Year: Junior
Major: Human Development
Hometown: Oakdale, NY

Have you participated in any internships or overseas study programs?  If yes, where and when?
I interned for the Counseling and Psychological Services department during the summer of 2008.  I am also the intern for Open House events for the Admissions office and intern for the Office of Judicial Affairs.  I have studied abroad in Rome, Italy in the summer of 2007.

How has your internship or study abroad experience enhanced your education?
My internship with CPS allowed me to discover where I wanted to take my education and what field I wanted to focus on.  It helped me decide that I want to work toward a career in Higher Education.  Working in Admissions and Judicial Affairs have given me the experience necessary to pursue my dream.

My study abroad experience enabled me to experience the different culture of a European country.  I was also able to add to my list of countries that I have traveled to.

What activities are you involved with at Oswego?
Student Association, WNYO, GLBT organizations, and I attend events facilitated by many different organizations on campus.

Why did you choose Oswego?
I chose Oswego because when applying I thought I wanted to be a Business Administration major and Oswego has one of the best programs in the country.  I also loved the location and the reputation that Oswego has.  I didn’t get to visit the campus before I started here but I knew it was going to be the right place for me.

What is the best thing about your major?
My major allows me to create a Learning Agreement where I can take classes outside of my department and have a more diverse education.  It also allows me to integrate my knowledge from those other classes into my major classes.

Generally speaking, what impact has the Oswego faculty had on you?
Every faculty member that I have met has shown me how successful I can be.  They are all in it for the students and encourage us without hesitation.  I have always felt that I can ask for help or speak my opinion to all professors I have had and know that they will respect me and work with me.

Who’s your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Laura Brown has to be my all-time favorite professor.  She has so much confidence in me and makes me know it.  She is my academic advisor, she was my faculty sponsor for my internship and I was her teaching assistant last semester for Fundamentals of Gerontology.

Describe your department’s atmosphere and how it has enhanced your ability to learn.
All of the professors work together and let the students experiment with different courses.  The Psychology Club is inviting and encourages students of the Psychology department to join and learn more.  I know I can walk into anyone’s office and they will be there to help me.

What’s the best thing about SUNY Oswego?
The people are friendly, both students and faculty, and I feel like I can walk through a hallway and say hi to anyone and get a great response.  The lake is amazing and I love the winters (yes, even though it snows most of the summer).

Comment on how your Oswego experience has helped prepare you for a career.
My internship with CPS, working in the Admissions office, and holding my positions in the Student Association and Judicial Affairs have led me in the direction of Higher Education.  I plan on getting my JD and a masters degree in Higher Education and becoming an advocate for higher educational institutions.

What opportunities has Oswego given you that you never had before?
I have been able to explore my options for my education and future career.  I have met wonderful people and know I have a new place to call home.  I have learned a lot over the past three years and can’t wait to move on to graduate school.  Oswego has given me this confidence and allowed me to do this.