Student Spotlight: Rebekah MacLean

• Major: General Studies
• Home schooled from Oswego

Rebekah MacLean's life experiences have her on a path to a career assisting others. "When I was a junior in high school I became more and more interested in psychology. I was in therapy for a number of years and it really inspired me to help others who had been through similar difficulties. I want to help people."

While growing up in Oswego, MacLean was home schooled. Choosing the right college was important for both academic and social reasons. "I needed a place that would be a good transition from being home schooled because it's obviously a huge step. I also wanted to solidify what major I wanted without spending a ton of money on something I wasn't sure I wanted to do. That's why I majored in General Studies."

MacLean started taking classes at OCC in the fall 2018 semester and immediately looked for opportunities to make a difference outside the classroom. She became a Social Media reporter for the College's social media channels, and a Student Ambassador who gives tours to prospective students and their families. She loves sharing her story of how she's found a home on campus. "I tell them OCC is an amazing place to get connected. Even in my first semester I had so many connections across campus and people I could go to with all of the different programs I was involved in. To start in a smaller environment like this with smaller classes makes a huge difference. Professors and people across campus get to know you and know your face and know your name. That type of inclusivity and community type feel is what's great about OCC."

During her final year on campus MacLean is an officer in the Student Association where she serves as Vice President of Media. "I wanted to be a part of something in which I could advocate for change and have a voice and be heard. I always wanted to do something in leadership. This was a perfect way to do it."

MacLean will earn her degree next May and plans to transfer to another SUNY institution, the University at Buffalo.