Natasha Marero-Keppis
Natasha Marero-Keppis, a Criminal Investigation major from New York City, said her college journey began with a high school bus trip to SUNY Canton.
“The scenery of the campus and the Criminal Investigation program really caught my attention,” Natasha said. “I loved how the campus looked in late fall, and the distance was perfect for me because I was looking for a change.”
She said she’s been inspired by several faculty members and specifically noted Associate Professor Kelly Ficner and College Lecturer Andrew Wood’s Introduction to Forensic Investigation class. “It gave me an amazing insight and hands-on experience of what it's like to collect evidence from crime scenes,” she said.
While her primary focus is Criminal Investigation, Natasha has also been deeply inspired by other educators at the College, including Early Childhood Professor Maureen Maiocco.
The transition from city life to a smaller town, coupled with financial concerns, presented significant challenges in Natasha’s education. She took on leadership roles, became a Resident Assistant in her second semester, secured a Presidential Internship with the Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership office, and recently became a Student Ambassador with the Office of Admissions.
Through these opportunities, Natasha not only found financial stability but also discovered a sense of belonging. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared some advice: "Don’t underestimate yourself or your goals. When things are meant to be, everything will fall into place to create the best moments for you."
Natasha is scheduled to graduate in 2027.