"We as people, need each other more than ever. We need each other to grow and provide
for future generations. We need to focus on our mental health and be there for each
other and open up."
- Markus Tepandi-Sivila
Major: Associate Degree in Cinematic Arts
Student Involvement/honors: High Honors, Dean’s List
Q: What were your biggest accomplishments?
A: My biggest accomplishments have been my academics over the past years. Studying at OCC has been a huge privilege, and I am very proud of how far I have come and what I have accomplished. I also am proud of my internship that OEC helped me get. I am now making videos for the City of Farmington Hills.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: My photography and video skills that I have learned over the years. Because of these skills, I have gained a lot of connections and experience in interpersonal communications. I thank Professor Jack Cronin and Professor Nick Valenti for teaching me some of the skills I have learned. And through these experiences, I have gained a job at a nonprofit organization as the media programmer and director.
Q: What type of support did you receive from faculty over the past year?
A: Counselor Rasheedah Wright has been a huge help in getting me the information and resources that I needed to accomplish my goals. She has encouraged me to keep pursuing my goals and really showed care in me and my academic future.
Q: What are the next steps for you after leaving OCC?
A: I’m going to take a gap year to work and save money. I got accepted into Oakland University and hope to get a bachelor's degree in business and major in marketing. Because I will have my Associates Degree in Cinematic Arts, I hope to learn how to market my videos and start my own business in video production making commercials and promos.
Q: From the lessons you learned in the past year, what advice would you give to future students?
A: Make a plan and stick to it. It will seem very hard at times, but that is how you know it is worth it. If things come easy, you are not growing. It is important to put yourself in challenging situations so you can grow and learn how to overcome them.