Aims Community College

A Chicago native, Nick has found himself in various locations and professional environments before having the opportunity to be present here in Colorado. He has just entered his second year at Aims in their Professional Pilot program alongside a minor in Spanish, with hopes of pursuing work as a flight instructor following graduation. 

Post high school, Nick worked while studying at a local Illinois community college towards a degree in Biological Sciences. Following graduation in 2018, he chose to enlist in the Air Force as an inflight refueling specialist aboard the KC-135 tanker airplane. This led to many unique adventures, working as a crew to bring our plane into challenging environments including airfields in Guam, Alaska, and throughout Europe. 

After an exciting four years in the Air Force, Nick found himself desiring a change and made the decision to shift careers, while not totally abandoning aviation. In late 2022, he relocated to Colorado’s front range, where he began flight training at Aims shortly thereafter. 

Since this decision, Nick has fully embraced the student culture while attempting to balance work and school, as so many do. He strives to act as a role model for his peers both in the office and at the airport, preferring to lead by example, while also remaining open to hear and learn from others’ experiences. Nick is grateful to have such remarkable peers and is excited to face all the challenges which lie ahead. 

Ixel Macias has devoted the past two years to her academic pursuits at Aims Community College, diligently working towards the completion of her associate’s degree. Alongside her commitment to scholastic endeavors, she has actively engaged in various extracurricular activities offered by the institution. Scheduled to graduate in May of the current year, Ixel is poised to attain a Liberal Arts degree with a specialization in English. Post-graduation, she intends to further her educational journey at the University of Northern Colorado, embarking on a dual major program encompassing English and Sports Administration. With an eye towards the future, Ixel aspires to pursue legal studies in sports law, with the ultimate goal of practicing within the realm of professional sports, particularly for one of Colorado’s esteemed teams. 

Tanner Olson is embarking on an academic journey that reflects his deep-rooted passion for sports and commitment to personal and professional growth. As a non-traditional student, Tanner navigates the complexities of higher education while balancing the responsibilities of full-time schooling and part-time employment, all while remaining dedicated to his role as a loving husband to his wife and father to his three sons. This balancing act speaks volumes about Tanner’s resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to both his family and his aspirations in the sports industry. 

At the heart of Tanner’s academic pursuits lies a genuine interest in sports administration. Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Sports Administration provides him with a solid foundation in the administrative aspects of the sports industry, including management, marketing, and operations. With this degree, Tanner aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of how sports organizations function and how they can be effectively managed to achieve success both on and off the field. Tanner’s ambitions extend beyond the realm of sports administration. He also harbors aspirations of becoming a proficient coach, inspiring and guiding athletes to reach their full potential. To this end, Tanner plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Coaching, a decision driven by his passion for the sport and a desire to hone his coaching skills to a professional level. This advanced degree will equip him with the knowledge, techniques, and strategies needed to excel in coaching roles across various sports disciplines. 

In addition to his academic pursuits, Tanner is deeply engaged in the sports community through volunteer work. One notable endeavor is his role as a coach for the Denver Bandits, a Professional Women’s Tackle football team. Through coaching, Tanner not only shares his love for the sport but also empowers athletes to develop their skills, build confidence, and achieve success on the field. His commitment to coaching underscores his dedication to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. 

As Tanner embarks on his academic journey, he is driven by a relentless determination to succeed and a genuine passion for the world of sports. With his unique blend of academic prowess, professional experience, and unwavering dedication, Tanner is poised to make significant contributions to the sports industry and inspire future generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. 

Jessie Rizo, a committed individual from the evolving town of Greeley, Colorado embarked on a journey that would weave a tale of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of higher education. As a single mother of four children under 11 years old, Jessie embraced the challenges of parenthood with unwavering determination. Her devotion to providing a stable and nurturing environment for her family became the driving force behind her ambitious pursuits. 

Currently enrolled in the pursuit of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business and Marketing Management at Aims Community College, Jessie demonstrated a keen interest in merging her innate entrepreneurial spirit with a solid foundation in management. This academic endeavor was just one step in her broader educational roadmap. Driven by a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others, Jessie is preparing to transfer to the University of Northern Colorado. She plans to embark on a new chapter there, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Her ultimate career goal is to found and operate a chain of Montessori care-based geriatric care facilities. Driven by a passion for nurturing the well-being of seniors, she envisions creating environments that blend compassionate care with innovative and personalized approaches to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. 

Jessie’s story extends beyond the classroom; she is an active presence on the Aims Community College campus. Serving as the Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), she not only exemplifies academic excellence but also inspires her peers to strive for greatness. Jessie’s commitment to her fellow students extends to her role as a Peer Mentor in the Finish What You Started program, providing valuable guidance and support to those navigating the challenges of higher education. Her involvement in the student advisory board for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) underscores Jessie’s dedication to leadership development and community engagement. As an active participant in various facets of campus life, Jessie Rizo’s journey is a testament to her multifaceted commitment to personal growth, academic excellence, and the well-being of those around her.