A good way to label this story is with the line ‘right back where I started from’ because it aptly describes Tenisha Baca’s academic journey. Two important things to know about Tenisha is that she attended Glendale Community College after high school, and that she is currently resident faculty in GCC’s Communication department. As is often the case, it is the journey that is the interesting part, and that is no different with Tenisha.
Her GCC story begins with what she considers one of the best decisions she ever made. “I had been accepted to the University of Arizona, but I decided to attend GCC instead. GCC turned out to be the starting point of my life.” She stated that her best friend suggested that she look at GCC because of the excellent speech and debate program.
Tenisha is a first-generation college student and thanks her parents for instilling the value of an education. However, it was not just her parents' influence that propelled her. “I always had a love and desire for education. I love learning.” Stated Tenisha, then she added, “GCC really fueled my thirst for education and helped me see what is possible.” She attributes some of that interest to her professors as well, “I saw how much they enjoyed teaching and their passion for helping students.”
While in high school and at GCC, Tenisha was very active in Speech and Debate. Here again her dynamic nature shined through; while at GCC she participated in numerous speech and debate competitions, and won over one hundred awards. After her time at GCC, Tenisha transferred to ASU where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and another Master’s degree in Communication Studies. Her original intention was to be a psychologist, however, after learning about Educational Management, she changed direction.
While working in that field, Tenisha was invited to teach at GCC as an adjunct faculty. “That’s when I fell in love with teaching, and the seed was planted to teach full time.” She reflected back on the impact her GCC professors had on her, and she was determined to inspire the next generation of students. “What is so fun is the fact that I am now teaching in the same classroom that I once sat in as a student.” Laughing, she continued, “I have spent a lot of time in LA 101.”
Tenisha commented that she is proud of her decision to attend community college. She summed up her experience this way, “My time as a student at GCC led me to where I am now. I didn’t see it then, but it is so clear to me now.”
Thank you, Tenisha, for your dedication to GCC. From student to professor, you are truly a proud Gaucho.