Onondaga Community College student from Ecuador shares inspiration

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — For Melissa Duran, just the idea of coming to America , let alone graduating from college, seemed like a dream.

“It feels not real yet,” said Duran.

But it probably will Saturday, May 18, when Melissa walks the stage. But it hasn’t been an easy road trying to work through one of her biggest road blocks of learning English early in her education.

“There were some classes that I was lost. The professor would give the entire lecture, and I will just understand a few words,” Duran explained.

But she persevered, and is now giving the commencement speech at her own graduation. Her message is simple.

“That anything is possible, like no matter where you come from, just take the opportunities,” said Duran.

Which she’s doing to pursue her dream.

“Always wanted to be a surgeon. Since I remember, it’s been in my brain,” Duran said.

Graduating OCC brings her one step closer.

“I know its hard, its going to take years, maybe thirteen fourteen years to become a surgeon, but I feel that I can do it, like if i put the time and the effort I can do it

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