OCC's Rising Star: Alicia Oberlender Balances Academics and Interests in ASL and Karate

Alicia Oberlender changed her initial plan of attending a four-year college for a science major, opting instead for a gap year just a week before classes were to start. During this time, she explored new interests including karate, inspired by her late great uncle, a black belt who was also deaf. She earned a purple belt in the sport.

In the fall of 2023, Alicia enrolled at Onondaga Community College (OCC), pursuing a degree in Mathematics & Science. She became actively involved in campus life, joining the American Sign Language (ASL) Club, influenced by her great uncle. Her academic performance led to her induction into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society after her first semester, and she took on leadership roles as the Vice President of the ASL Club and a Student Ambassador.

Additionally, Alicia volunteered at Whole Me Inc., a program for deaf and hard of hearing children, and considered roles such as a Math tutor and a Student Government officer. She also helped establish a Badminton Club at the college.

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