Willing to Keep Learning. Striving to Help Others.

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

Meet Alex Guzman, the Commencement Speaker for Pima’s Class of 2026. Alex is an entrepreneur and is Phi Theta Kappa. He already is taking classes at Northern Arizona University. Hear how he got started, what he learned, and where he’s going next.

Alex G.

Associate of Arts-Liberal Arts

Honors Program Certificate
Nogales, AZ

Alex is founder and owner of Woozia, with a mission to make practical, real-world education more accessible to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Here is his story of being an adult learner.

Why did you choose to attend Pima?

I chose Pima because I wanted to continue my education while staying connected to my community in southern Arizona. As a business owner and someone who cares deeply about local impact, staying close to home was important to me. What really stood out about Pima was the smaller class sizes and the ability to build genuine relationships with professors and classmates. I appreciated the sense of community and the more personal learning environment. Pima also made higher education accessible and flexible while still providing a high-quality experience. Some of my Pima classes were more rigorous than my classes at my current university, so the quality is unmatched.

What was your program of study, and why did you select it?

My primary program of study was an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. I’ve always had a strong interest in public administration, political science, business and the social and behavioral sciences, so I wanted a program that gave me flexibility to explore multiple areas while building a strong academic foundation. I also added a business certificate to further strengthen my entrepreneurial and leadership background.

What stood out most about your experience in your program?

What stood out most was the flexibility and variety of learning opportunities available through the program. I was able to take classes across many different disciplines, including honors courses, political science, science, music and Mexican American studies. That experience allowed me to build an interdisciplinary education that reflected both my personal interests and professional goals. It made learning feel highly customizable and engaging.

What was your favorite Pima student perk?

One of my favorite Pima student perks was access to the library and academic support resources. I spent a lot of time using the library, writing center and tutoring services throughout my academic journey. I also appreciated access to research databases, Arizona newspapers and platforms like Kanopy, which gives students access to documentaries and educational films. Another thing I really valued was that many of my classes used open educational resources instead of requiring expensive textbooks. That helps make education more affordable while also giving students access to learning materials that could be updated more frequently.

How has your time at Pima shaped you — academically, personally or professionally?

My time at Pima helped reinforce the belief that I’m capable of more than I sometimes give myself credit for. Like many students, I’ve experienced moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, but Pima gave me opportunities to challenge myself academically and personally. Pima reminded me that growth comes from being willing to keep learning and keep showing up.

As a Pima graduate, what are you most proud of?

I’m proud of my roots, my community and the opportunity to continue growing while staying connected to southern Arizona. One of the things I appreciated most about Pima was the diversity of people and experiences that came together in the classroom. I met students from many different backgrounds and generations, from teenagers starting their educational journey to older adults returning to school later in life. That experience gave me a stronger sense of unity, perspective and appreciation for lifelong learning and community.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? 

After graduating from Pima, I plan to continue my educational journey at Northern Arizona University, where I am already pursuing the next stages of my academic and professional goals, including an accelerated Master of Public Administration pathway. During my final semester at Pima, I was already taking courses at NAU. I’m passionate about public administration, leadership and community development, and I hope to eventually work in city management and public service. Alongside my academic goals, I also plan to continue growing my businesses and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and young business leaders in southern Arizona.

What's your best "Pima Pro Tip" for a new student just starting out here?

My biggest Pima Pro Tip is to take advantage of your greatest resource: your instructors. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek help and build relationships with the people around you. You are not alone at Pima. There are instructors, staff, tutors and fellow students who genuinely want to help you succeed. Pima offers so many free resources and support systems for students, and those resources can make a huge difference in your success. 

In a few sentences, what's your Pima story you'd like to share with the world?

My Pima story is about rediscovering my confidence and proving to myself that growth never stops. Returning to college as an adult learner pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it also helped me realize that I was capable of more than I believed. Through the support of instructors, classmates and the larger Pima community, I found a renewed sense of purpose, connection and momentum. Pima reminded me that education is not just about earning a degree. It is about becoming a better version of yourself while building a future that allows you to contribute to the people and communities around you.