Pima Graduate Wins State and National Scholarships

By Anne T. Denogean, Marketing, Communications and Strategic Outreach

When Hannah Seery graduated from an area high school in 2022, she thought her future was already mapped out.

She took a traditional path, enrolled immediately at the University of Arizona with a plan to become a cancer researcher. But between full-time work and the growing reality of college costs, she began to question whether she was on the right track.

Education costs led to a rethink and pivot 

“I was working at Trader Joe’s and starting to understand what real-life finances looked like,” Hannah said. “College is expensive. I realized I needed more direction before committing to that path.”

She chose to step back and take a gap year - a decision that would reshape both her education and her career goals.

During that time, Hannah continued working, spent time in a cancer research laboratory and, unfortunately, experienced a back injury – two bulging disks - caused by repetitive heavy lifting at work. She also found she didn’t want to pursue a career in cancer research, after all.

When she returned to college in Fall 2023, she chose Pima. “I’d heard great things about the smaller class sizes, the flexibility and the affordability, Hannah said.

She worked while attending school and split tuition costs with her parents most semesters, paying for a couple on her own. She completed an Associate of Arts degree with a biology emphasis in December 2025, taking rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology and physics along the way. And today, she is studying Nutrition and Human Performance at the UA, with plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. Rather than cancer research, she now hopes to work in physical therapy, ideally with athletes.

Her path into physical therapy, she said, began with her own recovery. It not only helped her heal but also changed how she viewed healthcare.

“I loved the process,” Hannah said. “It was empowering to move out of the world of pain medication and realize, ‘Wait, I’m healing. I’m doing the work and seeing the results.’ I’d love to share that with other people.”

Finding a newtork for academic support at PCC

Her academic success at Pima was supported by a network of faculty and staff who helped guide her through the journey. She points especially to advisor Christina Reyes, who helped her map out coursework and stay on track despite changing circumstances.

“Christina was a huge part of my success,” Hannah said. “She made everything feel manageable and helped me create a clear path toward my goals.”

Hannah also became involved in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, working closely with Honors Program Coordinator Kyley Segers during the scholarship process. The scholarships will go a long way to supporting her through a bachelor’s degree.

Scholarship oppotrunities opening new frontiers

Hannah was named in April to Phi Theta Kappa’s All-Arizona Academic Team First Team, an honor recognizing academic achievement, leadership and service. It includes a tuition waiver to the Arizona state university of the student’s choosing. That distinction made her eligible for the Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholarship, a competitive national award for community college students.

Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation in partnership with Phi Theta Kappa, the program recognizes 150 students nationwide each year as Gold, Silver or Bronze Scholars and awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships.

Hannah was selected as a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar, earning a $1,300 scholarship for the Fall 2026 term in addition to other state and institutional awards supporting her transfer to the UA.

“I was planning to avoid debt as much as possible,” she said. “Now I’m basically able to attend the University of Arizona for free, which still feels unreal.”

The scholarship program also required students to complete an “endeavor project” - a leadership-focused initiative in which students identify a need in their community and design a solution.

Leadership and community building through art

For Hannah, the choice was easy. Art has long been a central part of her life, and she used her project to bring creative communities together on campus. Working with faculty from the photography and fashion departments, she organized collaborative workshops designed to connect students through hands-on creative work.

“A lot of the participants weren’t even art students,” Hannah said. “Many were STEM students. I think there’s a real overlap between creativity and science.”

The workshops reinforced her belief that creativity plays an essential role in learning, connection and well-being.

“It’s important to create tangible, original things together,” she said. “Art can really brighten people’s lives.”

A proponent of community colleges! 

Now attending a large university after transferring from Pima, Hannah said the contrast between institutions has only deepened her appreciation for community college.

“At Pima, students really wanted to be there,” she said. “People were engaged, asking questions and focused on their goals. It felt very supportive.”

She encourages prospective students to take full advantage of everything community colleges offer, from advising and faculty mentorship to campus events and student organizations.

“There are so many resources,” Hannah said. “Pima ended up being about much more than affordability. It helped me grow academically and personally.”