Debra Overcashier is seeking a degree in Psychology from the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). She also earned an Accounting degree back in 1994, worked in banking for over 26 years, and retired from PNC. At CCAC, she is a member and Vice President of Psi Beta Honor Society and a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). She’s also the Judge of Elections for her local voting poll. Debra has been married to her husband for 16 years. Read more about her spotlight below: 

How did you choose your major in college? How did you choose CCAC? Did you have a mentor or person who helped guide you through that process?
I have always been fascinated with how the brain works and why we behave as we do. I was given a recommendation for CCAC by a Physical Therapist who worked with the advisors at CCAC to get started with my studies. Professor Allison Barash has been a mentor to me.

What student activities were you involved in, while attending college? Were you involved with any activities or work experience outside of school? 
I am currently a member of Psi Beta and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies. I am a current Judge of Elections with Lawrence County

What skills did you gain from being involved and/or working? 
I gained much of my self-confidence through working, getting my first degree and working on my current degree. Becoming a member of Psi Beta and attending their events have allowed me to be more comfortable getting involved with others. The information I gained from the speakers at the events have allowed me to learn more about myself and my own behavior. 

I also gained a lot of new skills during my years in banking. I also gained new insight into the banking and wealth management world. The software and beginning programming skills I learned served me very well and allowed me to work with some fabulous managers and executives while I was with Mellon, Citizens, and PNC financial institutions. I also learned a great deal regarding voting and politics while working as Judge of Elections and as a seasonal worker for the Lawrence County Voter Registration.

What special memories, if any, can you share from your time at CCAC?
I have many special memories from my time at CCAC. My inductions into both Psi Beta and Phi Theta Kappa were very proud moments for me. Enrolling with CCAC and my interactions with my professors have enlightened and changed my life.

Anything else you'd like to share for your spotlight article?
I love learning new skills, and CCAC has made this entirely possible and affordable for me.

Read more stories, and why community college is so important, on #CommunityCollegeBecause:

Stasia Lopez is the Global Education Editor for Wandering Educators and is Director of Student Life and Engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), as well as an Instructor for a class on "The Job Search" at CCAC. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University in 2013 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Robert Morris University. Stasia is passionate about international education, travel, college to career topics and loves working on a college campus. She’s lived in four different U.S. states (Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and also studied and lived abroad in Rome, Italy. Stasia lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Fernando, precious daughter, Maya, and playful kitty-cat Zorro.