- Major: Business Administration
- High School: Cazenovia, class of 2013
GEN 154 changed the course of Kristen DeFeo's academic path. She was majoring in Human Services when she decided to take the three credit class known as Comparative Vocational Planning. It introduces students to methods of occupational planning and exposes them to available career choices. "It was lifesaving. I think everyone should take this class as soon as they get here. It made me realize I wanted to be a Business major. I like what I'm getting out of my classes now and am 100 percent sure I made the right choice."
DeFeo has excelled in the Business Administration major. She's passionate about her coursework and has found the professors to be very supportive. She's also Treasurer in the Business Club and enjoys the opportunity to meet and learn from industry professionals. "People who are successful in the community come speak with us and tell us how they got where they are. It's interesting hearing their stories. To hear what they are doing and how long it took to get there gives you hope. You learn their success didn't happen right away."
Success didn't happen right away for DeFeo either. She went from being an average student in high school to a member of OCC's chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa. She's done it while raising her 5-year-old son and working as a waitress. "It's hard but manageable with the right professors who are very understanding."
DeFeo plans to earn her degree in the spring of 2021. She expects to enter the workforce before pursing more degrees. Her goal is a career in medical sales.
