On Monday, August 13, 2018 the College Experience proudly welcomed the new freshmen students and their loving families who came to drop them off at our program. Our veteran senior students were amazing with welcoming the new arrivals and helping with luggage as well as showing them the ropes.

This is the first time in the thirteen years of our program’s existence that we have had students come from foreign countries to experience a taste of college life within the College of Saint Rose. The students enthusiastically participated in an ice breaker that involved a student (or staff) saying something they enjoy doing and those who have the same interest in common were required to run to another part of the circle. It was truly amazing for everyone to see how much unites us despite any superficial differences.

Unfortunately, the weather failed to share the enthusiasm over the students’ first day. A downpour shut down the planned outdoor barbeque. In the spirit of “the show must go on,” staff braved the rain to cook outside and the party was moved indoors! Our newly minted alumnus, David was kind enough to share his birthday cake with all the students, and we sang Happy Birthday to Brendan who just became a senior.

The students have learned how to navigate their neighborhoods in the safest manner with a consistent staff presence and are quickly building the skills to become independent. The semester is going to launch on Monday, August 27, 2018 and the students will be immersed in classes catering to their abilities as well as talents. Our seniors will also take academic classes while immersing themselves in the World of Work at their internships we try to cater to their individualized interests.

The 2018-2019 school year may be punctuated with challenges and occasional hardships. Rewards are also going to be inevitable, however. We are confident in our students’ abilities to face the adventure of the College Experience and will do whatever we can as staff to make things as easy as possible!