When Maria Elis Lorga Novack came to the United States from Brazil in August 2021, she had no idea how the American college system worked. Today, the Fayetteville-Manlius High School Class of 2025 graduate is finding her path at Onondaga Community College, and leading her fellow students as President of Student Government.
Novack initially enrolled at OCC in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a specialization in Biology, and recently realized that nursing was where she wanted her future to lead. This semester, she's focused on taking Nursing prerequisites, as she works to pass an entrance exam the next time it is offered. “When I decided to go into the Nursing program, I did it out of love,” she says. “I sat down and talked to my Navigator (Student Success Navigator Maria Malagisi), and she explained everything to me. And I realized I had way more options than I thought, and that I was going into an amazing pathway.”
Her journey to college wasn't always a sure thing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she stepped away from school to care for her mother and grandmother, both of whom battled the virus multiple times. The experience gave her a deeper appreciation for how much she had grown and for the people who have helped her along the way.
One of those people is Ryan Nellenback, OCC's Director of International Students. Novack first met Nellenback after F-M counselors came to OCC for a campus tour and suggested that the two connect. “He was a great help. He still helps me with whatever I need. He's amazing,” she said.
Nellenback also introduced her to Student Government and told her about the stipend that came with participating. It was an opportunity that helped make college more affordable. But what began as a financial opportunity quickly became something much more meaningful. “My experience with Student Government is amazing - the events, the connections we have with campus. We are a big family with a lot of warmth and a feeling of community.”
That community has given Novack the opportunity not only to receive support, but to give it. “At the end of the day, we are all here with the same goal and objective - to help students. Everybody struggles. We're always trying to find ways to help. I was struggling. It was important to find a place not only willing to help me, but to help everybody and welcome me in and give me the opportunity to give back. It was amazing.”
Now, as Student Government president, Novack has an even greater opportunity to do just that. She has also embraced opportunities to help others beyond Student Government. This summer, she worked with students participating in Micron's Chip Camp at OCC, an experience she particularly enjoyed because it exposed young students to opportunities she never had growing up. “The activities were amazing - that kids have the opportunity to do these things in the 6th grade. I never had that opportunity.”
At OCC, Maria has found support in the classroom as well, including tutoring in Math through the Learning Center. She says the combination of supportive faculty, staff, and campus resources has given her confidence that she will reach her goals. “College can be hard for everybody, and sometimes it's more about life. OCC has helped me overcome my obstacles, provided the help I need, and I know I will finish my degree.”
Novack is grateful for the opportunities she has found at OCC and for the people who have helped her along the way. “I'm really happy to be here. It's a great opportunity. I had no clue how this college process works here. There have always been very, very nice people here helping me. I'm really glad for everything I get to experience here.”
