Hard Work. Perseverance. Transformation.

Compiled and edited by Dina Doolen, Marketing, Communications and Strategic Outreach

Meet four graduates from Pima’s Class of 2026 who demonstrate the power of perseverance. Each of them have their unique story of how they started at Pima, what they learned and where they’re going next.

Dillon, B.

Field Archaeology
Palm Desert, California

Dillon is a veteran and first-generation college student-parent who loves archaeology and will be graduating with honors.

Why did you choose to attend Pima?
I chose Pima because the archaeology program here is the BEST in North America.

What stood out most about your experience in your program?
The staff are remarkable, and the techniques that they teach are absolutely vital to doing this kind of work.

What was your favorite Pima student perk?
Being professionally connected to so many great people!

In a few sentences, what's your Pima story you'd like to share with the world?
I am a veteran who has spent a lot of time in and out of chaotic and uncertain situations, but I was able to ground myself and pursue a degree at the University of Arizona and also work through Pima’s certificate program. I was able to accomplish these things all while moving my family back from Asia and having another child. Doing this took an enormous amount of concentration and commitment, but it IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE! Anyone is capable of these things, they just need to know who they are and what they want.

As a Pima graduate, what are you most proud of?
I am proud of the commitment I have to this great program!

What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I plan on working and pursuing a graduate degree in archaeology.

Genesis V.

Justice Professions
Tucson, AZ

Genesis is a first-generation college student who did many of her classes through PimaOnline.

Why did you choose to attend Pima?
Pima is affordable and going here helped me with understanding college.

What was your program of study, and why did you select it?
Administration of Justice Professions because I want to become an immigration attorney.

What stood out most about your experience in your program?
How helpful professors were and how much I learned in four years.

What was your favorite Pima student perk?
Tutoring (free at all campuses) and booking study rooms (available in Pima libraries and Downtown Campus Learning Center)

How has your time at Pima shaped you — academically, personally or professionally?
My time at Pima has taught me how to balance being a full-time student and having a full-time job. I’ve become stronger to handle pressure and stress, but also learned to live in every moment and remember to take time for myself. I became more confident in myself and know I can achieve things with strength and hard work.

As a Pima graduate, what are you most proud of?
I never gave up. I kept pushing through even when things got extremely difficult. I kept my head up.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?
Continue to work and transfer to a university.

In a few sentences, what's your Pima story you'd like to share with the world?
My journey at Pima Community College has been one of growth, resilience and self-discovery. I’ve faced challenges that tested me mentally and emotionally. But instead of giving up, I used those challenges as motivation to push forward. Through every class, setback and success, I’ve learned that strength isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about continuing even when things feel uncertain. Pima helped shape not just my education, but the person I’m becoming.

Oscar, R.

Cybersecurity
Tucson, AZ

Why did you choose Pima?
I chose to attend Pima because it was a good starting point for my bachelor’s. I had taken a gap year after high school and decided to start toward getting my bachelor’s degree.

What was your program of study, and why did you select it?
I chose Cybersecurity because I was doing cyber security things from a young age without realizing what cyber security was. I was installing mods for various video games, breaking the Internet to fix the Internet.

What stood out most about your experience in your program?
The fact that there was almost an infinite amount of resources for support. The Pima East IT CoE and the Arizona Cyber Warfare Range there are also great resources to learn and grow from.

What was your favorite Pima student perk?
The Pima Fitness Pass hands down 100%.

How has your time at Pima shaped you — academically, personally or professionally?
It has completely transformed and molded me into the person I wanted to become for my career. Pima assisted me in a multitude of ways. I walked into the West Campus Fitness Center at 320 pounds, I walked out for the last time weighing in around 270. I had started my journey at 370. I started acting like the person I wanted to become career-wise. Pima not only helped me build the habits and muscle memory that I would need for my career but also the habits I would need for my weight loss.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I have started a new job at IBM. I also plan to transfer to the University of Arizona.

What's your best "Pima Pro Tip" for a new student just starting out here?
I have a twofer – get connected with your community and the people in your program of study. And, when you feel like giving up ask yourself, “What was the original reason I started and how badly do I want this?

Christian O.

Liberal Arts
El Paso, Texas

Christian is a first-generation student-parent who is graduating with honors. Here is his story.

Why did you choose to attend Pima?
I chose Pima because, when I came home, I knew there was more for me. I had already started my education while I was incarcerated and Pima was always the school I pictured myself at; but it felt out of reach until I walked out with a new hunger and a new drive.

What was your program of study, and why did you select it?
I chose Liberal Arts because I wanted to take full advantage of everything Pima offered. It let me handle my general ed courses while still having the freedom to explore the programs, supports and opportunities that helped me level up in every area of my life.

What was your favorite Pima student perk?
My favorite perk at Pima has been being able to represent the school. I love tabling at events, talking to people about Pima and helping others find their way in.

As a Pima graduate, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the fact that I stuck with school and I made it no matter what obstacles I faced. I faced re-incarceration and parole violations because I chose to be in class rather than a parole mandated “mental health” class. I dealt with homelessness throughout several semesters, domestic violence and all the worst things you’d imagine that would surely take you off track. Because I chose this commitment to my academic journey, I became involved with PTK (Phi Theta Kappa), started exploring the events and opportunities further, and found purpose in my life. Being involved in a leadership development position is something I am most proud of.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I have been accepted to the UofA! I will start my bachelor’s program in psychology but still be taking classes at Pima because I love Pima so much!

In a few sentences, what's your Pima story you’d like to share with the world?
I came here at a point when I was ready to walk away from education completely. An advisor stopped me at the door, looked at my old grades and told me I belonged here. She couldn’t believe what I’d already accomplished. I told her the truth: Prison taught me resilience. I learned to stay out of trouble, work out, keep my head down and make education my priority. That discipline became my lifeline.

Pima gave me a second shot at the life I knew I was capable of. I built community, joined PTK, met people who opened doors and made powerful friends through networking and putting myself out there.

Outside of school, I built Stanced Up Click (a car and culture club) and Project Wheels In Motion, using car culture, fashion and community events to bring people together and show what’s possible when you start from nothing and refuse to quit.

My story is for anyone who loves the underdog – the ones who weren’t supposed to make it, but did anyway. I came from nothing and I’m turning it into something big.