Sonia DeByle is 21 years old and started her time at the College Experience as a freshman. She currently lives at home with her mom, dad, brother Dominick, and identical twin sister, Ande. Sonia was drawn to the College Experience after touring it in November 2018 with her family. It was her ambition to learn…
One of our 2014 graduates, Andrew Maggio spoke to the College Experience Employment class on the date of Wednesday, May 20, 2020. He lectured about patience with regards to his current career in retail. He explained a job may not be a permanent solution, but more of a starting point on where they want to…
I clean pots and pans and serve units who eat in their rooms now at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center. I also sanitize the floors. It is like having a big group of grandparents. You get to know them very well and they are really kind and sweet and they are heartwarming. One unit…
One of our seniors, Danielle Passariello is a testament to the attitude that even in times of upheaval, the show must go on! On Saturday, May 2nd Danielle was supposed to perform in the Golden Knights Dance Showcase, but since she couldn’t she still found time to dance at home. On Saturday, May 9th also would have been Danielle’s graduation, instead she celebrated at home wearing her cap from high school and dressed to the nines.
We are fortunate to have Curtis Funk lifting our spirits during the pandemic by providing culture through the medium of Zoom. Curtis is a music professor at the College of Saint Rose who has taught the students of the College Experience some valuable skills. He offered a pipe organ recital that was open to the entire College Experience community this past Thursday, April 30 at 4 PM.
Watch to see if Sam Nam makes the shot that would allow the College of Saint Rose Baseball team to end their long practice, or if he missed and the team had to keep running laps. Hint: it’s an incredible shot!
Three alumni of the College Experience went with staff on the Social Distance Walking Club all the way to Washington Park located on Madison Avenue. We enjoyed the nicest and warmest day of the spring so far when the temperature reached a staggering 75 degrees! The circumstances of the world are not going to stop us from enjoying nature and seeing the famous tulips that have reached the climax of their bloom in Washington Park.
On Monday, April 27, 2020 the students were treated to a special guest for their Employment Class led by Katie O’Hearn and Lori Ira. This individual happens to be Matt who serves as a top chef at the Albany Marriott Hotel. Matt was on hand to answer the prepared questions that Lori gave him during the Zoom Conference. At the end of the class we allowed the students to ask him things on their mind.
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.
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.