2026 Meet OCC Grad: Cosmo Bray

The last of eight in his family to graduate from OCC

“It started with our dad,” Cosmo said. “He went back to college as an adult and was the first to graduate, then most of us kids followed suit.” 

Cosmo’s college experience followed his siblings' path, all of whom started at OCC. Homeschooled early on, he entered OCC as a dual-enrollment student and finished with both a high school diploma and a college degree. 

“I started at OCC at age 16,” Cosmo said. “It was a jarring shift. I had classes with high school graduates and adults who were a lot older than me. Growing up homeschooled, you don’t get the same social aspect … it was my first experience in a ‘real school.’” 

Learning to prioritize

Though balancing it all proved tough as he tried to pursue his many interests at the same time. 

“I fully believe if I didn't have to sleep, I never would,” he said. “There was a point where I was swinging several part-time jobs, a full class schedule, in a relationship, and I didn’t have much time.” 

OCC’s time-management seminars—and some honest self-reflection—helped him reset. 

“I had to really look at everything I was trying to do,” he said. “I learned that when we choose one opportunity, we must give up another. I focused on what was most important to me, and it was easier.” 

Unexpected growth

As he found balance, Cosmo also found community. 

“I was surrounded by so many more people, who helped me to adapt socially,” he said. “I found mentors, peers and friends. The classroom can teach you a lot, but also benefit from the variety of others’ life experiences.” 

Through OCC’s Peer-Mentoring Program, he also discovered a lighter side of himself. 

“I came in very uptight: Do the work, get it done, leave. Like Mission Impossible,” he said. “Along the way, I learned to loosen up and have more fun. I even became comic relief in my peer mentoring group. When they were stressing out about classes or grades, I would do something like take everyone to a karaoke night.”

Focusing on the bigger picture also shifted his mindset.

“When you connect what you are doing to your larger goals, it’s easier to see how small pieces take on a greater meaning,” he said.

Ready for the next chapter

Now 20 and graduating with his associate degree, Cosmo sees how much he’s changed. 

“When I look back at myself as a 16-year-old walking into class for the first time, it is hard to even recognize the old me,” he said. 

Looking ahead, he feels hopeful, ready to pass on what he’s learned. As a former swimmer-turned-coach, he sees kids struggle and has ideas on how to support them, especially through the arts. 

“I learned a lot about myself and overcame challenges with the help of art, music and books,” he said. “I want to find a way to help other kids through art, especially middle school students, when life can get really hard.”

While Cosmo is the last in his family to graduate from OCC, the tradition may not end with him. 

“If I have kids, they’ll be going to OCC.”