The OCC Effect: Eva DeCharleroy, '13

Ten years ago Eva DeCharleroy became the first member of her family to go to college. A decade later she's on the brink of becoming an attorney. Her journey through higher education began at Onondaga Community College after she graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School in 2011. "My parents and I determined OCC was the best place for me to start given its location and affordability. It would give me the necessary space to see if college was for me."

DeCharleroy enrolled in the Humanities degree program and took advantage of every opportunity to grow both inside and outside of class. She worked at the student newspaper and was President of the College's chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society. Her leadership position in PTK gave her the opportunity to travel to leadership seminars. She also became involved in student government and would receive an OCC Leadership Award for her efforts.

The organization which impacted her most during her time on campus was the International Student Services Office. She was in the work-study program there and would became vice president of the International Student Services Club. "I was able to meet friends from all over the world who I am still friends with today. I learned about their cultures, their struggles studying in a second language, and their incredible, humbling stories. It was a catalyst for my interest in the world of immigration law which I became certified in during law school."

DeCharleroy would complete her degree at OCC in 2013, earn a bachelor's degree at Syracuse University two years later, then pursue a law degree at New England Law in Boston. She chose New England Law because their competitive scholarship and welcoming professors reminded her of those at OCC. Her positive experience with student government at OCC led to her becoming president of the student body at New England Law. She earned her law degree in May along with certification in both immigration law and criminal practice and procedure. This summer she's taking the bar exam, the final step in her journey to become a licensed attorney.

While she hopes her story will inspire others, DeCharleroy also wants students to embrace their own journey to success. "Comparison is the thief of joy. Your path to success will not and should not look like anyone else's. Network, volunteer, trust your gut, and remember to define your own success by looking inward and not outward to avoid measuring all that you have achieved against everyone else."