When Anabelle Colangelo arrived at Onondaga Community College after graduating from Westhill High School in 2025, she was accustomed to being a standout performer. But in college, surrounded by talented musicians and vocalists, she suddenly found herself wondering where she fit in. “When you come to Music school, everybody that was the best in high school is here. It's intimidating walking in and you're not the best any more. I went from being the lead in my high school show to just being another vocalist.”
The adjustment was difficult enough that Colangelo considered not returning for her second semester. Fortunately, she changed her mind. And then she started saying yes. First, she accepted an invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for students at two-year colleges. She was later admitted to OCC's Honors Program and asked to become a PTK officer. Each time, her instinct was to decline. Each time, her father encouraged her to reconsider.
“The minute I started saying 'yes' on my own is when everything changed. I didn't have a choice. I was going to do these things regardless. I've come to love all of these things. I've had the opportunity to be a part of so many cool events.”
Today, Colangelo serves as PTK's vice president of leadership, participates in the Honors Program, and is preparing to complete her Music degree, with a specialization in Voice, in May 2027. The student who once questioned whether she belonged has found a place where she can put her talents to work, meet new people, and discover opportunities she might otherwise have missed.
One of those opportunities came October 8, when Colangelo performed with OCC's Concert Choir at the College's annual Alumni Faces ceremony. She also had the privilege of introducing honoree Dr. Cynthia E. Bruton-Thomas '06 on stage. “She was such an awesome person, and I wouldn't have ever met her if I didn't join PTK.”
It's a connection that illustrates just how much can happen when a student becomes involved beyond the classroom. Through PTK, Colangelo has made friends, participated in campus events, and found a community she genuinely cares about. “I love it. I would spend all day in the suite if I could. It's people facing, and I love people.”
Music has always given Colangelo ways to express herself. Voice is her favorite, but it's far from her only musical pursuit. She also plays piano, clarinet, guitar, ukulele, snare drum, and trumpet. At OCC, she plays clarinet in the College's Wind Ensemble. Her musical experiences extend beyond campus, too. She recently performed in Auburn Public Theater's production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, her first community theater production. “That was a lot of fun. It was such a fun group of people to work with.”
After completing her associate degree next May, Colangelo plans to continue her Music education, building on the skills and confidence she has developed at OCC. “I was able to find myself here and find where my voice fits. OCC was such a good experience for me.”
