It took hundreds of doctor's visits, dozens of tests, and more than a decade before Athena Sanchez was correctly diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder that caused her immune system to attack the muscle-function proteins of her body. She endured debilitating pain, fatigue, and even allegations of her symptoms being psychosomatic as she was in and out of hospitals while doctors struggled to diagnose her disease. "I was terrified," Athena said. "My mom kept saying, 'We're going to figure out what's going on, and we're going to take care of this.' My mom was my champion and the main person who believed me."
As she entered her first year at Phoenix College in 2006, Athena could barely walk, couldn't take deep breaths, and was always tired. Her first class at PC was English 101, with Hershman John, a published author and poet. "One day, Professor John came to class coughing and having trouble speaking," Athena noted. He was open with the students about his recent diagnosis, which stunned Athena. She was silently suffering, and she recalls not wanting anyone to know she was sick. "Professor John talked so openly, and I remember feeling, Okay, it's not the end of the world. People get sick, and we take it seriously, but you can still do things. There's hope, and there are still opportunities. It was empowering," Athena said.
After her diagnosis, Athena went to the Disability Resource Services (DRS) Center. "I was terrified walking in and just started bawling," she said. Overwhelmed, Athena ran out. She regained her courage a few weeks later and returned to the DRS Center to explain what was happening and her worries about the upcoming semester. "I feared I would start classes and a few weeks later be hospitalized."
Athena questioned whether her diagnosis would count as a disability. The staff reassured her she could pursue her academic goals equitably and independently. She and the DRS staff built a plan and alerted Athena's teachers about her accommodation needs. Athena completed her associate's degree at PC and transferred to NAU, but was still pretty sick and took nearly all of her courses at NAU online. She completed her bachelor's degree in comparative cultural studies with an emphasis in broadcast journalism and had internships in television and radio.
After completing her bachelor's degree, Athena started working as a contractor for Valley Metro on the community relations team for the South-Central Light Rail Extension project. Athena says she is passionate about public transportation and how it connects the community and expands people's opportunities. "I didn't have a car when I attended PC, so I took the bus everywhere. I would take the bus to campus, take it to my internship at 7th Street and Camelback, and then take it to my job."
While working at Valley Metro, Athena discovered she loved public service. She liked helping her community and her neighbors. Athena joined the City of Phoenix in 2019. Her role brings valuable jobs to the valley, identifies opportunities to improve people's lives, and diversifies the economy to help Phoenix residents and the business ecosystem thrive. Utilizing the City of Phoenix's tuition program, Athena recently completed a master's degree in strategic communication. She uses her new skills to help the City communicate and respond to different programs and policies at the federal, state, and local levels.
As part of her master's degree program, Athena developed a curriculum to help community college students understand the difference between public relations, marketing, and community relations and how the fields are interconnected. Athena contacted Amy MacPherson, Department Chair for Communication and World Languages, to propose a workshop. Amy asked Athena if she would teach an Introduction to Communication class at Phoenix College. "Absolutely," Athena said. "Returning to teach at PC has been a long-term goal, and now I've come full circle."
As Athena tells her story, she recalls PC's tagline, Go Far, Close to Home. She isn't suffering silently anymore. "When I was younger, I didn't think I'd be able to live and work normally," she said. "I felt a sense of hope and safety when I attended Phoenix College. Not just physically safe but emotionally safe. The faculty and staff believed in me and helped me believe in myself." Now, she talks to students and asks them how they are doing and what they are studying. "Many people suffer in silence, unnecessarily," Athena said, adding, "I aim to inspire students and give them hope, just like Professor John did for me."
At Phoenix College, you don't have to navigate challenges alone. Whether you're facing physical, emotional, or academic hurdles, Phoenix College's Student Affairs and Disability Resource Services (DRS) Center is ready to offer assistance. Just as Athena overcame her challenges, you too can find the support, resources, and a caring community that believes in you and will help you achieve your goals. Take the first step toward your success today. Visit the DRS Center webpage to explore accommodations that can help you thrive.