To say that Brittany Spears is a busy woman, is an understatement of some measure. Brittany is a mother of three young children, she works at Maryvale Preparatory Academy, and she is completing her associate of arts degree at Phoenix College (PC) this May, where she also has been the regional officer of Arizona’s two-year honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). She volunteers for various events and programs helping inspire minority girls to study and work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and she is an entrepreneur; running a part-time business.
Brittany’s son, who is autistic, inspired her interest in psychology. While looking for a school for him, Brittany worried that she would not find the right learning environment to fully support her son’s needs in creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP). When she found Maryvale Prep, which is part of the Great Hearts Charter School System, she says it was the perfect fit for her son and her family.
For the past two years while attending Phoenix College, Brittany has been part of an undergraduate research program, which she says inspired her to continue her studies into neuropsychology, examining how cognition and behavior are related to the brain.
Recently, Brittany was inspired again by the needs of students who struggle to have access to appropriate clothing to wear at interviews and other professional occasions. She rallied her local and regional PTK club members and advisors to start a Campus Closet, where students can get free professional clothing, which she and PTK members solicit from faculty, staff, and the community.
Brittany’s hard work and community service was recently recognized, when she was named to the All Arizona Academic Team. All-Arizona students demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society. Phi Theta Kappa, the American Association of Community Colleges, Arizona Community Colleges, the Arizona Board of Regents and the Follett Higher Education Group help these exceptional students reach their educational goals by awarding a full-ride tuition scholarship to one of the Arizona state universities.
Brittany recently found out that she was named to the All Arizona Academic First Team. This year, 78 students were evaluated based on academic performance and service to the college and community. All Arizona First Team members each receive a $1,000 scholarship, Second Team members a $750 scholarship and Third Team members a $500 scholarship. All-Arizona Academic Team members are eligible to be selected as one of 22 to be named to the All-USA Community College Academic Team, receiving an additional $5,000 scholarship.
Of her journey, and her very hectic schedule, Brittany says if she could sum up her life in a hashtag, it would be #gottaseeitthrough. “Throughout all the obstacles I’ve had in my life, I never gave up on my education, I never gave up on my dream, and I kept my passion strong for my future. I take pride in knowing that my motto is ‘gotta see it through’.”
This fall, Brittany will study neuropsychology at Arizona State University – and plans to continue her education pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology, to explore the environmental and genetic influences of synaptic responses on the human brain.
To learn about PC’s Psychology Program, visit phoenixcollege.edu/degrees-certificates. To learn more about undergraduate research opportunities at PC, visit phoenixcollege.edu/academics/stem.