Alumni Pride: Paula Hutchinson's Inspiring Journey

0:00 (bright music) 0:07 - UOPX may be mostly online, 0:09 but that doesn't mean Phoenixes are alone. 0:12 Say hello to Paula Hutchinson, an entrepreneur, speaker, 0:15 and President of the Alumni Chapter in Phoenix, Arizona. 0:18 The university has an alumni network 0:20 of more than one million graduates across the country. 0:23 Paula Hutchinson is one of them. 0:25 Let's see how she supports other Phoenixes 0:28 in their goals, go Paula. 0:30 (mid tempo mellow music) 0:34 - Thanks Alex, I am proud 0:36 to be a University of Phoenix alumni. 0:38 My advisor had me hooked from our first conversation. 0:42 She helped me through my degrees 0:43 and through life changes ranging from sickness, 0:46 to family deaths, to moving to Phoenix. 0:49 Growing up, I saw how my mother 0:51 and grandmother worked hard 0:53 so I could have the education they didn't. 0:55 I understood early on 0:57 that a college degree offered a chance at a better life. 1:00 As a UOPX Alumni Center of Chapter President, 1:03 I see the same determination as so many other Phoenixes 1:07 who have made their educational dreams a reality. 1:10 University of Phoenix provided a pathway to education 1:13 and opportunity for me. 1:16 Now that I am able to return that favor as a President 1:19 of the university's Alumni Chapter in Phoenix, 1:22 where we have over 1,000 members, it is important to me 1:25 to serve as a major contributor to the alumni community, 1:29 whether it's by coordinating webinars with career advice, 1:32 creating network opportunities, 1:34 or simply cheering on other alumni 1:36 who choose to earn another degree, 1:38 which is what I'm doing by the way. 1:40 I'm in the doctoral program now. 1:42 (mid tempo mellow music continues) 1:44 At University of Phoenix, the alumni community 1:46 is all about building professional 1:49 and personal relationships that go the distance 1:51 and defy geographical distance. 1:54 We share skills, contacts, advice, and opportunities. 1:57 We help each other navigate life's challenges. 2:00 There is so much pride 2:02 in this UOPX alumni community of professionals 2:04 across the country. 2:06 The university truly taught me to be a Phoenix 2:09 and rise from the ashes. 2:11 I have already accomplished so much 2:13 as an entrepreneur and educator. 2:16 Now, as I work 2:17 toward completing my doctoral of education program, 2:20 I look forward to champion for equitable education. 2:23 That's my story. 2:25 Back to you, Alex. 2:27 (mid tempo mellow music continues) 2:31 - Thanks, Paula, what an amazing way 2:34 to stay connected after graduation. 2:36 Joining one of UOPX's 50 alumni chapters offers plenty 2:40 of benefits from potential professional networking, 2:43 to quarterly social events, 2:45 to growing your leadership skills. 2:47 And that's not all, UOPX alumni 2:49 can also join the exclusive Phoenix Link Network, 2:52 which is like an amplified career directory. 2:55 And take advantage of tuition discounts 2:57 and networking opportunities. 2:59 Talk about community support, take care. 3:02 (bright music)