By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

Noble Chio is a natural problem-solver, spending her days analyzing algorithms, debugging code, and designing solutions as a Computer Science: A.S. student. But when she’s not zoned into studying the complexities of hardware and software systems, she’s funneling her efforts towards solving another problem: food insecurity on campus. 

Chio serves as a student employee at the Hornet Hope Center, SUNY Broome’s on-campus food pantry and clothing closet. What began as an outlet to get involved on campus has become a passion project, driven by her desire to ensure that the basic needs of her fellow students are met. 

Chio was born in Yangon, Myanmar. At 15, she moved with her father and two siblings to the United States in search of greater educational opportunities. After a transitional year in Queens, the Chios settled in the Southern Tier in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though adjusting to life in Binghamton was initially daunting, the culture shock didn’t impact Chio’s performance in the classroom, where she thrived academically. By the time SUNY Broome and Binghamton High School hosted their annual College Express event, the Patriot had already decided to become a Hornet.

Chio first enrolled in the Civil Technology: A.A.S. program, but after a combination of soul-searching and academic exploration, she decided to trade bridges and roads, for coding and software systems. 

“I liked that computer science and computers in general are involved in most aspects of today’s world,” Chio said. “I want to be part of the growth.” 

As Chio embraced her new curriculum, learning the ins and outs of structured programming and digital logic, she found herself settling into the repetitive routine of a commuter. 

“I hit a point where I felt like all I did was go to class and go home. I wanted to get more involved with the campus community and meet more people,” Chio reflected. “The Hornet Hope Center had just opened, so I met with Lorie Brewer (Supplemental Support Services Coordinator/Homeless Liaison), and she said that I could volunteer. Eventually, it led to a work study position.”  

At the Center, Chio’s responsibilities vary by the hour. Some shifts feature her at the front desk, greeting students and helping them find perishable and non-perishable foods to supplement their personal pantries. Other shifts are spent working behind the scenes, washing, sorting, and stocking donations for the clothing closet. She helps monitor the inventory of donated food and personal hygiene products, and fills in gaps as needed. 

If you are a student who would like to use the food pantry or clothing closet outside of normal business hours, please call 607-778-5449 or email broomepantry@sunybroome.edu and someone will make arrangements to meet you. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

“Sometimes, first-time students are nervous to visit the pantry because they are unsure whether the items are free, but we try to make them feel welcome and explain the process,” Chio shared. “Often, students will stop by to hang out and grab a snack or a coffee in between classes. Others come in once a week for a whole grocery haul. Some will just browse through the clothing closet, like a thrifting experience. We have something for everyone.”

When she’s not clocking hours at the Hornet Hope Center or in class, Chio can be found in the library, quietly tackling  her coding assignments and projects. She attends weekly meetings as the treasurer of LYLAS (Love You Like a Sister), SUNY Broome’s women’s empowerment group, and then heads home to complete her online cybersecurity class from the comfort of her bedroom.

Chio is set to graduate this May and plans to transfer seamlessly to Binghamton University to continue her studies. While she doesn’t know exactly what direction her computer science career will take, she’s excited by the field’s vast range of opportunities. 

Noble’s Advice for Future Broome Students: “There’s so much pressure after you graduate from high school to have your life all planned out. It’s okay not to know what you want to do. There’s time! There are a lot of great resources on campus to support students, especially the Success Coaches! Whether you need help with a class, counseling, or access to food resources, SUNY Broome has something to offer.”

Noble’s Thoughts About the Hornet Hope Center: “When I bring students there, sometimes they say, ‘Oh! I didn’t know this existed.’ I feel like it is such a valuable resource on campus that everyone should visit.”

The Hornet Hope Center is located in The Commons – TC 208 B & C. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

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