motivation to be someone who makes a difference in life. Lyon's Pride Annabell Castillo, Scottsdale Community College Dear Donor, I am sincerely honored and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your scholarship. I am currently enrolled in Maricopa’s CEP Nursing program. This accelerated program entails completing my ADN at Scottsdale Community College, while completing my BSN at Arizona State University, in which I plan to graduate in the fall of 2024. My long-term goal is to become an Oncology Nurse. Thanks to your generous scholarship, I am now one-step closer to achieving that goal. Additionally, in my academic career, I have maintained a 3.5 GPA and am an Honors Student. Aside from my academics, I currently work full-time as a Nursing Assistant at Mayo Clinic Hospital in order to pay for school and achieve my dreams in becoming a nurse. At work, I am one of the main preceptors that train new employees during their orientation. I have also been certified in training others on how to use patient transferring devices safely. I have set aside savings from overtime shifts I work weekly in order to financially support my goals. Although achieving my dreams has been financially difficult and has caused financial hardship, these challenges have taught me resilience and grit. It has motivated me in putting forth my best effort at work and in my academic career. Furthermore, as a first generation Asian-American and one of the first in my family to attend college and be in the medical field, being a selected recipient for your scholarship is a great privilege. Knowing how my grandparents fled Laos in the 1970’s with their nine children in order to seek a better life for their family and future generations to come, it has always been a dream and goal of mine to show them that their courage and hard-work was all worth it. Additionally, it is my dream and goal to prove to not only my grandparents, but my own parents how their work ethics have also inspired my life. A few months ago, my family experienced a tragedy. My father passed away on December 21, 2021, just a few days before Christmas. With his passing, it has allowed me to reminisce on all the life lessons I have learned growing up, and has given me more of a reason to pursue and achieve my RN degree. Despite the recent obstacles, receiving your scholarship has provided me with the opportunity and motivation to continue my education to eventually make my family and community proud.

Read Karen's Story

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Carolyn Szatkowski

Carolyn Szatkowski is a lifelong learner and alumna of Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC). She personally witnessed the efficacy of the community college experience and has become a tireless and relentless voice, advocate, and champion for all of the Maricopa Community Colleges. She spends over 20 hours a week working on behalf of PVCC, and she is constantly “on the lookout” for new opportunities for student access and success. Carolyn’s passion for education sees no boundaries.

Engaging the campus in positive social change initiatives is Carolyn’s greatest contribution. Her efforts to strengthen communities and broaden perspectives are exemplified in her service to Paradise Valley Community College. Carolyn has an uncanny ability to see opportunities for collaboration that create alignment with our learning-centered college philosophy.

Fund College Fund Type Fund Notes Donate
Dreamer Promise Pathway Estrella Mountain Grant Donations to this Fund will support students attending the Estrella Mountain College Donations to this Fund will support students attending the Estrella Mountain College
Dreamer Promise Pathway Estrella Mountain Grant Donations to this Fund will support students attending the Estrella Mountain College Donations to this Fund will support students attending the Estrella Mountain College