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Lauren Shaler was only 14 years old when her father passed away, but his experiences as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician made a lasting impression on her. "He would tell me stories and I would study his notebook. It was interesting. I liked hearing about what he did and reading about it."

As a student at Baldwinsville High School, she was named to BOCES National Technical Honor Society for Health Occupations. After graduating in 2021, she chose Onondaga Community College because of its affordability and proximity to home.

Critical scenario: There's been a serious accident and there is an urgent need for acute medical care. A 48-year-old male is rushed to the hospital following a head-on car crash. He lost consciousness briefly upon impact, was trapped in the vehicle for a lengthy period of time before being extricated, has an open leg break, and a nerve injury to his leg. During his initial examination by a Physical Therapist it is discovered he also has what is known as "foot drop," meaning he has difficulty lifting the front part of his foot.

The OCC Foundation is conducting a year-end appeal, raising money for student success. Here are a few Onondaga Community College students who have benefitted from your support:

Nick Chai

Lieve Marie-Claire Kitsa has forgotten what "free time" is because she simply doesn't have any. She's a student at Onondaga Community College who works full-time, is a mother, and a wife. She also has something new to celebrate. Earlier this semester she was inducted into the College's chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa. "It was a surprise. I was honored."

Nadia Diaz '20 discovered her passion at Onondaga Community College, and on November 20 she returned to campus to be sworn-in as a Syracuse Police Officer. "I had a phenomenal time here. I learned a lot, I grew a lot. To come back here today... there's no other place I'd rather be to do this."