Maxwell Sweet once thought that his academic journey would follow a traditional path—graduate high school, attend a prestigious university, and begin a professional career in a well-defined field. But like many students, life had other plans for him, and it wasn't until he found himself at Phoenix College that his true potential and passion began to unfold.
The High School Dream vs. Reality
Max first heard about Phoenix College during his high school years. "Back then, I didn't even consider it an option," Max recalled. "I always thought my only option was to attend a university. Community college seemed like a fallback option, something people did if they couldn't get into a 'real' school."
For Max, like many high school students, community college carried a stigma. His friends attended Phoenix College, but it never crossed his mind as a viable option for his future. His ambition was set on attending a four-year university, and like many, he equated success with immediately pursuing a degree at a well-known institution.
And so, he set his sights on UCLA, one of the top schools in the country, where he was accepted to study neuroscience. Max entered the program excitedly but soon realized he had signed up for a journey he wasn't fully prepared for. "I had clicked the pre-med box online, and suddenly I was living a life I didn't expect—surrounded by students whose paths didn't align with mine," Max explained. While the experience at UCLA offered exciting moments—living near the beach and being steps away from iconic Los Angeles landmarks—Max's heart wasn't in it.
Despite the thrill of attending a prestigious school, Max faced uncertainty about his future. He didn't know if neuroscience, or his other majors he changed to, were indeed the path he wanted to take. After a year at UCLA, he made the difficult decision to step back, return home to Phoenix, and figure out what his next move would be.
Rediscovering His Path
Returning to Phoenix marked the beginning of a new chapter for Max, though it wasn't immediately clear what that chapter would look like. He worked for four years challenging his practical skills in real work environments, taking time to reflect on his experience and career aspirations. "I realized I was at a glass ceiling," he admitted. "I knew I needed more education to move up in life." He recalled working long hours as a night auditor at a downtown hotel to cover his living expenses but feeling deeply dissatisfied with his life.
In the workforce, Max quickly discovered that unlike in school, where there was always another chance to complete an assignment or a teacher willing to help, there were no safety nets. His success at work depended entirely on his ability to meet his responsibilities on time and with quality. This realization sparked a newfound appreciation for education. "It hit me that school was a lot easier than I had thought, and it provided a space where mistakes were okay as long as you learned from them," Max shared. This experience was pivotal in changing his view of education. He now saw school as a valuable opportunity to prepare for the demands of the real world and determine his next steps.
Max's view of community colleges shifted during his time away from formal schooling. He had enrolled in a few online courses at Scottsdale Community College, including cooking classes, which sparked an interest in learning again. "Community colleges are for people like me—people who need easy access to education, who aren't sure what they want to do yet but need a place to figure it out," he shared.
Eventually, Max felt ready to return to school full-time, but this time, he chose Phoenix College—right in the heart of the city where he had grown up. His initial reservations about community college faded as he saw it as a practical stepping stone, not a compromise. "It's my neighborhood school, and it was exactly what I needed at the time," Max explained. His decision was initially motivated by practicality—he needed a place where he could find his passions while balancing work and school—but it soon became apparent that Phoenix College would offer much more than that. "I knew about Phoenix College before, but I had a negative perspective of it in high school," Max admitted. "Once I embraced it and started attending classes, I was amazed by the level of care, the quality of the education, and attention from the faculty."
The Phoenix College Experience
Max's first semester at Phoenix College felt surprisingly familiar. "It felt a bit like high school at first," he said, "but I quickly realized that the environment here was very different." Small class sizes, accessible faculty, exceptional academic advisors, and an active campus community soon made him feel at home.
One of the most significant influences on Max's journey was Doug Northway, a marketing and accounting professor who advised the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club. "Doug was more than a professor," Max emphasized. "He genuinely cared about his students and pushed me to get involved."
Max's connection with Professor Northway went beyond the classroom. Doug's ability to engage students in seemingly dry subjects like accounting and marketing with a personal touch left a lasting impression. However, his invitation to join FBLA had a transformative impact on Max's college experience. "Max was such a leader in FBLA, and 95% of his awards were first place. Everything that he does, he puts his heart into it," Doug recalled. Doug’s commitment to the club and his students profoundly impacted Max. "He put so much effort into the club. He built a safe and supportive space where students could engage with each other, challenge themselves, grow, and practice real-world skills," Max explained. "Doug is the epitome of hard work and dedication, which I'll carry forever."
Under Doug's mentorship, Max flourished in FBLA, serving as the club president and gaining valuable leadership experience. He actively participated in club leadership, fundraisers, and developed further confidence in himself and his career trajectory. FBLA provided Max with opportunities to compete and win in business competitions, enhance his public speaking skills, and collaborate with like-minded students. "The best part was the competition," Max admitted. "I've always loved competing, and FBLA gave me a platform to do that meaningfully." Now, as a state officer, Vice President of Marketing for FBLA, he will also collaborate with the ASU and Phoenix College clubs. His journey highlights the unique opportunities available at Phoenix College, offering greater access to new experiences.
The Turning Point: Finding Purpose
Phoenix College provided Max with more than just education—it offered him a community and a sense of purpose. He also appreciated the flexibility of the programs, which allowed him to balance his work and studies without feeling overwhelmed. "Community college gave me a safe space to try things out, fail, and succeed, all while being supported by people who cared about my success." According to Max, one of the most valuable aspects of Phoenix College was the Pathways Program, which allowed him to seamlessly transition to a four-year university after completing his associate degree and gave him a clear route to continue his education without the financial burden he had previously faced. "The Pathways Program is so valuable," Max emphasized.
Max completed his Associate's Degree in Business at Phoenix College and was accepted into Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management, which hosts one of the top majors across the world. Reflecting on his time at Phoenix College, he realized how crucial community colleges are for students like him—students who need more time to explore, grow, and prepare for their next steps. "At Phoenix College, I learned how to embrace my community, meet people who shared my ideals, and find my true interests," Max shared. "Community college isn't just a fallback option—it's the best option for many people."
Lessons for the Future
Max's journey inspires those considering community college and those uncertain about their academic or professional path. His story shows the importance of discovering what truly matters and finding a support system that believes in your potential.
Now pursuing his bachelor's degree at ASU, Max is excited about his future. He plans to earn his master's degree through the university's four-plus-one program, continuing the path he began at Phoenix College. "I'm excited about what's next," he said. "It's not just about earning a degree anymore—it's about embracing the opportunities and people I've met along the way."
Max's advice is simple for students uncertain about their path: "Don't just take classes—get involved. Meet people, join clubs, and take advantage of the resources around you. You never know where it will lead, but the key is to take that first step."
Max Sweet's journey from a skeptical high school student to a proud Phoenix College alumnus is a testament to the power of community colleges in shaping students' lives. His story encourages future students to see community colleges as a valuable stepping stone on their educational journey, filled with opportunity, growth, and meaningful connections.
Prepare for Success with Tools and Encouragement
The Phoenix College FBLA club prepares students who are interested in pursuing a career in business. Through local, state, and national competitions, students network with other students, advisors, and business professionals in addition to developing leadership, communication, and team skills. Want to expand your business acumen? Check out PC’s business department and the FBLA club.