Joanne Pehlivanian

Q. What is the one piece of advice you would give our current OCC students?
A. I would like to impart to our students the philosophy never give up. Hard work is always the winner.

Q. How old were you and what was your first paying job?
A. My first job was as a waitress/ cook in a small luncheonette. So, at the age of 15 I knew if I wanted to go to college I would have to save for my future. My parents helped but the responsibility was mine. I worked every weekend at the same small restaurant until I graduated from college. My goal was achieved by obtaining a teaching job in Glen Rock, NJ.

Q. What has been one of the most gratifying experiences in your life?
A. I think one of the most gratifying experiences I had was to help a family adopt a child from Armenia. This family had attempted to adopt this child for three years. I accompanied the potential mother to Armenia and with the help of many friends my husband and I had in Armenia we were able to complete this task in two weeks. The thrill of bringing this child to the US and to her new family was undoubtedly an experience one never forgets.  Let me add that I had spent some time previously in Armenia doing missionary work. So, with the help of a church and through God’s will this was accomplished. Yes, I left my family and my career to help someone I didn’t know.