Alyssa Yatabe, Visual Communication Design
Before college started, I was, as most were, extremely nervous about the transition from all of the stability and familiarity I had at home, to being thrust into this totally new environment. I was surprised to feel as "at home" here as I did so soon after moving in.
Michaela Shirley, Urban Planning (Gates Millennium Scholar)
…Athena sets you up with many great opportunities (firm tours, workshops, etc.) and adventures (Sonoran Desert Museum/Sedona sketching trips, etc.). To top it off, you will meet the most diligent, splendid, and "fantabulous" students/peer mentors/residential assistants/community assistants.
 Derek Cardinale, Architecture
The support from your peers to work and try your best is great. Everyone is here for the same thing and it allows for everyone to use each other to better themselves.
Alysia Viscanti, Industrial Design
Athena is a great network of students that can support each other in their education. They work together, share ideas and become a great group of friends. There are AMAZING opportunities in Athena.
Sean Madrid, Visual Communication Design (National Hispanic Scholar)
The talent and creativity of the people here constantly amazes me, really! I feel like being in the Athena environment greatly improves our chances of making the milestones, and furthermore, when we graduate, we already know a lot of other people in our major and other design majors. I couldn't stop networking if I tried! Basically, Athena is a gift that keeps giving!
Christine Fenton, Industrial Design
You have 100% potential to do the best you can with studios on site…It's  also great because being a "living and learning" community, you're surrounded by people that want to succeed, so it helps your personal drive whereas in a typical dorm, that is not the case.
Jennessa Payne, Visual Communication Design (National Hispanic Scholar) 
Athena is a place where you are submerged in design, and you really have no choice but to embrace your creativity and meet the curriculum head on. Coming from a background that wasn't extremely artistic, I was nervous about going into the design field. Athena gave me that confidence the first day I got here because I found others that were in the same situation and others that would be willing to help and teach me anything. Athena is about collaboration to me; a place where minds are sparked and you get put on the fast track to success. I am so enthusiastic about Athena because I just enjoy the opportunities I have been given here. Whether it was a firm tour, networking social, incentives to join clubs and organizations, advice on meeting with professors, going out on the weekends with your new friends, or just sitting in the dorms working on design projects with friends, this is the place for me.
Will Snyder, Industrial Design
If someone who is looking to apply for Athena asked me how it was, I would say that it is an awesome design community. I would say apply to Athena because you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
 Sarah Graham, Visual Communication Design
If a prospective student asked me about the Athena program, our conversation would sound like this:
Prospective student (PS): What the heck is Athena?
Me: Wow! Are you serious?
PS: Yeah.
Me: Well, let’s just say if you want to succeed, you need to be in it.
PS: Really?
Me: Yes. If you don't want to meet quality friends in the same design major as you, then don't even worry about it. If you feel like figuring out projects all by yourself, then Athena isn't for you. If the thought of going on fun field trips and meeting design professionals does not intrigue you, then stay away from Athena. Basically, if you don't want great opportunities, don't join the program.
PS: Wow... I guess I must need to apply then! I want to be successful..
Me: Good idea, prospective student!
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