I am 42 years old beginning my journey as a first-year Information Technology student at Phoenix College, pursuing my associate’s degree, is driven by a clear ambition: to build a solid foundation for a Bachelor's in IT at a university. A mother of 4 adult children, a survivor of mental health setbacks, I’ve learned that there is not a problem to big that doesn’t have a solution. My diverse professional background, spanning medical, legal, hospitality, and construction sectors, has been instrumental in honing my adaptability and problem-solving skills. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of diverse operational needs, a crucial asset in the field of IT. My passion lies in bridging the gap between technology and practical solutions, with a particular interest in cybersecurity and network administration. I am eager to explore how these areas can be leveraged to enhance efficiency and tackle real-world challenges. My inherent ‘solution-oriented’ mindset, coupled with an unwavering eagerness to learn, fuels my confidence in excelling within a rigorous university IT program. I am actively seeking a university that offers strong research opportunities, hands-on laboratory experiences, and valuable industry connections. These resources are essential for me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. My ultimate goal is to leverage my IT education to empower individuals and organizations through innovative technological solutions, making a tangible difference in their operations and lives. My life has been a testament to resilience and the power of transformation. I've navigated a spectrum of experiences, from starting a transportation business with my partner to periods of homelessness and now, to a state of confidence and stability. These diverse socioeconomic circumstances have instilled in me a profound understanding of human resilience and the importance of adaptability. Each challenge has been a lesson in resourcefulness, empathy, and versatility, solidifying my drive to succeed. These experiences have not only shaped my character but have also fueled my determination to use my knowledge and skills to create positive change. My path to higher education has been forged through resilience and a profound commitment to personal transformation. After a 15-year struggle with mental health and substance use disorder, I have achieved sustained recovery. This experience has not only reshaped my own life but has also ignited a deep passion for supporting others. For over two years, I have consistently dedicated myself to assisting women in their own recovery journeys, offering guidance, empathy, and practical support. This dedication has also helped me create the biggest female support system I’ve ever known. All women who share the same struggles, the same levels of desperation and the peace that follows. Every day at least one of these women call me to simply be a sounding board or for comfort. At the same time, I can and have called on any one of these women for the same. We remember to never shoot our wounded and try to help every woman that struggles with the same things we know are all so familiar with. This commitment to service, coupled with my determination to pursue an Information Technology degree, demonstrates my unwavering belief in the power of growth and the importance of giving back to the community. I am eager to leverage my education to further contribute to my community and inspire others facing similar challenges, proving that transformation and success are attainable through perseverance and dedication. At 42 years old, I focus on becoming a better person today than I was yesterday. Thank you.

I was diagnosed with bi-polar with psychotic features and depression in 2007. I was heavily medicated and eventually made multiple unsuccessful attempts to end my life. I struggled with substance abuse disorder for 15 years after my diagnosis, ending up in multiple facilities and homeless facilities in that time I didn’t have a support system, not family or friends. Until I found an amazing support system through the many anonymous groups for mental health and substance abuse. In the 3 years that I’ve been abstinent, I’ve only had three major episodes. Today I have the support and knowledge to work through it. I have maintained full time employment for 3 years and this year I started my educational path to my degree in IT.

My journey as a first-year Information Technology student at Phoenix College, pursuing my Associate's Degree, is driven by a clear ambition: to build a robust foundation for a Bachelor's in IT at a university. My diverse professional background, spanning medical, legal, hospitality, and construction sectors, has been instrumental in honing my adaptability and problem-solving skills. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of diverse operational needs, a crucial asset in the field of IT. My passion lies in bridging the gap between technology and practical solutions, with a particular interest in cybersecurity and network administration. I am eager to explore how these areas can be leveraged to enhance efficiency and tackle real-world challenges. My inherent ‘solution-oriented’ mindset, coupled with an unwavering eagerness to learn, fuels my confidence in excelling within a rigorous university IT program. I am actively seeking a university that offers strong research opportunities, hands-on laboratory experiences, and valuable industry connections. These resources are essential for me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. My ultimate goal is to leverage my IT education to empower individuals and organizations through innovative technological solutions, making a tangible difference in their operations and lives. My life has been a testament to resilience and the power of transformation. I've navigated a spectrum of experiences, from starting a transportation business with my partner to periods of homelessness and now, to a state of financial stability. These diverse socioeconomic circumstances have instilled in me a profound understanding of human resilience and the importance of adaptability. Each challenge has been a lesson in resourcefulness, empathy, and versatility, solidifying my drive to succeed. These experiences have not only shaped my character but have also fueled my determination to use my knowledge and skills to create positive change. My path to higher education has been forged through resilience and a profound commitment to personal transformation. After a 15-year struggle with fentanyl and methamphetamine addiction, I have achieved sustained recovery. This experience has not only reshaped my own life but has also ignited a deep passion for supporting others. For over two years, I have consistently dedicated myself to assisting women in their own recovery journeys, offering guidance, empathy, and practical support. This commitment to service, coupled with my determination to pursue an Information Technology degree, demonstrates my unwavering belief in the power of growth and the importance of giving back to the community. I am eager to leverage my education to further contribute to my community and inspire others facing similar challenges, proving that transformation and success are attainable through perseverance and dedication.