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Rio Salado College Graduate Creates Path Through Education
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Ryan Quintana is one of four Rio Salado alumni who, along with two staff members, received full scholarships earlier this year to complete a degree program through the college’s partnership with the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC).
Scholarship recipients were chosen based on application essays and academic achievement.
“I thank Rio Salado and UAGC for this opportunity,” Quintana said. “All of Rio Salado's values are the reason I am who I am today and why I want to complete my bachelor’s degree in human resources management.”
Quintana completed her associate degree in business at Rio Salado in December 2021.
“Earning my associate degree was part one of my five-year plan,” Quintana said. “I lost my job during the pandemic, and I knew that retail management was never going to be the same. So, I jumped right into my bachelor's program at UAGC.”
Quintana has almost 20 years of experience in retail management.
“When you’re working in a field that directly deals with people, you need to support your expertise with the ability to identify with others,” Quintana said. “This means making sure that diversity, equality, and inclusion not only exists in your professional environment, but in your personal life as well.”
She looks forward to expanding her knowledge of human resources management and incorporating what she learns into her professional repertoire.
“If you’re working in Human Resources – or any field really – you have to have integrity in all things you do, and learn to collaborate with others,” Quintana said. “You need teamwork, different life perspectives, and different life experiences.”
Quintana doesn’t plan to stop with just a bachelor’s degree.
“Getting my bachelor’s degree will open doors to working for any type of corporation that is looking for human resource partners,” Quintana said. “But my plan doesn't stop there. In five years, I plan to complete a master’s degree in Human Resource management from UAGC. Then I will have the education and real-world experience to apply for my dream job directing a human resource department.”
After learning she received a scholarship, Quintana took a moment to reflect on her life outlook and career goals.
“Life brings us challenges we never expect and attending Rio Salado College, and soon, UAGC, will support my career, my family, and my future,” Quintana said. “Success is in reach, and I am thankful for this opportunity to challenge myself in ways I didn't know were possible.”
The transfer partnership between UAGC and Rio Salado began in September 2020. Scholarship recipients can pursue degrees in more than 50 programs UAGC offers, including these seamless transfer pathways from Rio Salado College to UAGC, which give students an opportunity to earn up to 90-credit hours in transfer.
Watch Ryan’s video on YouTube.
Read more about all the UAGC scholarship recipients from Rio Salado College.