Most high school seniors are just beginning to think about college. At 17, Samara Hurtado is about to graduate from one.
In the coming months, Hurtado will graduate from the Syracuse Academy of Science while also completing her Engineering Science degree at Onondaga Community College. “I’ve always known I wanted to go to college,” Hurtado said. “I thought it would be a cool experience to get a head start. Ever since I entered high school, I’ve been working toward this.”
Hurtado began taking classes on the OCC campus two years ago and quickly proved she was ready for the challenge. “I’ve taken up to 20 credits in one semester, but I got through it. It helped me build more confidence in myself. It was very rewarding.”
Earlier this semester, Hurtado began tutoring fellow students at the Learning Center in several advanced subjects, including Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Digital Logic Design, and Introduction to Microprocessors. Serving as a tutor helps other students and, as she’s discovered, it helps her as well. “I’ve tutored a little in the past, and I found that explaining things to others helps me understand the material so much better,” Hurtado said. “I love math, and calculus is my favorite subject.”
She has also embraced opportunities beyond the classroom. At the encouragement of one of her professors, Ashley Haskins, Hurtado founded the campus Pokémon Club and now serves as its president. “It was on a whim. I had the idea, and Professor Haskins really encouraged it. I learned there are so many people on campus who are into Pokémon. As president, Hurtado handles the club’s administrative responsibilities - organizing events, managing paperwork, and coordinating members. “It taught me a lot about leadership and administrative duties.”
Hurtado’s favorite place on campus is the Early College Pathways office on the third floor of the Whitney Applied Technology Center, run by Kim Bowers and Shannon Nolan. “Besides all the resources there, it’s a very comfortable space where I can talk with friends and meet new people,” she said. “There’s a strong social network there. It’s a good place for me to sit down, vent, and relax before I go back to the grind.”
When Hurtado completes her degree in May, she will join her parents as college graduates. Both immigrated to the United States from Colombia and later earned their own college degrees. Her father graduated from OCC in 2020.
In the fall, Hurtado will enroll in the Electrical Engineering program at the University at Buffalo. She’ll bring with her the strong academic and personal foundation she built during her time at OCC. “I felt very welcome here,” Hurtado said. “People are very friendly. I loved being on campus. I did so much more than just take classes. I was really involved in the whole community. It’s a really cool environment.”
