As Central Arizona College welcomed students back for the fall semester last week, InMaricopa asked several students to share why they chose the local community college and what they hope to do next.

Palo Brea resident Keonna Durham, 19, chose college because she wants to pursue radiology.

“The classes I need to fulfill that dream are in college,” she said.

Joshua Maamo of Maricopa Meadows, initially enrolled through the Pinal Promise Scholarship but stayed at CAC after losing the scholarship. He plans to study computer science and eventually transfer to a university.

“I found another reason to keep going, which is to pursue my career as a computer science major,” the 20-year-old said.

Michael Davis, 20, of Amarillo Creek, chose CAC over a four-year university because it was less expensive and closer to home. He currently works in culinary and hopes to become a mental health therapist.

“It was less money, and I got to experiment with the career I want,” he said.