At Brighton Academy in the Syracuse City School District, students come to a small office to talk to someone they trust: Tyquan Thomas. What they may not realize is that their mentor is in the middle of his own remarkable rise at Onondaga Community College.
Thomas is a graduate of the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC). He graduated in June 2025 with college experience under his belt. As a P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) student, he began taking Mechanical Technology classes on campus while still in high school.
The transition to taking college courses was challenging. “At first, it was overwhelming. I always had support around me, but I wasn't good at reaching out and asking for help.” That changed after a pivotal moment. “I failed a test, and all of my friends were passing. I decided it couldn't happen anymore. I took the time to email my professors, asked about extra credit, and how I could improve my grade.”
The mindset shift stuck. Now, as a full-time OCC student, he's on track to complete his Mechanical Technology degree this May - a full year ahead of schedule. “Me being able to finish in a year opens up so many doors for me. I can take this associate degree, apply to jobs, and be put ahead of others my age.”
But Tyquan’s success story extends well beyond academics. Three days a week, he works with Street Addiction, an institute dedicated to supporting young people in the community. His office at Brighton Academy gives students a place to talk, vent, ask questions, and get guidance from someone similar in age and mindset. “I didn’t have people I could talk to around my age,” he says. “If someone older tells me to do this or that, I would think, ‘You're old.’ But if someone my age or a little older would tell me things, there was a connection. Me telling kids right and wrong, it actually ties in because we can connect.”
The job is personal. Tyquan participated in the program himself, completed a summer internship, and was invited to return as a mentor. “I enjoy the work. I wouldn't want to do anything else with my off time.” Whether he’s encouraging a middle schooler or mastering a Mechanical Technology course, Tyquan Thomas is focused on growth - his own and everyone else’s. And the students waiting outside his office can feel it.
