What is your name?

Jamie James

Where did you attend school?

Northern Arizona University

What degree/certificate did you achieve?

Bachelor of Science – Interior Design

Can you summarize your educational background?

I earned my associate’s degree in Interior Design in spring 2023 before transferring to Northern Arizona University, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design this spring (2025). Throughout my academic journey, I cultivated both creative and technical skills, with a particular focus on universal and sustainable design principles. My education has inspired me to prioritize accessibility and environmental responsibility in all of my design projects.

Describe your most rewarding college experience?

One of my most rewarding college experiences was working on a community center project during my senior year. Our class was tasked with designing our own community centers, selecting the locations and planning activities that would best serve the needs of those spaces. This project pushed me to combine my technical skills with creativity to develop thoughtful, functional designs. Seeing the final results and knowing that our concepts could have a positive impact on people’s daily lives was incredibly fulfilling.

What are your future plans?

In the coming years, I intend to deepen my expertise in interior design and am considering pursuing graduate studies to further enhance my knowledge. I look forward to engaging in projects that will challenge and refine my skills, with the goal of contributing to innovative design solutions. I am confident that these experiences will support my professional growth and enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next ten years?

In the next ten years, I’d love to keep building my skills and experience by working on a wide range of design projects. I hope to take on more leadership roles, whether that means leading or collaborating on challenging projects. I’m also interested in continuing my education to stay up to date with new trends and techniques. Most of all, I want to create spaces that truly make a difference for the people who use them and feel proud of the impact my work has made.

Who or what influenced you to go to school?

In 2018, I began working with the community’s engineering and construction department, which sparked my passion for making homes more accessible for elders and inspired a broader interest in creating innovative spaces. When the pandemic started in 2020, I took the opportunity to pursue my degree and have continued my education ever since. Beyond my professional goals, I wanted to be a positive role model for my children, inspiring them to achieve great things, greater than I have, by demonstrating dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Did you face any obstacles while attending college/university, and how did you get through it?

One of the biggest obstacles I faced during college was managing my time while balancing coursework, a full-time job, and family responsibilities. There were moments when juggling deadlines and personal commitments felt overwhelming. I got through it by staying organized, setting clear priorities, and relying on the support of my family and professors. This experience taught me a great deal about perseverance and time management, and it made me even more determined to achieve my goals.

What advice would you give people considering higher education?

My advice to anyone considering higher education is to believe in yourself and stay committed to your goals, even when challenges arise. It’s important to be organized and manage your time well, but also to seek support from family, friends, or mentors when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take advantage of resources your school offers. Most importantly, remember that the journey may not always be easy, you may fail, but the personal and professional growth you gain is worth the effort. Stay focused, be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Is there anyone you would like to thank?

I want to give a big thanks to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for always looking out for their community members and providing resources like the Higher Education Program that really helped me along the way. The staff there have been amazing and supportive throughout my whole educational journey. I’m also so grateful to my family, their constant support and encouragement kept me going, especially during the challenging times. I couldn’t have done it without all of you. Thank you!

Who are your parents and grandparents?

My mother is Veronica James and my grandparents are the late Lorenda James and late Marvin James-Goodwin.