Student Spotlight: Holly Adams

Holly Adams seems to have everything figured out. She's found the perfect degree program and is working toward her dream career, is Student Government president, and gets to bring her nearly 2-year-old son to campus with her every day where he is cared for at the Children's Learning Center.

Adams graduated from Wayland Cohocton high school in Steuben County 11 years ago. She briefly attended another community college, then decided to go to work. She spent several years working as an event planner in Rochester. "It was a great experience. I got to work with so many people from so many different backgrounds." When job-related stress forced her to consider other career options, she decided to enroll at OCC for the fall 2020 semester. She found her passion in a nutrition class. "It really sparked my interest. I love the way food interacts with everyone differently. I decided I wanted to become a registered dietician and help people make the proper food selections for their body and health."

As she works toward her degree in Mathematics & Science with a concentration in Biology, Adams will be serving the campus community as president of Student Government. "We're planning events like crazy. The calendar is really filling up for the fall."

Adams became interested in Student Government after meeting last year's president, Alexis Riccardo, in Psychology Club and striking up a friendship. "She was super open and friendly, could answer any question, and was always there to help. She was a little older like me and had a son in the Children's Learning Center. She became a role model for me."

Adams spent much of the spring semester with Riccardo, learning the ins and outs of the Student Government president position. Their time together set the stage for a seamless transition when Adams was elected to the post. Her goal this fall is to make sure students know Student Government is here to serve them and create the programming they are interested in. "We had a student come in our office who was taking a tour of campus during the summer. He saw an old sign about an Open Mic night and wondered if we were going to have one. We took his suggestion, planned an event in an hour, and now it's on the calendar."

The Student Government office is located on the first floor of the Gordon Student Center in room G114 next to the Lazer Lounge. Students can learn about events being held on campus through listings on the OCC web page, email blasts, flyers posted on bulletin boards, and stall signs in restrooms.