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Josh Barr spoke at an event on the OCC campus with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul who was promoting her plan for free community college for adult learners in workforce-related programs.
Josh Barr spoke at an event on the OCC campus with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul who was promoting her plan for free community college for adult learners in workforce-related programs.

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul came to the Onondaga Community College campus January 29 to rally support for her proposal for free community college. New Yorkers between the ages of 25 and 55 who pursue an associate degree in high-demand fields would be eligible. She was followed at the podium by SUNY Chancellor John King and OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton who echoed similar messages.

The star of the show however was the final speaker, OCC student Josh Barr. He is an adult learner in a high-demand field who would be eligible for the free tuition program if it was available. He shared his remarkable story with those in attendance. Below was his message:

"Governor Hochul, Chancellor King, and President Hilton... thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story with you. I'm a 41-year-old single father and recovering heroin addict. On October 6th, 2023, I began a life of sobriety. I needed to set an example for my son and decided to go to college. One year ago, I became a student here at Onondaga Community College in the Computer Information Systems degree program. It was tough, but thanks to great professors like Timothy Stedman and Christian Sisack, my wonderful Navigator Betsy Vavonese, and all of the other great support staff around me, I ended up earning a 3.825 grade point average in my first semester. i was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, something I never would have thought would be possible for me. The night of the ceremony, my mother and son were there cheering me on. It was one of the proudest moments of my llife. Because I am a single father, I need to finish my degree as soon as possible so I can begin working in cybersecurity. Governor Hochul, if your free college program was available to me one year ago, it would have helped me tremendously. When you're trying to change the course of your life while you are living it, every penny helps. I have many goals; some are short-term, some are long-term. They include sobriety, being the best father I can be, completing my degree here at OCC, going to work, eventually earning my bachelor's degree, and one day starting my own cybersecurity company. Governor Hochul, I hope your free college program becomes the law so it will be here to help future students like me. Thank you."

Upon competing his remarks, Barr received a standing ovation.

After his speech Josh Barr (right) shook hands with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. Also pictured is OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton (left) and SUNY Chancellor John King (right).
After his speech Josh Barr (right) shook hands with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. Also pictured is OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton (left) and SUNY Chancellor John King (top).
Keywords
OCC
Onondaga Community College