When it came time to choose a college, Tessa Komar wasn’t ready to narrow her interests to just one path. Growing up in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District, she discovered passions that spanned journalism, ethics, the arts, and advocacy. Onondaga Community College offered her the flexibility to explore them all.
Komar will earn her Humanities & Social Sciences degree this May, a major she chose for its breadth and adaptability. Along the way, she expanded her studies by taking courses in Broadcast Media Communications, driven by an interest in investigative reporting and directing. Her curiosity about ethics began even earlier, through environmental and sustainability courses she took in high school through SUNY-ESF.
“I’m really passionate about human and animal rights,” Komar said. “I’d love to travel, do field research, and share what I learn with others.”
Her academic commitment has earned her membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, but Komar’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. She has served as a resident assistant in the residence halls and is currently in her fourth semester working in the Career Closet in Mawhinney Hall. It provides students with free, professional clothing, shoes, and accessories for an interview, presentation, or internship. "It's an awesome resource! We get donations from the community, make sure they are in good condition, and keep the more formal attire in the Career Closet (located in Mawhinney 182). The less formal clothes go on a rack in the Gordon Student Center. If students come into the Career Closet and they don't know how to style, I'm more than happy to help them and give them advice."
Komar’s confidence and communication skills also shine on stage. She has participated in school plays since her time in the F-M School District and continued performing at OCC, including a role in the musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! Her theater experience has helped her develop strong presentation skills, something she says didn’t come naturally at first. “I think I’m a shy person,” Komar said, “but when I’m on stage, I feel at home.”
This May, Komar will walk across the stage at SRC Arena to receive her degree, the next step in an academic journey that is far from over. She plans to transfer to a four-year institution and is considering programs in journalism, writing, literature, or film, ideally at a school closer to New York City. “OCC gave me so many opportunities to network, to connect with the community, and to see how what I’m learning applies in the real world.”
