A family piano handed down from generation to generation has helped create the soundtrack of Susanna Southwick's life. Most of the 11 children who grew up in the Southwick's southern Onondaga County home played that piano at one time or another. Southwick remembers her mother noticing her playing melodies on the piano when she was 8 years old, and before she knew it she was taking piano lessons. "Once I started practicing piano I became more interested in studying music. And I was always interested in audio engineering. Sound Recording is a really good combination of music and the audio side."
Sound Recording may not be the degree program you would expect someone to choose who was raised on a farm. Susanna works six days a week on the Southwick Family Farm while taking classes in Onondaga Community College's Sound Recording degree program. "It's a very unique way to grow up. It taught me at a young age the importance of responsibility, and that there can be consequences when you don't do a job well."
Southwick was homeschooled, so when she began taking classes at OCC in the fall of 2023 it was her first time in a classroom. "After a couple of weeks, I got into the swing of it. I think I've thrived in the classroom environment."
She's done so well, she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during the fall semester. "It means a lot to see my academic achievements recognized. I've really loved it here. All of my professors are very supportive. I can tell they really want students to succeed."
Southwick will complete her degree in May. She plans to transfer to a four-year school for either Audio Engineering or something Music related.
