Arianna otero

Arianna Otero feels empowered to achieve her goal of becoming a therapist for teens and young adults one day.

However, this empowerment did not just come from those in the NPRC community. It started in her personal life watching her mother, Lillian Acevedo, go from first-generation American to first-generation college graduate, having earned an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences and a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Otero acknowledges this chapter of being a college student and having a clear vision for what she wants her life to look like is because of her mother’s strength and support. She shared,

“My mother has always been my biggest influence. Without her motivation, I would never have even thought about taking college classes. She was the one who convinced me to be a better person for myself. My mom has proven to me and many others that anything can be done with hard work and dedication paving the way.”

Otero has earned her way onto the Dean’s List at NPRC, a reflection of her discipline in her time as a learner at the institution. She believes because of the overwhelming support she has received in so many aspects; it has set her up to be successful in the classroom.

“As an NPRC student, I appreciate that so much is managed for me. I have nothing to worry about because whenever I have questions, the wonderful staff members always answer them right away. Being a student can be stressful, especially during the beginning of a semester. NPRC takes care of that stress for me and was very welcoming from the start.”

Over her time at NPRC, Otero has particularly enjoyed the relationships she has built with her proctors, Brooke and Darlene, as well as instructors Ruth Shaw and Hope Collins. “They are all very sweet people who made me look forward to coming to class,” she explained. “They have all made my experience as a student delightful. These two ladies have been so supportive of me, and I enjoyed having them for class last semester. I would also like to give a shout-out to my proctor last semester when I was attending in person, Darlene Fike. Darlene helped me so much during my journey as well, and I enjoyed all the conversations we had. She also brought in sweets and treats for me, which encouraged me to get up and be a bit more excited in the early mornings.”

Otero is off to a strong start in her time at NPRC and hopes to finish her associate degree in 2026. In the Spring 2025 term, she enrolled in three courses, while also working full time in healthcare at UPMC Northwest in the behavioral health unit. Working in the behavioral health unit has been a great experience and is helping her in human services. Some of the work she does in healthcare has been reinforced in a few of her favorite courses so far at NPRC, which include human services, human behaviors, and social work. Both her work for UPMC and enrolling at NPRC have helped her to grow out of her shell and slowly into the professional and person she wants to be one day.

“I encourage people to enroll at NPRC while they can. It is never too late to go to college. NPRC is not only affordable, but a great opportunity to attend school locally and now in the comfort of your own home with the online option. It can be scary at first, however, NPRC has helped me come out of my shell and made me feel comfortable in my classes like never before. I’ve met some amazing staff and professors and have no regrets about enrolling. Before NPRC, I used to be the quiet girl in the back of the classroom, but now I am front and center and am learning so much. I also love how NPRC works with and praises their students for their dedication in various aspects of life. It provides additional motivation to keep going.”

Otero is optimistic that she can continue to be an advocate and role model for young people in need and people who are minorities, much like her mother was in her upbringing. “I aspire to guide my future patients, and the ones I have at my current job, towards the right path in life, as it’s challenging to make the right decisions and know what opportunities are available and that there are people who want the best for them. I am also proud of my heritage and hope to meet and learn from others who are also from diverse backgrounds throughout the rest of my time at NPRC,” she said.