Local Triumph: Bronx Native Achieves Milestone as First Family Graduate from Onondaga Community College

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Jamaal Reid graduated from Onondaga Community College on May 18, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree. Raised in the Bronx, Reid encountered many distractions that could have hindered his educational goals. Despite these challenges, he was motivated by his friends at Syracuse University to pursue higher education.

After working for two years after high school, Reid enrolled at Onondaga Community College. He started his college journey in 2022 with the Educational Opportunity Program's Residential Pre-Freshman Summer Institute. This program helped him adjust to college life and prepare for upcoming academic challenges.

At OCC, Reid received significant support from the EOP office in Coulter Hall. This support was crucial for his academic and emotional adjustment to college. Living on campus in his first year and later moving to off-campus housing, Reid found a community that encouraged his academic success.

Reid's friends, who graduated from Syracuse University in May, inspired him to continue his education. Their success motivated him to pursue a degree in Communications at Syracuse University and to set a positive example for others from similar backgrounds.