How a Community College Experience Shaped Ryan Moreno Si’al’s Education Journey

Tell us a little about yourself:

S-ke:g-taṣ, a:ñi ‘añ ab ce:gig – Good day, my name is Ryan Moreno Si’al. I am from Chukson (Tucson), Arizona, and I am a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. My family is from the village of Vamori in the Chukut Kuk District. This May, I am completing two associate degrees: one in Tohono O’odham Studies at Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC), and one in pre-engineering at Pima Community College (PCC). I plan to transfer to a university to double major in Civil Engineering and Native American Studies, combining traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern building science.  

My initial goal was to complete my associate’s degree in Tohono O’odham Studies at TOCC and contribute to my community through that path. However, after attending an AISES (Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering society) conference in Spokane, Washington, my path shifted. I was inspired to pursue engineering. I went from Algebra II to differential equations in one year. From there, I realized I could make an even bigger impact in my community combining engineering and Indigenous knowledge.  

What influenced your decision to attend Tohono O’odham Community College and Pima Community College?

I chose to attend Tohono O’odham Community College because of my passion to learn my language, culture and history along with discovering my identity as Tohono O’odham. I chose Pima Community College to pursue my engineering courses such as math and science. My experience at both colleges was at times difficult but worth every minute. 

At TOCC, I have grown closer to my identity and strengthened my communication skills, learning how to share about O’odham culture and issues. At PCC, I have been challenged academically through rigorous courses like engineering while being supported by my peers and instructors. Balancing both schools showed me the value of community and education where my growth was impacted.  

Share an impactful story from your time at TOCC and PCC:

My O’odham language and mathematics professors have had a great impact on my education. My math teachers helped me get from Algebra II to differential equations in one year. I remember a moment sitting in the library at Pima with sheets of paper across the table, covered with differential equations front and back, while my professor was sitting across the table doing the same problem as me. When comparing our answers, I had the correct solution. It was a super cool experience to feel like I was working side-by-side with a mathematician. My professor made it a really great environment to feel comfortable learning and exploring math.  

At TOCC, my O’odham language instructors helped connect with my own identity through language. Being able to understand and translate O’odham stories was a big moment for me. These experiences have given me purpose that I did not have when I was younger, showing me that education can strengthen both mind and spirit. 

Are there any misconceptions around community college that you would like to dispel?

A common misconception I heard surrounding community college, specifically at PCC, is the idea of it being less rigorous than a four–year university. However, the coursework is just as challenging, especially in math and engineering. What makes it easier is that the class sizes are smaller and highly knowledgeable instructors are incredibly supportive and work with you closely. In going to community college, I actually feel more capable than I think I would if I had attended a large university course where I could have just faded into the background.