Student Spotlight: Milka Arencibia

• Degree Program: Business Administration 

While growing up in Cuba, Milka Arencibia and her family always dreamed about what it would be like to live in the United States. "The situation in Cuba was very bad. We were looking for a place with freedom and knew we could find it here."

Shortly after completing high school in Cuba six years ago, Arencibia and her family moved to Ecuador. The U.S. remained their goal and getting out of Cuba was the first step. Because they were in Ecuador illegally and didn't have the necessary paperwork, they couldn't simply buy plane tickets and fly to America. Over the course of 24 days they traveled in and out of eight difference countries before finally arriving in the United States in November of 2015.

When Arencibia began taking classes at OCC her biggest challenge was becoming fluent in English. "My English wasn't that good. Studying and getting good grades was a challenge. But all of those hard times helped me become the person I am today and realize I could accomplish anything in life."

Arencibia's hard work paid off. As her English improved so too did her course work. She made the honor roll multiple times while excelling in the Business Administration degree program. Outside class she was a member of the Council on Diversity & Inclusion and a leading force behind the College's Unity Day program. She also took part in a job shadow which was set up by OCC's Career Services Office. That opportunity led to an internship with the Department of Agriculture. "Being involved in activities outside class introduced me to a lot of good people, good professors, and good advisors who helped me throughout my time at OCC."

After she receives her degree this summer Arencibia will transfer to Le Moyne College where she will major in Management and Leadership. "OCC was a great school for me. It opened up a lot of opportunities. It was the best start to a great future."