When she was a Phoenix College (PC) ambassador, Sarahi Mora Hernadez excelled at giving campus tours and discussing the benefits with potential students – the cost savings and small class sizes – but she wasn't always so outspoken. In high school, if presentations were required, "I'd ask to go last and say the bare minimum," she said. However, the Achieving a College Education (ACE) program and her PC Communication class changed her outlook on her own abilities. Online classes during the pandemic were tough for her, but "once classes were in person, I was able to grow my communication skills," she said.
At 18, Sarahi moved out of her parent's house, buoyed by the support of many PC staff. "It was like learning to survive for the first time," she said. Single Stop social worker Kaylin Shady helped Sarahi sign up for financial assistance, and academic adviser Katie Pacelli-Klinger saw her potential for work on campus. "Katie didn't just help me with my courses. She helped me navigate throughout college," Sarahi said. "When I mentioned my plans for the future and the need for additional financial support, she connected me with a work-study opportunity in the ambassador program. From there, I could connect with others in the Outreach and Recruitment office. It was a great way to network."
"Sarahi was very proactive in her education," said advisor Katie Pacelli-Klinger. "The more prepared students are, of course, the better. But some students come unprepared or underprepared, and we're ready for that, too. We're trained advisors who bring different things to the table."
Katie's experience as a first-generation college student helps her guide students who need help figuring out college. After almost failing high school because of undetected learning disabilities, Katie didn't pursue college for many years, even though she worked at New Mexico State University as a sign language interpreter and eventually Director of Marketing. "I waited 23 years to start college and only took a psychology college class because a friend was teaching it." With a newfound desire for school, Katie took another class and another one. "Then I declared a major and signed up for financial aid and ended up getting my master's in Higher Education, Leadership, and Administration, with a 4.0 grade point average," Katie said. "I wanted to be a dean, but they don't get to work with students every day, all day, and that's where I want to be. Because of my background, I have something to share with students about what I went through and wish I knew."
Sarahi graduated from ACE in April 2023 and high school a month later. With the college credits she earned in ACE, she continued her studies at PC as a full-time honors student, participated in PC's Climate Club, worked three jobs, including Hamburger Works, where she still works to pay the bills, and received the Equality Maricopa Prism Scholarship in Fall 2023. Financial literacy courses helped her budget her money to live independently. Still, she said, "It has been eye-opening at such a young age to experience the reality of being an adult."
Katie added that PC advisors "get to know the whole person in front of us. I'm not just here to help a student choose classes. I'm going to support them the entire way," which includes finalizing their Associate's degree and making sure they have a path to transfer to partner schools. In May 2024, Sarahi received her Associate's in Arts with an emphasis in Law and Policy from Phoenix College. She is transferring to ASU to pursue a bachelor's degree in Philosophy (Morality, Politics, and Law) to make her dream of working in Family and Environmental Law a reality.
Keeping her ASU schedule of classes to only two days a week, Sarahi will work as a Peer Mentor in the ACE program three days a week, where she spent her summer contacting ACE students who missed class. Like an advisor, she encouraged them to get back on track. Sarahi noted that Katie and the ACE Program staff filled a crucial emotional role too: "When I didn't feel like I had a family, they were there to boost my confidence to take on new opportunities." Sarahi plans to try out for ASU's golf team and now speaks confidently in public when she has something to say. She encourages other students to "see every day as an opportunity to make friends and connect with people.” She sees college as a place to “work hard and make yourself a better person."
Ready to make your dream future a reality? Schedule an appointment with one of PC's academic advisors and find the support to keep moving toward your dream. For the best pick of classes for Spring 2025, Katie recommends students contact their advisor in late September 2024.