Liverpool Grad Says "Coming Here Was The Best Decision I've Made"

It's been 10 years since Saurav Sharma and his family immigrated to the United States from Nepal. He's found Onondaga Community College to be his happy place in America. "Campus is like a community rather than being on your own. Coming here was the best decision I've made."

When Sharma arrived in the U.S. he knew very little English. He learned the language by observing different types of media. His English improved significantly by the time he became a student at Liverpool High School. "I did pretty well as a student but wasn't involved in anything outside of class."

After graduating from Liverpool in 2020 Sharma enrolled at OCC. "I was undecided (about what to study). I felt it was a great place to start." He chose the Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities & Social Sciences degree program and did well enough to earn membership in the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society. He's part of the Honors program, the PTK Leadership Team, and a regular in the PTK suite on the second floor of Coulter Hall. "I was super anxious and shy when I started here. PTK gave me an environment where I could slowly open up."

Sharma's involvement in campus life also includes being a Peer Mentor and Program Assistant in TRIO/Student Support Services which helps participants succeed in classes, get their diploma, and then transfer to a four-year school or university. "I enjoy helping others and I learn from students when I am helping them. That's the best part. We talk a lot about figuring things out."

Sharma will complete work toward his degree in December. He plans to transfer to a four-year school and major in Marketing.