Between his career, playing the guitar, writing music, walking, and exploring his interest in food, Colardi has built a life around endeavors that challenge him in different ways.
His academic path did not begin with health care. After attending SUNY Farmingdale, he transferred to SUNY Old Westbury and graduated Cum Laude in 2019 with a BA in History. He then returned to university and completed a second degree at Molloy University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2024 before embarking on a career in healthcare.
Outside of work, music remains an important part of his life. Colardi is the lead guitarist and songwriter for Oolong and has toured the United States with the band. He also studied and played jazz guitar.
Walking gives you another outlet. It gives Vincent “Vinny” Colardi a way to stay active, challenge himself, and be away from the demands of work and music. He is also a self-described foodie who enjoys the experience of discovering and appreciating good food.
Instead of feeling the pressure to fit into one category, Colardi has embraced different interests. Her career provides structure, music provides a creative outlet, running provides a physical challenge, and food is simply her favorite.
You have taken quite an unconventional path professionally. Did you always expect your career to be like this?
Not really. My path has changed quite a bit over time. I originally studied history, spending a year at SUNY Farmingdale before transferring to SUNY Old Westbury. I graduated Cum Laude with a BA in History in 2019.
At that time, I had not decided that I would work in the healthcare field. Eventually I went back to school at Molloy University, completed another degree, and moved into the health field.
At the same time, music is always there. I write, play guitar, and perform with Oolong. I don’t think I’ve ever pictured everything fitting together exactly this way, but I’ve become comfortable having different parts of my life that don’t necessarily look connected on paper.
What made you want to go back to university and start in a different field?
It was a big decision because I had already completed one degree. Going back means being a student again and doing something different for yourself.
I think going to university for the first time helped because I learned the importance of being organized and keeping up with the workload. I know it will take a lot of time, but I am willing to make changes.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Molloy University in 2024 is something I am proud of because it shows how many years I have taken this new direction seriously.
Do you think changing your career direction is easier if you stop expecting your path to be linear?
I think people sometimes think that whatever they learn first should determine what they do for the rest of their lives.
That’s not the case for me. I studied history, spent years working in technology, pursued music, and eventually moved into healthcare.
Looking back, I don’t see my previous experiences as wasted time. They are at different stages of life, and I learned something from each of them.
Running has also become an important interest for you. What do you like about it?
I like that running is simple in many ways. You can go out, focus on what you are doing, and challenge yourself.
There is also something satisfying about consistency. You will not improve because of one run. It comes from constantly showing up and putting in the work on time.
It gave me something completely separate from professional life and music. Sometimes it’s nice to have an activity where all you have to focus on is putting one foot in front of the other.
Does running appeal to the same side that likes music, or is it completely different?
I think they overlap in the sense that both reward consistency.
With guitar, you don’t practice once and suddenly become a better player. You spend years working on things, learning new techniques, listening, and improving a little.
Running can have the same feeling. There are other goals that can be achieved, but there are many things that need to be done to stay consistent.
At the same time, they feel very different when you do them. Music is creative and collaborative, while running can be more individual.
How important has music remained as your professional life has evolved?
Music has always been a constant for me. I’m the lead guitarist and songwriter for Oolong, and I’ve had the opportunity to tour across the country with the band.
Touring is a unique experience because there is so much more to it than just getting on stage. There’s traveling, rehearsing, rehearsing, writing, and spending a lot of time together as a band.
I also play jazz guitar and love going to jazz concerts. Jazz is something I can continue to learn because there is always more to learn. This is one of my favorite things about music in general.
You are also a foodie. What do you love about food beyond just eating it?
I really like that food. It can be part of a trip, spending time with someone, or just discovering something you haven’t tried before.
I am interested in food as well as being curious in general. There are definitely different cuisines, restaurants, ingredients, and styles to experience.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just a matter of finding something wonderful and appreciating it.
Is food an interesting part of traveling with a band?
Traveling naturally gives you the opportunity to experience a place in a different way. Food can be one of the easiest ways to get a feel for your location as every city has its own restaurants and local favorites.
When you travel for music, it obviously shows the main reason you are there, but it is nice when you also get the chance to see a little bit of the city and try something different.
These experiences become as much a part of travel memories as few places.
Between work, travel, music, and other interests, how can you not feel like you have to choose one identity?
I don’t think so. They are all part of my life, and have different purposes.
My career is something I take seriously. Music gives me a creative outlet. Running provides a physical challenge, and food is something I love to explore.
I have different interests is healthy for me because everything does not revolve around one thing. When all of your energy goes into one area of your life, it can be hard to get rid of it.
What has your path taught you about changing directions and developing new interests?
Maybe you don’t have to know everything from the beginning.
I studied history first, worked in technology, pursued music, went back to university, went into health, and continued to find other things I enjoyed along the way.
Neither experience seemed like one clear path at the time, but that didn’t bother me.
I think people can change direction without treating everything that came before as wrong. Sometimes it’s the different experiences that ultimately make your life interesting.