How Central Arizona College Became the Foundation for Janice Smith's Future

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Janice Smith. I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and raised in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. I’m currently studying Biomedical Science at Northern Arizona University (NAU). 

The reason I chose this path is very personal to me. Growing up, my dad was diagnosed with diabetes and suffered a stroke, which meant I spent a lot of time in hospitals. The doctors who cared for him became part of my childhood. They were not just professionals, but people who made me feel safe, who taught me, and who inspired me. 

Being in that environment sparked my curiosity about the human body and its complexities. I wanted to understand it more. I also had incredible teachers in Mexico who encouraged me and showed me that I could pursue a career in science as a woman. 

All of these experiences shaped who I am today and inspired me to follow a path in biomedical science, with the goal of one day helping others the way those doctors helped my family. 

What influenced your decision to attend Central Arizona College?

I chose Central Arizona College because my family moved to Gold Canyon, and the closest campus was the Superstition Mountain Campus. What started as a convenient choice quickly became one of the best decisions of my life. 

Once I arrived, I found a supportive community that truly cared about my success. CAC gave me opportunities, mentorship, and a strong foundation that helped me grow both academically and personally. 

Share an impactful story from your time at CAC:

Before I even started, my brother-in-law, Steve, said to me, “Why don’t you go to the school down there and see what’s possible?” That moment stayed with me because CAC became not only my first independent drive, but the first step toward my future. 

When I first walked into the Superstition Mountain Campus, I was very nervous. I worried about being judged because of my accent and my background. Instead, I found some of the kindest and most supportive people I have ever met. 

One of the first people I met was Kimberly, the student services director, who I lovingly call my “school mom” because of how much she supported me. My advisor, Mary, helped me enroll in classes and even walked me to the Academic Learning Center to connect me with a tutor. That simple act showed me that I wasn’t alone and that CAC truly wanted me to succeed. 

Before my first semester started, the admissions team shared they were hiring student workers. At first, I didn’t think I was qualified, but my sister Lisa encouraged me to apply. During the interview, I met Osman Varela, who became my boss, mentor and someone I now call my “school dad.” He played a big role in supporting both my academic and personal growth. 

I started as a student worker and later got promoted to a part-time position. During that time, my grades improved tremendously, and following Osman’s advice, I got involved on campus.  I joined campus activities through CAB and founded a club called L.I.D.E.R. (Latinos Inspiring Development, Empowerment, and Roots), which allowed me to build community and give back to other students like me. 

Living in the dorms at the Signal Peak Campus made CAC feel like home. My professors taught me the academic foundations I needed for life, while the deans and directors showed me what it means to be a professional. My advisors, financial aid staff, and facilitators became like my “school uncles and cousins”—always supportive, especially during stressful times like exams. 

By the time I transferred to NAU, I knew CAC had prepared me well. 

As a proud Mexican, I always carry my roots with me. CAC are the roots of my education. I still wear my vaquero hat—but now, as a proud NAU Lumberjack, I carry an axe in my hand. 

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

One common misconception about community college is that it is “less than” a university or that students there are not as capable or serious about their education. From my experience, that could not be further from the truth.  

Central Arizona College was one of the most transformative and rigorous experiences of my life. It was where I built my foundation, both academically and personally. 

At CAC, I had opportunities many people don’t expect from a community college. I attended national and local conferences, including the Arizona Summit for Hispanic Serving Institutions. These experiences allowed me to grow professionally, network, and represent my college beyond the classroom.

Through my involvement at CAC, including founding the L.I.D.E.R club, I was honored to be selected for the All-Arizona Academic Team, which provided me with the scholarship that now supports my studies at NAU. 

Community college is not a shortcut—it is a launchpad. It prepares students not only for university-level academics, but for real-world experiences, leadership, and success. 

For me, CAC is not “less than”—it is the root of my education and the reason I am where I am today.