Melissa Siaotong knows a thing or two about forward momentum. The Rio Salado College class of 2025 graduate works for the Arizona Department of Transportation and plans to continue her higher learning at a four-year institution. Not content to leave her education in “park,” she’s shifting to a new gear and hitting the gas toward the next mile marker.
Originally from Los Angeles, Siaotong was drawn to Rio Salado College thanks to strong word of mouth.
“I chose Rio at first because it was recommended by my supervisor and another coworker,” Siaotong said. What sealed the deal for Siaotong was the affordable cost of tuition and the flexibility of online learning. “I needed to balance my studies with full-time work, parenting, and volunteering.”
An added bonus for Siaotong was the college’s partnership with Northern Arizona University (NAU). For a student like Siaotong, who’s thinking of getting a bachelor’s degree, attending a community college with a smooth transfer credit program makes perfect sense.
Siaotong enjoyed the accessibility and convenience of online learning. “I liked being able to take my classes from the comfort of my home, or a bus, train, or plane while traveling, or at someone else’s home. It was convenient for me, as long as I met the due dates of the assignments, I was able to work at my own pace for the week’s assignments.”
Siaotong was also able to save money learning from home by cutting down on her commuting costs.
“I took full advantage of not having to commute for two hours each day,” she said. “Instead, I utilized the time I’d have spent commuting on my class work. Of course, I spent more than 10 hours a week on classes, because I was taking six classes a semester, but having that extra 10 hours was extremely beneficial to completing my degree quickly.”
Siaotong graduated with an Associate in Applied Science in Public Administration.
“I chose Public Administration because it aligns with my current career trajectory,” Siaotong said. “I wanted to not just have the work experience of leadership, but the credentials to be considered for managerial and leadership positions within state agencies.”
Siaotong currently works full-time as a Consultant Contract Administrator at ADOT and plans to complete her bachelor’s degree in Public Administration at NAU by Spring 2026. Her long-term goal is to work in a managerial/leadership position at a stage agency.
Looking back on her time at Rio Salado, Siaotong credits her family and friends with giving her the motivation and support she needed to stay on top of her studies.
“I am incredibly grateful to my mom, Winnie, for her unwavering moral support throughout my education and for covering my tuition during my first semester at Rio,” she said. “My daughters, Miribelle and Amelia, have also been my steadfast supporters. My cherished friend, Matt, inspired my pursuit of personal growth, leading me to transfer within ADOT to a different city and work unit, where I am fortunate to work under my current supervisor, Irene, who is not just a manager but a true leader.”
Siaotong also credits Rio Salado Phi Theta Kappa advisor Rikki Karen and academic advisor Carmen Lira for their support and “exceptional guidance.”
“Graduating from Rio Salado College holds great significance for me. It represents not only the culmination of my hard work and dedication but also the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I aspire to inspire Miribelle and Amelia, and all members of my family - both by blood and by choice--along with my current and former Girl Scout troop members, demonstrating that it's never too late to pursue a degree and urging them not to wait as long as I did.”
Article by Austin Brietta