MCC Daily Tribune

Meet Members of the Class of 2022!

MCC's newest graduates are poised to make an impact. Learn how some of these graduates will be applying their MCC education to the local workforce and to advanced studies at area colleges. During the week leading up to Commencement day (June 2), several Class of 2022 members will be featured in the Daily Tribune / Student Tribune, on MCC's website and on social media channels. The success of our graduates keeps MCC inspiring every day. #MCC2022

ZHARRIAY CALLIER

“At MCC, you’re not alone. Have a problem? An obstacle to overcome? There’s so much help here. All you’ve got to do is ask.”

Zharriay Callier knew she wanted to attend MCC when she was a student at Rochester’s Edison Career & Technology High School. “I knew my city. I knew the endless opportunities our community’s college could provide. I knew I wanted to pursue my own dreams here,” she said. “I just didn’t know what I wanted my direction to be.”

So, she went online. She explored MCC’s programs. She read pamphlets and talked with a college counselor. Finally, she decided to pursue her future with a criminal justice degree. “I realized criminal justice isn’t just about being a police officer,” she said. “It involves law, ethics, human decency, the court system, and maintaining a civil society. It impacts the quality of our lives in so many ways.”

Zharriay has worked as an intern with MCC Public Safety peace officers on the Brighton and Downtown campuses. She also works part time at Unity Hospital and is exploring volunteer opportunities with the Rochester Fire Department.

Describing her MCC experience as “life-changing,” she said college hasn’t always been easy. Being a participant in the Educational Opportunity Program has helped. “MCC has so many resources to support student success, but you have to visit the tutoring center. You have to apply for the grant. You have to ask questions,” she said.

In addition to being grateful to those MCC faculty and staff who helped her along the way, she is also deeply appreciative of Natasha Santangelo, her mom. Describing her as a cook, a therapist and a persuader who’s not afraid to confront people over unfairness and injustices, Zharriay said her aspirations grew from her mom’s example of leadership. “Whenever I had doubts, my mom would remind me that I started this journey and needed to finish,” said Zharriay, who will cross the stage on June 2. “I’m glad I listened.”

LANDON DEBES

“I want to have a positive impact and leave something for the world.”

When Landon Debes looks out over Lake Ontario from Durand Eastman Park, he envisions a lake that’s clean. He pictures an expanded area created to better enjoy the beautiful, waterfront view. For Landon, a strong connection exists between his life, higher education, and a more sustainable future.

A graduate of the Rochester City School District’s School of the Arts, he first attended MCC in 2013 to study psychology. However, after his first semester, he moved west.

Family ties eventually brought him back to Rochester. A love of learning and expanded remote learning options resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic brought him back to MCC.

“Online learning was not as bad as I thought it would be,” Landon said. “I learned to enjoy the challenge and earned straight As for three semesters.”

At first, Landon didn’t consider himself a scholar. He does now. Over the past two years, he looked for ways to engage in campus life and share what he knew about the college with other students. As a peer navigator, he was one of the first to welcome students and families to MCC. Landon also played a pivotal role in helping the college transition back to safely serving more students in person. He assured students that “there is no better place than MCC. If you live in Rochester, it’s your best option.”

MCC Transfer Counselor Rebecca Mack encouraged Landon to follow his personal vision and unique career goals—leading to the positive impact he wants to make on the world. After earning an MCC associate of science degree in liberal arts and sciences on June 2, Landon plans to transfer to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry on his way to a career in environmental studies.

“I value my MCC degree; it’s negotiating power,” Landon said. “It’s good to have studied a diverse range of topics and use them in combination.”

JAY JENEAULT

“Because of COVID, my MCC experience hasn’t been what I expected. But in many ways, it’s been better than I ever could have imagined.”

Jay Jeneault was a Canandaigua High School freshman walking around a school activities fair when he stumbled upon the theater club and decided to join its production crew. Little did Jay know then how that chance encounter would change the direction of life so dramatically.

By the time MCC was recruiting the centerfielder to play softball, Jay had begun to explore the possibility of majoring in theatre arts here. However, fall 2020 wasn’t the typical first semester in college that students generally envision. Because all classes were online, Jay initially struggled to enjoy the experience. Despite the many challenges of a pandemic, Jay persevered.

“My time here has been so unpredictable,” said Jay. “Who knew I’d have a roommate from Italy or end up being president of the Theater Club? Who knew I’d stage manage the fall musical or earn a SUNY Chancellor’s Award? It’s been so great, but it’s also been crazy,” he said. “I’ve learned a whole lot ─ and I wouldn’t trade my MCC experience for the world.”

In August, Jay will spend the next four months as a crew member in the Disney College Program, then transfer to SUNY Oswego as a technical theater major in the spring. He’s looking forward to the next chapter.

“My MCC professors have all been absolutely phenomenal. My advisor Professor Heather Chang is an amazing person who cares so much about theater that it’s contagious,” said Jay. “Ultimately, whether I land in New York or end up working in community theatre somewhere, I know if I’m involved in stage work I’m going to be very happy. I’m going to be thrilled.”

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Hency Yuen-Eng
Community Relations
05/31/2022