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Before October 17, 2018, David Bosak had never known life without soccer. When he was old enough to walk he started kicking a foam ball around the house. As a youth he would always play in leagues against players several years older than him. At Marcellus High School he blossomed into a two-time All New York State performer. But everything changed on October 17, 2018 when he broke his leg in a sectional playoff game. "When soccer came to a halt I didn't know what to do with myself. I'd never gone through a period where I hadn't played for so long.

Onondaga Community College Professor and Chef James Taylor feels like a proud father. He's the Guest Chef for A Mano restaurant's holiday farm-to-table dinner and he's hard at work in the kitchen as opening time approaches. The restaurant is owned and operated by father and son OCC alumni  Anthony Fiacchi, '84 and Alex Fiacchi, '12. Noah Fiacchi, who is a current OCC student, also works there. "It's nice to see the alumni in the restaurant business just crushing it," said Taylor. "This place is happening and people in Syracuse are catching on.

• Major: Fire Protection Technology
• High School: Baldwinsville, class of 2018

Sam Farren always had an interest in firefighting. Every time she climbed into her stepfather's truck, she saw the blue light volunteer firefighters use. While recovering from a medical procedure she found herself riding past one of the Baldwinsville Fire Department's three stations every day. "I kept seeing the 'Baldwinsville Fire Department' sign. I was like, 'I really want to do that.!' As soon as I turned old enough I did it."

An elementary school book fair provided Daniel Warne with his career inspiration. "I remember it so vividly. I was in the 4th grade and a friend of mine got a book on King Tut. I looked at it and have been obsessed ever since."

His obsession continued into high school when he began mailing letters to Bob Brier, a Senior Research Fellow at Long Island University who is an Egyptologist. That title goes to a person who is an expert on ancient Egyptian history, language, literature, religion, architecture, and art. Brier would write back, offering educational and career advice.

Patrice Samuels knew Onondaga Community College was the place for her when she came to Open House in October 2017 and met Nursing Department Chair Leanne Waterman. "What she said literally grabbed me from my seat and I knew this is where I wanted to go. She understood each one of us had the desire to become a nurse and it was her and her staff's job to help us to accomplish that. They were willing to help us if we were willing to do the work. The unique nature of their program is they would adapt to meet our needs because life happens."

Casey Vanderstouw, '03 is about to lead the Baldwinsville High School Marching Band on the trip of a lifetime. Vanderstouw and the 140-student "Marching Bees" will be celebrating New Year's Day in California, performing in the Rose Parade hosted by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. "Getting invited there is such a huge accomplishment. The Rose Parade has an international feel to it. There are bands from South America, Asia, Europe, and a few high school bands. We're fortunate to be one of them. It's such a big stage."

• Major: Liberal Arts & Sciences - General Studies
• High School: Fayetteville-Manlius, class of 2018

Sean Egan has loved performing for as long as he can remember. "Since I was old enough to talk, I used to put on shows in the living room. I would host a morning talk show and make family members participate."