The students of the College Experience are fortunate enough to live within walking distance from the State Capitol, and it involves a very brief CDTA Bus Ride during school hours. During a field trip with the Political Advocacy Class on the date of Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022, the students were treated to an exclusive tour within the Assembly Chamber and other aspects of the Capital Building! It was wonderful to actually walk in a place where so many important things happen, which determine the livelihoods of New York citizens. The students, staff, and other associates of Living Resources try to play an important role in the legislative progress that determines funding for the human service field. Support for people with disabilities is not charity or good public relations. It is an investment in the “bottom line” of society! The students of the College Experience and individuals supported by Living Resources have been known to make regular trips to the State Capitol to actively participate in demonstrations.

One of the highlights of our tour was when the guide showed us the infamous “demon” that was carved in stone by a disgruntled worker during the construction of the Capitol Building. It is one of those “blink and you miss it” type of things unless one looks very closely. Another wonder that appealed to our visual taste buds is the War Room that depicts hauntingly-beautiful imagery of our nation’s past conflicts.

As always, we collectively thank our educational staff for helping to lead such trips and for taking on a variety of subject matter in the other classes they juggle. Our students showed great maturity and poise during the field trip, too. We are looking forward to other excursions throughout the remainder of the semester.