Author Archives: Jesse Saperstein

CareerNext Program

An extension of the College Experience has been their CareerNext Program that is housed at SUNY Schenectady (and new this fall, SUNY Cobleskill). This has been geared toward students who have challenges, but are more academically inclined and have chosen to take on a more rigorous curriculum. There are still residential goals such as learning to cook, clean up after themselves, and shopping within a budget. But there is a greater emphasis on pushing the academic piece of the program.

Social Distance Walking Club Travels to Buckingham Pond

The Social Distance Walking Club of the College Experience had its second meeting on Saturday, April 25, 2020 starting at 2:00 PM. We took a long walk to Buckingham Pond Conservancy down Euclid Avenue while making an effort to keep a safe distance even though it made conversation somewhat difficult at times.

First Meeting of the Social Distancing Walking Club

The first meeting of the Social Distancing Walking Club took place on Sunday, April 19, 2020 for the Alumni Activities Club in which Jose Galvez and Jessica Lewis were our first participants.

Our Media and Activities Liaison Creates a PSA for the American Red Cross

Jesse Saperstein who serves as the Media and Activities Liaison for the College Experience, recently worked with the American Red Cross to film his live blood donation while delivering a motivational speech at the same time. It has been released to the national media on Monday, April 20, 2020.

Jessica Finds Joy Despite being in Quarantine

The following words come from Jessica Lewis who is a 2011 graduate of the College Experience. She is an example of someone who is living her life to the fullest while doing her best to safely maintain essential employment within our society.

Self-Advocacy Class “Zooms” Forward for our Students

One of the classes being taught with the online Zoom curriculum of the College Experience is “Self-Advocacy and Empowerment” with Jesse Saperstein serving as the instructor who is our Media and Activities Liaison.

Andrew’s Attitude of Positivity

Read another blog entry from one of the individuals in the College Experience named, Andrew Maggio who graduated in the Class of 2014. He shares some inspirational words.

Danielle in Her Own Words

One of our College Experience seniors, Danielle Passariello has donated her time to create an essay about her current activities at home with her family. Danielle’s senior year was interrupted just like millions of other students who must deal with cancelled graduations and other disappointments, but you will be inspired by her optimistic attitude and inspirational words!

The College Experience “Zooms” Forward to our Students!

Just like nearly every other school in the nation, the College Experience has taken the precautions of sending the students home to practice social distancing with their families. We hope they are enjoying time with their loved ones despite the unprecedented and unpleasant circumstances that warranted their return home. But the staff at the program have been utilizing technology to remain in touch by devising a modified curriculum to ensure that the students remain engaged with their instructors and peers for the rest of the semester.

Amy Maiorano’s Activities and Adventures in her Own Words

Since I have been home with my family during the Coronavirus, I have been keeping busy. We have been hiking at Lakeside Park in Pawling, NY. Two celebrities made movies there, and some of them live there. And then when I have been home me and my family did Paint N’ Sip at my house and my sister took a fun video to see how we paint correctly.