By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

Anthony Mazzatti’s first kindergarten homework assignment was to answer the quintessential childhood question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Without hesitating, he confidently described his goals and proudly posed for a photo proclaiming his future: “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher and a bus driver!” More than a decade later, he is still firmly on the path toward his dream. 

As Johnson City High School’s (JCHS) 2025 salutatorian, Mazzatti was accepted to every school on his list. But when he excitedly announced that he was bound for Broome to study Adolescence Education Studies: A.S., many questioned why he was ‘just’ going to his community’s college. Since then, Mazzatti has made it his mission to debunk the myth that the word ‘just’ belongs in front of SUNY Broome. He is eager to share that SUNY Broome is a place where all students, regardless of class rank, age, or life experiences, are supported, challenged, and prepared for their future educational and professional pursuits. 

Five-year-old Mazzatti sharing his “When I grow up” goals.

Born and bred in Johnson City, NY, Mazzatti was the definition of a jack-of-all-trades. The name ‘Anthony Mazzatti’ was always in the air at JCHS, as he bounced between his wide-ranging extracurricular activities. He served as class president, captain of the men’s soccer and tennis teams, and treasurer of the Spanish club and the National Honor Society (NHS). On stage, he earned featured roles in every school musical, performed with the award-winning Sophisticats, and served as president of JCHS’s chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. 

Mazzatti’s work ethic inside in the classroom was fueled by his childhood dream to become a teacher. Always thinking two steps ahead, he filled his schedule with SUNY Broome Fast Forward classes, amassing almost two semesters’ worth of transferable credits. 

As Mazzatti reviewed his eight college acceptance packages, he kept circling back to SUNY Broome. Known for his maturity, practicality, and financial-saviness, those closest to the salutatorian had no doubt about where he would enroll. Others, however, were quick to share their concerns that he was ‘settling’ for a community college education. 

“I definitely got comments like, ‘You’re so smart! Why are you wasting your potential?’ But I always felt that coming to SUNY Broome was the best and most welcoming option,” Mazzatti explained. “Thanks to my Fast Forward credits, I was already a year ahead of schedule, so I could spend a year at SUNY Broome, transfer directly to another college in the SUNY system, and earn my education degree in three years, instead of four. That was too good an opportunity to pass up.”

Another opportunity too good to pass up? The Presidential Honors Scholarship (PHS)! As a PHS recipient, Mazzatti was among 13 of the Southern Tier’s fellow top students to receive the College’s highest distinction, complete with a full-tuition scholarship. 

Keeping the naysayers at bay, he proudly swapped his status as ‘Mr. Johnson City’ for ‘Mr. SUNY Broome.’ With the goal of making the most of his year at Broome, Mazzatti jumped into campus life. He is an active PHS volunteer, works as a Student Ambassador in Admissions, and starred as Michael Darling in the A to Z Players fall production of “Peter Pan & Wendy.” (His natural comedic timing stole every scene!) Just as successful inside the classroom, Mazzatti rounded out his first collegiate semester with a stellar 4.0 GPA. 

Mazzatti and his fellow castmates in the A to Z Players fall production of “Peter Pan & Wendy.” Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

While many believe that students only receive the true college experience by going away, Mazzatti admitted that he’s in no rush to leave the region. 

“By staying in the area, I have been able to maintain my relationships in the community,” Mazzatti reflected. “Spending this extra year in Broome County meant that I could keep my part-time jobs with the Rumble Ponies and as a youth soccer referee, and still participate in local community theater productions.”

Five-year-old Mazzatti would certainly be proud of his future self. While most children’s goals shift over time, he has always held teaching in the highest regard. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and mother, the soon-to-be third-generation educator wants nothing more than to help students gain knowledge, build confidence, and feel supported. And thanks to a start at SUNY Broome, his long-awaited teaching career can start a little sooner! 

“I made a bold choice that many others dismissed,” Mazzatti reflected. “I am so pleased with my decision and strongly encourage others to consider it.” 

Anthony’s Advice for Future Broome Students: “Find things that you’re intrinsically interested in and go from there. Don’t study something in college that doesn’t naturally interest you. Instead, discover what you’re passionate about and let that drive you.”

There’s still time to spend your Spring Semester at SUNY Broome! Complete your SUNY Broome Application for FREE. Classes start on January 26, 2026!

When Mazzatti isn’t making his mark on campus or in the community, you can find him at home, brushing up on his general knowledge thanks to subscriptions to more than 100 YouTube channels! He loves to bank information on history, science, and current events to one day share with his future students. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

 

 

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