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Not every student follows the same path to a diploma. For some, the path is direct, but for many, it takes unexpected twists and turns. Alana Palumbo is one of those that needed to turn the steering wheel along the way.

After growing up in Ithaca, she graduated from high school and started college at a four-year school. Health issues forced the first detour. “My health was in bad shape,” she said. “I had to withdraw within the first semester and move back home, which was very difficult for me at the time.” Despite the setback, she knew she still wanted to pursue an education, so she turned to TC3.

It has been a good decision. “Throughout most of my time here I have been a part-time student, which allowed me the flexibility to maintain my health to the best of my ability,” she said. At TC3, she has found exactly the environment she needed in the creative writing program. “All of my Creative Writing professors have been incredibly helpful. Professors Virginia Shank, Theresa Tambascio, Aaron Decker, John Troyer, and Kerry Curran all made such a positive impact on my experience here!”

Now with her degree in hand, the next turn of the steering wheel looks to have her heading to Boston. “I am applying to transfer to Berklee College of Music to study songwriting and music production,” said Palumbo. 

And while the road may still be bumpy at times, she knows she is on the right course. “I still face a lot of challenges with my health, but being at TC3 has provided me with the support I needed to do well.”