Student Spotlight: Angel Gonzalez

Angel Gonzalez has returned to the area he once called home and has found his groove on the Onondaga Community College campus. "Before, I never really felt like I was part of the Syracuse community. Being involved at OCC has impacted me in such a way I now know this really is home."

Gonzalez was born on Syracuse's west side, moved to Los Angeles at a young age, and lived there while he was in grades 3 through 12. After graduating from Downey High School in 2019, he decided to attend a small college in Kansas. A year later when Covid arrived, he returned to Syracuse where most of his family still lived. He took some classes at Syracuse University, then decided to give OCC a try in the spring of 2021.

Everything clicked for him academically here. He became an outstanding student and was inducted into the College's chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa last month. "It validated a lot of the work I've been doing. This showed me I am capable of achieving and staying at a high level."

Outside class he is a member of the Lazers' Track & Field team, Geek Club, Extraordinary Men of Distinction, and co-chair of the spring semester's Unity Day festivities. "Unity Day allows everyone to take part in other cultures and other traditions that aren't necessarily for them and to appreciate others. At the end of the day, whether we look different or come from different backgrounds, we are all people and we can all enjoy each others time and space. Unity Day should be at all institutions. It can change people's view."

Earlier this semester Gonzalez was chosen to be the student speaker at the dedication of the "Meg O'Connell Center for Social Justice and Community Impact" in Coulter Hall. "I've worked for diversity services since my first semester here at OCC. Being able to speak at the opening of the office and being able to meet the people who have impacted the school really shows me I can have that same impact. I want to influence others positively and being in that position cemented that I can do that myself."

Gonzalez will earn his General Studies degree next month. He plans to build a career in the world of independent music. "OCC showed me no matter what road I take for myself, I'm putting myself in position to succeed. OCC has opened my eyes to show me I'm capable of doing whatever I want."