By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

For Troy Taylor (EET’ 25), a husband, father, and provider, earning his associate degree in electrical technology was only possible through a village of on and off-campus champions. Of all of Taylor’s support team in attendance at SUNY Broome’s 2025 Commencement ceremony, the presence of his seven-year-old daughter, Phoenix, mattered most. Throughout his studies, Taylor hoped to show Phoenix the value and power of a college education. Intentionally offering her a front-row seat to witness his journey as a student, he wanted her to enjoy every celebratory moment marking his change in status from college student to college graduate. 

Troy Taylor was born in Binghamton, NY and entered the foster care system as a toddler. When Taylor was four, Brian and Kathy Taylor of Greene, NY, began the process of adopting a newborn. Upon learning that their soon-to-be-baby girl had biological siblings living in foster homes, the couple sprung into action and adopted all three siblings as a unit. Taylor and his two younger sisters were finally reunited. Shortly after, the Taylors discovered that their children’s biological mother was expecting again, so they graciously welcomed another sibling, making them a family of six.  

Taylor, a self-described computer nerd, had a quiet adolescence in the countryside of Greene, playing video games with friends and working alongside his dad during summer breaks. 

A case of senioritis and “punk-music-fuelled rebellion” kicked in during his final year at Greene High School, resulting in iffy grades at best. At the urging of his parents, Taylor enrolled at SUNY Broome in the Liberal Arts: Individual Studies: A.S. program., but the combination of a lack of both enthusiasm and direction left Taylor with a dismal GPA in his first semester. Not wanting to waste money on a college degree without a plan, Taylor left SUNY Broome and entered the workforce. After dabbling in the food service and manufacturing industries, Taylor ultimately decided to earn his CDL and join the family business.

Taylor married his high school sweetheart, Krystal, and after three devastating miscarriages, the couple welcomed a daughter into the world. 

“You’re never prepared for the sadness that follows a miscarriage,” Taylor shared. “When our daughter was born, we decided to name her ‘Phoenix Jean.’ ‘Phoenix’ after the bird who rises from the ashes, and ‘Jean’ after my maternal grandmother, who was very special to me. Phoenix brings us all so much happiness.”

As a young father and husband, Taylor encountered a common struggle plagued by many of his generation — the fear of leaving a “good” job. 

“I started dreading the winters. The stress of driving a 60,000 lb truck on icy, hilly roads made me incredibly anxious,” Taylor reflected. “I felt very stuck. I needed to provide for my family, but I didn’t have an education, so ‘good’ employment options were limited. I technically had a stable job that allowed me to pay the bills, but the rough winters and the dynamics of working for a family business definitely left me conflicted.” 

Krystal was the first of the Taylors to consider returning to school as an adult learner. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple decided that she would quit her job to focus on Phoenix and earn a degree in medical billing and coding, while Taylor would pick up a second gig at Domino’s delivering pizzas to make ends meet. They agreed that at the conclusion of her studies, they would switch, and he would become the student. 

The Electrical Technology: A.A.S. is one of many programs included in the SUNY Reconnect initiative. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

With Krystal’s degree and a lucrative job offer in hand, Taylor began to explore his academic options. A visit to SUNY Broome’s Open House connected him with Professor Emeritus Gary DiGiacomo. Wooed by DiGiacomo’s display featuring an electric vehicle and combat robots, Taylor was drawn to the hands-on nature of the Electrical Technology: A.A.S. program. While some might find DC & AC circuits, digital electronics, and robotics daunting, Taylor felt right at home. 

The following two years were a balancing act of classes, labs, a paid internship at BAE, and lots of evening shifts delivering pizzas. Taylor devoted his mornings to getting Phoenix up, ready, and off to school, while weekends were spent reconnecting with his family after the hustle and bustle of the busy work and school week. 

“My days were busy, but manageable,” Taylor shared. “I’d spend the morning with Phoenix, then head to BAE to work as test tech checking circuit boards. Then I’d run back to campus for class, go back to BAE to clock a few more hours, and finally run a few blocks over to Domino’s just in time for the evening delivery rush. Because of the flexibility and support of my managers at Domino’s, I could still work 40+ hours a week and be a student, parent, and intern.” 

Taylor credits his academic success as an adult learner to having a support system at home and on campus — sometimes, blending the two. 

“I became very close to my group of fellow ET students. We started a Discord group and used it to talk about homework, upcoming tests, and our projects for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Club.” Taylor said. “Our group was very welcoming to Phoenix. I would bring her to campus to check out our robots, and she came to watch our Combat Robotics Team compete at the Rage in the Cage tournament. I definitely was a ‘cool dad’ for that!” 

In today’s job market, SUNY Broome’s electrical technology grads are swimming in local job opportunities. Taylor recently accepted a position at Lockheed Martin, largely due to their stellar employee tuition benefits. 

“I definitely want to earn my bachelor’s degree as soon as possible and eventually get my master’s as well,” Taylor explained. “My retirement goal is to come back to SUNY Broome and teach. I’d love to be a ‘Gary DiGiacomo’ for the next generation.” 

Troy’s Advice for Adult Learners: “You can absolutely do it! You may have to shift your schedule around for a few years, but there will always be a way to make it work. Get a side job, deliver pizzas, get babysitting support from family and friends, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I promise that it will all work out in the end!” 

Are you a New York resident between the ages of 25 – 55 with some or no college credits? The SUNY Reconnect program now offers you the opportunity to earn a FREE associate degree in high-demand programs like Electrical Technology: A.A.S! Click the link to learn more about SUNY Reconnect at SUNY Broome! SUNY Reconnect at SUNY Broome | SUNY Broome

The Taylor Family on a trip to NYC.

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