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May 12, 2021
Student Spotlight
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When OCC students graduate, they usually go down one of two paths: transferring to a 4-year school or going directly into the workforce. Today we will be highlighting some of our amazing graduates who are entering the workforce right now!
Cassandra Conklin
Conklin is excited to graduate to see the result of all her hard work and determination pay off. She previously worked as a customer service manager for a supermarket and her schedule was very non-traditional for a student. After her second semester, she went to work for Crouse Medical Practice to get more flexibility and experience in her field. She's proud of the challenge she took on and for sticking with it until graduation.
School: Health
What are your plans after graduation?
Accepted a job offer at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston
Why did you choose OCC?
"OCC’s Nursing program was the only option in the area with the flexibility I needed to continue working full time while pursuing my degree."
What has been the best part of your education to date!
"Overcoming challenges & making it to the end! The Nursing program throws some hard knocks but you really find your strength & grow through it. I met a few awesome people I couldn’t have done it without. "
Devon Jones
Jones is excited to graduate to be able to apply the skills that he has learned and give back. He's passionate about lifting up those who need help and taking care of family. Jones and his family moved here 3 years ago after bouncing around a bit. He's thankful for his wife, two wonderful sons, and his baby that's on the way. His faith, sports, reading, and learning are all important parts of his life.
School: Health
What are your plans after graduation?
Accepted to a position at St. Joseph's Hospital and will be continuing on to his bachelor's in Nursing as well!
Why did you choose OCC?
" I chose OCC because they gave me a chance. OCC gave me an opportunity to attend college, to attend Nursing school, and to prove to myself that I could acquire a college education and that I was able to do hard things."
What has been the best part of your education to date!
"I have loved the teachers. They have all been so wonderful. They all were more than willing to help you achieve your academic goals."
Anastasia Stankus
Stankus is excited to graduate to test her knowledge and nursing capabilities achieved during her education at OCC in a real-world setting.
School: Health
What are your plans after graduation?
Accepted a position as a Registered Nurse on the Neuroscience Unit at Upstate Medical University.
Why did you choose OCC?
"I had the opportunity to be mentored by Eileen Sharp, NP. She is a clinical instructor at OCC who encouraged me to pursue my nursing education at OCC with her recommendation. The self-study and self-paced program allowed me to work part-time while going to school. The school provides a variety of health care settings for you to learn in. The faculty have been nothing but supportive during the program."
What has been the best part of your education to date!
"My clinical experience of being able to train at a variety of hospitals in Syracuse has allowed me to achieve a level of knowledge and experience not likely available in other locations. I have been able to communicate effectively and work together with nurse practitioners, physicians, and many others in the health care team during my clinical. My clinical instructors were great to work with. They went out of their way to make sure we had a good experience on the hospital floors. If we ever had questions, they were there to listen and give their feedback, even if it meant staying after clinical hours."
Sonya Walter
Walter is excited to graduate because she's gone to hell and back to earn her degree, overcoming many personal obstacles.
School: Public Safety & Community Service
What are your plans after graduation?
Accepted a position at Helio Health.
Why did you choose OCC?
"I chose OCC because it was very close to home and provided great opportunities"
What has been the best part of your education to date!
"The best part of my education is that I can say I went through hell which made me stronger and to learn that life will and does get in the way of what you are trying to accomplish."
