Honors Graduate Had No Plans to Attend College

“I had no intention of going to college,” says Conor Guzman, Class of 2025. After graduating from high school, Conor enlisted in the U.S. Navy, but when Covid struck and bootcamp shut down, he returned home and helped in the restaurant his father opened in Wanaque.

“I handled the business end…taxes, payroll, dealing with vendors. I was inexperienced and it was a lot of work, but there was no one else to do it,” Conor explained.

After a short run of success, the restaurant folded, and Conor found himself at a crossroad.
“I knew my future wasn’t going to be in the restaurant business, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do.”

That’s when he decided to enroll at PCCC.  “Coming to PCCC, I discovered that the educational route was for me. “I love the environment…the classes, the assignments, meeting deadlines, just the whole experience. I never had a bad day in a class here.”

Impressed that his professors have extensive work experience in the fields they teach, Conor noted, “They really get to know the students, too, which is great for networking and when a student needs a job reference.”

Though he worked while attending PCCC – in a food business – Conor found time to join the Student Government Association (SGA) and serve as a senator.  He worked closely with the Wanaque campus, communicating about activities and developments in Paterson.  “My main goal was just to be part of student activities and work with a team to improve student life on campus.”

As a criminal justice major, Conor was required to serve an internship and landed one at the office of New Jersey Senator Kristin Corrado.

“It’s been good,” remarked Conor. “I mostly answer phones, speak to callers who have questions or complaints about their community or political issues, and try to direct them to the right person or department.”

Ironically, Conor discovered that his food business experience “bickering with customers and smoothing over disputes,” sharpened the negotiating skills integral to the teamwork of the SGA, his internship, and his future career path.

Conor graduates with an Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice Degree with honors, and he is a recipient of both the Harry B. Gourley Scholarship and the Grace H. Mrozek-McCourt Scholarship. He plans to continue his education toward a bachelor’s degree in political science and, ultimately, a career in law, but not yet.

Conor is headed to the National Guard first.  “I want to serve. There’s honor in serving.  I didn’t have that chance when I enlisted in the Navy, so I want to do it now. Plus, he looks forward to reviving his skills on the flute and piccolo in the National Guard band.

“I started playing in fifth grade and find that playing music unlocks something inside you that makes you think about life differently.”

“My time at PCCC has flown by. I will miss it here, but I will always be grateful for what this college has done for me. You can’t beat the affordability and how welcoming everyone is here. I really like that people of all ages and different lifestyles come here. PCCC is definitely a school for everyone.”  

By Linda Telesco
Photo by Page Sauders