Student Spotlight: Evan Riccardo

The thought of going to college later in life can be intimidating. When Evan Riccardo came to campus for the spring 2024 semester, he wasn't sure if he would be able to survive. "I was terrified. I was like 'oh my God what am I doing?' I was super nervous. After a couple days, I relaxed and realized I was actually excited to be back in school."

Riccardo is a 36-year-old father of two who is successfully balancing the demands of being a full-time college student and a parent. He's a New York City native who graduated from high school in Colorado in 2007. Along with his diploma, he earned a certification in Greenhouse Management. He began working in a greenhouse, attended college briefly, then focused solely on his career. "I moved all over the country working at greenhouses and farms until I had kids. Then I needed to make a change."

When Covid hit, he decided to come to Central New York to be closer to his family. He was driving for Uber and thinking about pursuing a career. "I was doing the same thing over and over and over. My dad suggested I check out what they had at OCC. I knew I had to make some kind of change."

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11 years old - Nicholas

8 years old - Skyla

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Born in NYC, family from this area. His father went to SU and his grandfather was a professor there. "When COVID hit I moved back to be closer to my family."

Started here spring 2024.

"Alexis, my sister-in-law, had already been here. I was driving around doing Uber and doing the same thing over and over and over and y dad suggested I check out with they had at OCC. I knew I had to make some kind of change."

"I looked at all of the new courses they have to offer. I used to be a Purchasing Manager for a couple of years in Coloado, I worked for UPS, when I was at greenhouses I worked on logistics, so this sounded interesting to me."

"It's never too late. You don't know until you do it. Just coming to take one or two classes can make you more motivated and go a long way."

"I was president of the FFA in high school so I've always liked to be involved. In elementary school I was on student council. Alexis my sister-in-law was on it and said it was a great thing to be a part of."

"There are so many different shipping and logistical businesses around the area I feel the opportunities are endless. I feel it can be a booming career."

"I stay on a strict schedule. I have a planner and write out all of my assignments. I stay on top of things and don't wait until the last minute."

"They are both super excited about it. My son is thinking 'in 10 years you are going to have a good job! He has ideas."

"They're in bed by 9 o'clock every night. I'm always doing school work. When my son is at soccer practice, I'm doing school work. I never used to be like this. My son has got me onto the kick of being early. I have to be at places 10 minutes early so I'm on time."