What do you like to do in your spare time? Before Phil Impaglia became a student at Onondaga Community College, he had a unique pastime. "I enjoyed History as a hobby. I got to a point where I was writing research papers for fun as I read about history because I enjoy writing. A friend of mine who is a historical researcher as a career told me I could get paid for what I was doing. Everything clicked at that point. I knew what I wanted to do and what I wanted to go to school for."
Impaglia is a 33-year-old father of two who grew up in the Camillus area. He's a brilliant adult learner who had a bumpy path to where he is now. He quit school in 9th grade due to undiagnosed ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and the lack of support which is now available to those who are impacted by it. He would eventually try college but didn't stay long. "I was young, I was pressured, I didn't know what I wanted to do, I lasted a week, and then I stopped."
He decided to become an electrician and worked in that capacity for nearly a decade. His spare time was consumed by fatherhood and his passion for World War II. "My love for it started with documentaries and turned into reading. I can read a textbook cover to cover without getting bored."
Eventually, he discovered he appreciated learning about all history. "I find the story of humanity fascinating. I am always thinking in the back of my head 'who walked here, what did they do, and how did they live?' It's something that piques my curiosity constantly and I enjoy resolving that curiosity."
In 2023 Impaglia decided he was ready to try college again. Unfortunately, he had 3 failing grades on his transcript which would prevent him from being eligible for financial aid. But his Navigator, Melissa Hicks, had a plan. "She walked me through my best options to earn my financial aid back, get a full-time schedule, and get academic forgiveness for one semester." After a successful first semester, the failing grades disappeared and he was again eligible for financial aid.
In the classroom, Impaglia developed a strong bond with Professor Rick McLain. "I took Modern American History with him. He taught it in a cool way and he took an interest in me. The very next semester I took another class from him and he told me about History Club. Now I'm President of History Club. I do presentations bi-weekly on Monday's for students and he is our advisor."
Impaglia's improbable academic journey has brought him from the lowest valley to the highest mountain top. Later this month he will be inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
He will complete his Humanities & Social Sciences degree in December 2026. He plans to continue his education and pursue his dream of returning to OCC as a History professor. "People like Melissa Hicks and Rick McLain are why I want to work here one day. I have yet to meet a professor here who I don't enjoy."
