STUDENT
PROFILE
PHSC EAST CAMPUS – A FAMILY AFFAIR
Pasco-Hernando State College students often
think of their campus environment as a small community , or a family . Nothing could be truer for PHSC East Campus students and sisters , Justice and Ahmari Arca and Mason Buie , who have parents employed at the College and on their campus .
All three students have found many benefits to having their parent in a leadership role at the College . Ahmari is taking advantage of her father ’ s knowledge of the college programs by fasttracking her college education as a dually enrolled student .
Twenty-year-old student Mason agreed . “ Having a parent at PHSC has helped me in a number of ways . My Dad is a great resource for me if I have any questions regarding the process of completing my college experience .” Mason believes it ’ s a huge plus to know he has someone at the College who wants to see him do well .
L-R : PHSC Student Justice Arca with her father Ahmy Arca , Coordinator , Student Life and Leadership ( PHSC East Campus ), AJ Arca ( Ahmy ’ s son ), PHSC Dual Enrollment Student Ahmari Arca . said Ahmy , who came to PHSC in 2007 as an academic advisor and assistant men ' s basketball coach at West Campus in New Port Richey . In 2009 , he moved to PHSC ’ s East Campus as an academic advisor before moving into his role in Student Life and Leadership .
Both Ahmy and Luther have shown their children the importance of becoming involved in campus activity and how it leads to success . From the parent perspective , Ahmy said , “ I can ' t speak for everyone , but for my kids it has been helpful for them that they have grown up at PHSC . They have attended Kids & Sibs events , Thanksgiving luncheons , awards ceremonies , and other activities . Most students go to college having to make friends and acclimate to campus life , which can be an intimidating part of college , whereas my girls have a familiarity with the campus , faculty , staff , and students .”
Luther Buie , Mason ’ s father and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Mason Buie high school graduation . at East Campus ( since 2017 ), agrees PHSC ’ s family-like environment is a benefit to PHSC employees who have children who attend the college . “ Our children grew up around the College . Mason ' s extended PHSC family often ask him about classes and if he is utilizing college resources ,” said Luther .
Neither the Arca sisters nor Mason could come up with a negative aspect of having a parent work on the campus they attend , nor could their parents .
Ahmy Arca , PHSC East Campus Coordinator of Student Life and Leadership , said , “ My daughter ( Justice ) told me if I did not work at PHSC she would not have gotten involved in campus life . She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and has gone to numerous conferences for students ,”
Luther appreciates that Mason gets to see what he does at work and that Mason is well informed and able to participate in the student success initiatives that Luther has been a part of designing and implementing . Mason , like Justice , joined a student organization . “ Getting involved in the Student Government Association allows me to have a voice in things that are involving my school and campus ,” said Mason .
It is clear that having their parent work in higher education has had a positive effect on the students as all three students plan to further their education after receiving their AA from PHSC . Justice plans to seek a BS in behavioral science , Ahmari plans to study sports medicine , and Mason will study psychology to become a guidance counselor for at-risk children .
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