By SMCC PR and Marketing
As a South-Phoenix native and both a South Mountain Community College student and employee, who is also very embedded in her work with multiple clubs on campus, Lucina Benavidez wears many hats.
She began her academic journey at SMCC in the fall of 2023, which is also the same time she started working at the college’s Contact Center. Lucina has been working towards an Associate in Arts with an emphasis in Sustainability and Environmental Studies.
Given her personal tie to SMCC through her siblings being alumni, the decision to pursue her degree here was an easy choice. “My sister and oldest brother attended SMCC and I always remembered how they really enjoyed their time here,” said Lucina.
During her first semester as a SMCC student, Lucina was curious to explore the campus further in hopes of becoming a staff member as well. She took initiative and called in one day to directly ask about job openings, where she was pleasantly surprised to speak with Arnold Torres, SMCC’s Student Services Manager, who would eventually become her boss.
She successfully landed an interview and has since been serving in her position as a Student Services Specialist at the center, which also happens to be her first-ever job. “It’s just an open and honest place and you can be yourself,” said Lucina.
On top of balancing her job at SMCC and her responsibilities as a student, Lucina also works a second job, which is something she has been able to proficiently maneuver thanks to the people in her life.
“It was a little difficult at first but thankfully I had a really wonderful support system here at SMCC and at home so I was able to complete my classes and still find study time,” said Lucina.
Lucina is also actively involved in campus life as she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and the treasurer of MECHA de SMCC, where she has immersed herself in work like helping plan last fall’s Día de los Muertos event.
Being a part of SMCC hasn’t just brought Lucina opportunities to grow on campus, but outside of the college as well. She was nominated to take part in a trip last year to Chicago to attend the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), which was a significant highlight from her time here.
“There were a bunch of different workshops to help you become a better leader and connect with your community,” said Lucina. “It was a really great bonding experience and I made a lot of friends out of that trip.”
With her two and a half years as both an employee and student coming to a close, Lucina is now gearing up for the next chapter in her life as she will be graduating with her degree at next week’s Commencement Ceremony.
She will be attending Northern Arizona University this upcoming fall to continue towards a bachelor’s degree.
“I’m actually nervous to leave because of the home that has been created here and the family I have built here,” said Lucina.