Future Professor Found His Inspiration at PCCC

When James Snyder graduated from high school, he had no plans and didn’t know what he wanted to do. “I didn’t intend to go to college,” he says. “I was uninspired in high school and actually skipped school pretty often.”

In a remarkable turn of events, James graduates this week as a valedictorian of the Class of 2026 and receives an Associate in Science degree in Physical Science with highest honors. He is also the recipient of this year’s Biological & Physical Science Department Graduate Achievement Award.  James found his inspiration at PCCC.

As a disillusioned high school senior, James did not apply to any colleges and took a gap year instead, working full time as a paraprofessional in special education for a private school. “I wasn’t happy and didn’t like the job.”  

But without a college degree or any interest in the trades, James found his employment options were limited and decided to try college, after all.

He enrolled at PCCC and chose to study physics because “it wasn’t too easy, and I wanted a challenge.”  Math and physics classes were subjects he enjoyed in high school, so he continued in that direction at PCCC.

“I found something I really care about studying, and something I really want to do,” said James. “I put everything into it.”

His particular interest is string theory, which he patiently explains in simple terms as a theory of quantum gravity which could lead to the “development of a unified theory of everything.”

Focused also on the “early universe,” James references the major names in physics –  Newton, Einstein, Maxwell, and others – and sums up their impact on modern life:
“We wouldn’t have television and most of the world we have today, without them.”

He describes a looming existential crisis that may be witnessed in our lifetime. “From the beginning, humans have been destroying the universe,” said James, noting that “the earth will run out of fossil fuels,” and we will need to look beyond this planet to find a new material to replace  them.

Deeply intrigued by “what’s out there,” James sees space exploration as a necessity for human survival and a means to find solutions for the environmental crises facing our planet.

A member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society at PCCC, James also completed an internship with an engineering company and is employed as a teaching assistant at PCCC, tutoring others in math and physics.

His career goal is to become a professor. “From the moment I decided to focus on physics, I knew I wanted to teach.”   His work as a tutor and teaching assistant at PCCC solidified that goal.

James transfers, with a full-tuition PTK scholarship, into a bachelor’s degree program at Rutgers University and plans to pursue advanced degrees in the future, most likely in the field of theoretical physics.

“I would like to do graduate study outside of this country,” he says. “I want to experience the world, connect with other scientists, learn another culture and maybe even another language.”  He is considering Oxford or Cambridge in Britain or Göttingen in Germany, all top universities for advanced studies in the sciences.

“PCCC was a valuable experience for me,” says James. “I made strong connections here.” He especially appreciates Professor Wayne Warrick and the other faculty of the science department. “The professors here are great and really care about their students. If you put effort into the work, the professors put effort into you. I feel well-prepared for my future.”

Plus, James connected friend group of enthusiastic fellow scientists who are all transferring to Rutgers, too.  “We shared a lot together at PCCC, and I’m looking forward to continuing to the next level with them.”

Looking back, James remarks, “I wish I did better in high school,” but to others who also may be confused about their future or disillusioned with prior education, James offers this advice. “Community college is inexpensive and a good place to explore what you really want to do with your life. PCCC worked for me.”

Learn more about the Liberal Arts/Physical Sciences degree program at PCCC

Written by Linda Telesco
Photos by Page Saunders