Each Wednesday we are sharing the stories of outstanding students who began their college education while still in high school. Today we introduce you to Hi'Zharria Harper.
Onondaga Community College's Early OCC program has given Hi'Zharria Harper the opportunity to earn her high school diploma and first college degree in the same calendar year. Harper, whose known as "Z," is both a senior at Syracuse Academy of Science and a full-time OCC student. "I really enjoy the freedom that comes with being in college. It opens a lot of opportunity for studying and for extracurriculars. I have so much free time in between classes when I can study or be part of clubs or go to the Y and work out. You get so much more time to figure things out."
Harper began coming to OCC for classes as a high school sophomore. In the fall of 2024, she became a full-time student while also remaining active in her high school. As she took 18 credits in the fall and 15 credits in the spring, she also played volleyball, basketball, and flag football for the Syracuse Academy of Science.
Harper is also involved in numerous activities outside class including Youth in Government at the Fayetteville YMCA where she is also the organizations Youth Board Member, the New York Civil Liberties Union Student Ambassador program, the NAACP Youth Council, Equality New York's Youth Council, and State Senator Rachel May's Youth Council.
On the OCC campus she started the Coalition of Young Leaders club, a youth advocacy group. "I've had an interest in social justice, politics, and advocacy since I was 7 years old. In first grade I was introduced to the Women's Rights movement. When I learned 'boys are better than girls' I decided I would show the world otherwise."
Harper's career goal is to work in politics. She plans to attend college out of state and study either political science or public policy. She's confident the accelerated academic path she's on has gotten her ready for what's next. "Dual enrollment prepared me for a four-year institution. There was no one to supervise you to tell you where you had to go or what you had to do, but there were plenty of people at OCC who were willing to help you if you asked."
