Ivanna Colon '05 knows how important it is for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds to receive the support they need to succeed. She was in that position two decades ago when she came to Onondaga Community College as a first-generation college student. Her positive experience here led her to dedicate her professional career to helping students in similar situations.
Today she is the Director of TRiO Student Support Services at the University of Buffalo. TRiO is a federally funded program which helps first-generation students navigate the rigors of college life by providing additional staffing and services to ease their transition and persist in their studies. "With each student I meet, I remember the foundation and support I received at OCC and try to replicate that experience with them."
Colon is a New York City native who grew up in the Rochester area and graduated high school in 1999. She began her journey through higher education in a pharmacy program at a four-year school. After one year she moved to the Syracuse area with her mother who was dealing with health issues.
Colon put her education on hold, focused on caring for her mother, and also worked at the pharmacy at the Syracuse Community Health Center. After a year there her supervisor called her into his office. "He (Steven Garner) asked me what I was doing here and said I was capable of so much more. His encouragement led me to begin taking classes part-time at OCC."
In 2004 she enrolled in OCC's Health and Human Services program. She didn't have an exact career goal, but knew she was heading in the right direction. She also gave her mother's spirits a boost. "My mom was so happy. She always pushed education on myself and my brother because she did not have the opportunity herself. Going back to school brought a great amount of pride to her."
During her first year Colon did well. Any success she experienced, whether on a homework assignment or a test, increased her confidence and inspired more success. But in 2005 she suffered a setback when her mother passed away. "The old me would have given up at that point because my mom was my biggest champion. But seeing how much pride I brought her made me determined to finish this for her to see where it might take me."
Colon received invaluable and constant support from Professors Tina May and Dr. Ednita Wright. She recalls them providing her with the focus she needed and helped her normalize her life struggles.
Thanks to their support, Colon persisted. She became a Residence Life Assistant in the first year of OCC's residence halls and earned straight A's as she completed her degree. Commencement day was very emotional for her. "I was beaming with pride. I was one of 10 graduates featured at the ceremony. I was overcome with joy as I walked across the stage, but was also sad that my mom wasn't there to see it."
Colon went from OCC to Binghamton University (BU) for her bachelor's degree, spent two years working as an instructor in the Teach for America program, then returned to BU for her master's in Student Affairs Administration. Two years ago she began a doctoral program at St. Cloud State.
As the leader of the TRiO program at the University of Buffalo her focus is supporting students who are the first in their families to go to college. Her time at OCC, coupled with her experiences since then, have brought everything full circle. "I am forever grateful for my time at OCC. It's where all of my dreams became real."
