Year: Sophomore
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Marion, NY

What activities are you involved with at Oswego?
Apart from being a tour guide, I have also been involved in both club and recreational sports.

Why did you chose Oswego?
I chose Oswego for a couple of reasons.  First, I chose Oswego because of the reputation of the School of Business.  it is AACSB accredited and has a five-year MBA program.  Second, Oswego is only about an hour away from my home so it's far enough away for me to independent, but, on the other hand, if I need to go home it's not a bad trip.

What is the best thing about your major?
The best thing about my major is the amount of jobs available in the accounting field.  I also find it very interesting to learn about all the behind the scene finances that companies have to account for in order to stay in operation.

Generally speaking, what impact has the Oswego faculty had on you?
The Oswego faculty has had an overall positive impact on me.  All of my professors have been very enthusiastic about the topics they are teaching and have helped to stimulate my thinking in areas that I otherwise may have ignored.

Who's your favorite professor and why?
David Vampola is my favorite professor so far in my time here at Oswego.  He was so excited and enthusiastic about the subject matter.  I am personally not overly interested in computer science and in the beginning of the semester I felt that the class would be extremely boring; however that was not the case.  Professor Vampola spoke expressively and found ways to make the lecture topics interesting by relating them to students.  He also seemed genuinely interested in his students and although there were almost a hundred students in my section alone, he took the time to learn everyone's name.

Describe your department's atmosphere and how it has enhanced your ability to learn.
My department has a very close-knit feel because there's one building for all business related majors and it's a relatively small.  The smaller size provides you with a more personal experience in every class you take and all of the professors are willing to help and offer advice based on their own firsthand experience.

What's the best thing about SUNY Oswego?
The best thing about Oswego is the variety of people that the campus attracts.  It's always great to meet new people and find out where they're from.

Comment on how your Oswego experience has helped prepare you for a career.
In my short time here at Oswego I have already learned to open up and become more confident not only in myself but also in my abilities.  One major area I have improved in that will help me immensely in a career is my public speaking.  In several of my business classes I have had to work on group projects and do presentations to the rest of the class.  When I first came to Oswego I was scared to death of standing in front of my peers and presenting because I was afraid I would make a mistake and get embarrassed. now I have no problem putting a presentation together and talking to a class about it.

What opportunities has Oswego given you that you never had before?
Oswego has given me the opportunity to really push myself to succeed.  High school wasn't a challenge for me and I never really had to work hard to do well.  when I came to Oswego however, I found that was not the case anymore.  My classes here challenge me at a level that I never though tI would be pushed to an dI can see myself and my abilities improving every day.