Where Are They Now Alumni Profile - Meet Erica Joshevama

Where Are They Now Alumni Profile - Meet Erica Joshevama

In 2012, Erica Joshevama overcame the hardship of losing her mother. In 2013, she graduated from Rio Salado College with an associate degree in chemical dependency and addictions counseling. 

Joshevama was inspired by her mom’s fierce determination, and her wise words: “Without an education, the doors of the employment world aren’t going to open.”

Those words were proven immediately.

“My AAS degree from Rio helped me secure a job with the GRADE (Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes: A Comparative Effectiveness) Study through George Washington University as a research assistant under the National Institute of Health branch,” Joshevama said. “I worked with the Type 2 Diabetes study for nine years, and it was amazing.” 

Joshevama, who is originally from Kykotsmovi Village on the Hopi Reservation in Northern Arizona, chose Rio Salado for the flexibility of online courses.

“You can take your classes anywhere, anytime,” Joshevama said. “I was comfortable with learning from home, and Rio’s instructors were very helpful and easy to contact via email and other online sources.” 

She said there are four things to keep in mind to be a successful online learner.

“It's important to evaluate time, focus, computer skills and balance,” Joshevama said. “Online learning definitely takes dedication from you, as the student, but it is also important to make work and family a priority as well. Balance is key to being successful.”

During her time at Rio, Joshevama especially enjoyed taking communication courses.

“In my current and recent job roles, speaking in large crowds and carrying on conversations with colleagues and guests is important,” Joshevama said. “My communication courses helped me to find that intellectual level of speaking and understanding.” 

Today, Joshevama is proudly exemplifying her mother’s spirit. The single mother of three children works as an audiologist assistant in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

“Currently, I am working on my ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association) courses to be a certified audiology assistant,” Joshevama said. “Although, I did not pursue university, my degree has helped me develop a well-rounded and stable career.”

Joshevama highly recommends Rio Salado College to those considering higher education.

“Rio is a stepping-stone that can help the impossible be possible,” Joshevama said. “It opened doors that I thought could not be opened and provided opportunities in so many areas of the job market. If you have the drive to succeed, Rio can help you achieve your goals.”

By Mira Radovich, PR & Marketing Analyst