Their lives seem like controlled chaos, and they love it. The Johnson triplets commute daily to the Onondaga Community College campus from their Baldwinsville home. Depending on the day and their schedules, sometimes they commute together, sometimes parents get involved in the back-and-forth, and there are part-time jobs to work around as well. "We all go to the same school," Cate says with a laugh. "But we don't see each other very often."
The three 2025 graduates of Baldwinsville High School share a birthday, a last name, and a work ethic, but their personalities and interests are very different.
Cate is the spark. Outgoing and expressive, she chose to major in Music, drawn to performance and the energy of the stage.
Jack is the steady pulse. Quiet and analytical, he followed his lifelong interest in computers into the Cybersecurity program.
Sara moves comfortably between them. She's thoughtful and curious, pursuing a Mathematics & Science degree with an eye toward Geology, Archaeology, and Anthropology.
All three enrolled at OCC with the same goal: build a strong academic foundation before taking their next step. Cate is the first to take hers.
“I decided I’m transferring after this semester,” she says. “I’m going into Arts Management at SUNY Purchase. I’m happy I was able to come here, explore options, but not feel stuck.”
For Cate, OCC was a launchpad. It was an opportunity to test her ambitions without pressure. For Sara, it’s a proving ground.
“I knew by coming here I wouldn’t be putting too much pressure on myself,” Sara explains. “I could take my time and figure out where I was going to go next.” She plans to return next year, complete her degree, and then transfer.
Jack’s path remains the most open-ended. He may return to campus next year, or he may take a different route entirely. He’s considering enlisting in the military, and continuing his education while serving his country.
“I’ve really enjoyed it here,” Jack says. “I like the smaller classes. Some of my friends at other colleges have classes with 400 students. It’s hard for them to develop a personal relationship with their teacher. It’s much easier here.”
That sense of connection between students and faculty, and between exploration and direction, has shaped each of them differently.
This spring marks the first time their paths will visibly diverge. Cate will pack for Purchase. Sara will register for fall classes. Jack will weigh a decision that could take him far from Baldwinsville.
They are triplets by birth, but individuals by design. Wherever they go from here, they will share the quiet reassurance of knowing someone else understands exactly where they started.
