Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Transfer Student Spotlight: Mayra and Jenette Gutierrez

For Arizona natives Mayra and Jennette Gutierrez, the future looks bright at Arizona State University. From San Tan Valley, these sisters are ready to aim high. Both are graduates of Central Arizona College (CAC), located in Apache Junction, where they participated in the clubs they offered there. Mayra and Jennette are also the first generation of their family to soon graduate from a university.

Mayra transferred to ASU in the Fall 2013 and is currently in the Barrett Honors College, majoring in Political Science with the career aspirations of becoming an immigration attorney.

“I have always had in interest in politics and as an attorney, I would be able to help people and their families on a legal level.” Her favorite class is POS 394: Latino Politics.

“I’m interested in the political mobilization…” she said, “For my honors thesis I will be researching efforts to mobilize Latinos in Arizona as well as the nation. This class allows me to better understand the role Latinos play in politics, as well as, help me better develop my ideas.”

Mayra participated in the 2013 Student Public Policy Forum (SPPF), she was President of the CAC Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society, President of the CAC Student Leadership Organization, and Superstition Mountain Pride, LGBTQ Straight Ally. Mayra received honors during her time at CAC such as the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar, the Phi Theta Kappa Guistwhite Award Scholar, All-USA Arizona Academic First Team Scholar, and received Dean’s List honors at CAC. Mayra received her associate’s degree in Liberal Arts in May 2013 and was the graduation commencement speaker. The best piece of advice she has received came from Jose Rivas, Congressional Staff of District 7: “You can be anything, do anything, if you work for it.” She has applied that in her college experience thus far and continues to apply that at ASU.

Jennette was also involved at CAC. She was the secretary for Phi Theta Kappa and part of the Honors Program at the college. She graduated in May 2012 from CAC with an Associate of Arts degree in Business. When she was attending CAC she received the best piece of advice from Dr. Beth Gioia, her honor’s professor. She encouraged her to follow her dreams and accomplish anything. After graduating, she decided to transfer to ASU.

 “ASU is an amazing school and I am so proud to be a student here,” the Computer Information Systems major said.  “I love the Sun Devil Spirit. It is something that I see every day on or off campus among student, faculty and alumni,” she said. “The pride from everyone shines from Arizona to across the nation. It is powerful!”