Nick Colon comes to class on the Onondaga Community College campus with the excitement of someone who has been waiting a long time for this opportunity - because he has. For the past 13 years, he’s worked in the computer department at Best Buy, answering questions, troubleshooting devices, and staying on top of the latest tech trends. But deep down, he always knew he wanted to take his interest in technology further.
He had tried college before, but had to step away. Returning to school always felt like a possibility, just not an easy one. Everything changed the day he heard about SUNY Reconnect, a new program offering free community college to New Yorkers between the ages of 25 and 55 who haven’t yet earned a degree. The program covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies after all other financial aid is applied.
“I qualified and said, ‘Sweet! I’m going to take full advantage of it.’”
Now a Cybersecurity major, Nick is diving into a field he sees as both rapidly expanding and deeply important. “Anything IT-related is a growing thing, especially with the inception of AI, which has many benefits as well as many flaws and detriments. It’s where my interests are, and where I feel I can make an impact.”
Returning to a college classroom at age 39 energized him. “I was psyched. I missed going to class and doing homework. I enjoy in-person classes, communicating with others, and that energy vibe.”
He took nine credits in the fall and is taking another nine this spring. “I did well. I’m happy with it, especially after being out of the game for so long.”
His goals are clear: protect people from the scams, fraud, and digital threats that have become increasingly common. “I want to be able to help others, with scams and frauds being so way out of hand.”
For anyone who thinks it might be too late to return to school, Nick offers the advice he’s learned firsthand. “Late bloomers are a thing. Life can come at you fast, hit you hard, and knock you down. It doesn’t mean it’s over for you if you don’t go to school in your 20s. It’s okay to have the fear of trying something new. Embrace the fear!”
