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By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Moving to a new state is an exciting adventure for many people. A change in scenery, a new climate, living in a new house and meeting new people can offer a chance to start over.
For Martha Salter, moving to Arizona proved to be the reset she needed to put her life, career and education on track.
Salter grew up in a single parent household in Dodge City, Kansas.
“We didn't have much money,” Salter said. “My mother worked multiple minimum-wage jobs to support the family. After high school, I somehow fell into that same cycle. I worked other minimum-wage jobs in my little town.”
Finally, in her late 20s, Salter decided that a bigger city would offer more job options.
“I decided to move to the Phoenix area because I knew many more opportunities were available and I was excited to see a big city,” Salter said.
After a few years in Arizona, Salter decided to go back to school and finally earn her degree.
“I chose Rio Salado because of the flexibility in available dates for classes,” Salter said. “When I looked at other schools’ class schedules, they were very limited.”
Initially, Salter found online classes a little challenging, but she quickly adapted to learning from home.
“Once I was able to figure out how to navigate the class online, it was super easy,” Salter said. “I appreciated being able to do my classes around my schedule and still be home to take care of my daughter.”
Salter enrolled in business classes at both Rio Salado College and Mesa Community College.
“From being a teenager and working many different jobs, the thought of owning my own business sounded right up my alley,” Salter said. “I chose to do a degree in business because it's a broad field. I can branch out to finance, accounting, management, marketing, or human resources.”
As she took more classes and gained more confidence, Salter found herself thriving academically.
With a 3.89 GPA, she joined Rio Salado’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for community college students, and was one of two Rio Salado students recently named to the 2023 All-Arizona Academic Team.
“I was absolutely in shock that I was selected,” Salter said. “This award is life changing. Not many people have the opportunity to continue their education, so I want to take full advantage of this award and show that I was worth taking a chance on.”
The All-Arizona Academic Team is part of the All-USA Scholarship competition sponsored by PTK. Students selected to the team receive undergraduate tuition transfer scholarships toward pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
Like most adult students, Salter has had to learn how to balance school with life responsibilities.
In addition to caring for her 5-year old daughter and disabled veteran husband, Salter works part-time in the Veterans Services Department at Mesa Community College.
“My position involves helping veteran students and their dependents with understanding and using their VA education benefits,” Salter said.
As part of the work training for her job, Salter became certified in Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which struck a chord for her.
“I see students who struggle with schoolwork, home life, or mental issues,” Salter said. “I want to be able to, no matter where I am, respond and help someone if they are struggling with suicide, mental illness, or substance abuse.”
Salter finished her final classes late last year to complete her associate in business degree. She will transfer her credits to Arizona State University to begin classes this spring for her bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Salter hopes to one day work at the state or federal level to make changes that help make communities better, and to own her own business.
“I am excited for this next journey in my life,” Salter said. “I've overcome my past circumstances by moving to a big city, taking risks, and pushing myself to learn. Rio helped me build my skills by teaching me how to balance work, school, and home life.”
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