We would like to thank the current seniors for working with staff on getting the dorms ready for the new students by picking up litter around the proximity of the houses and also for their welcoming words that were waiting for the new students during the “Move-In Day” on Monday, August 19, 2019. We transcribed some of the nice messages that were created by our seasoned seniors offering good advice they have learned over the course of a year. The notes were garnished with the Kindness Rocks stones the seniors created the previous week.

Welcoming Words College ExperienceWelcoming Words College ExperienceIn the first photograph we have our full-time educational assistant and Class of 2018 alumnus, David Lieberman posing in the center (holding up the blue and red stones) with all of the students he led in the litter collection activity. The second photograph features Michael Mortensen posing with one of the stones and two of the welcoming words for the students that have been transcribed below for your reading pleasure!


Dear Freshmen,

My name is Pablo. I am a senior, and one interesting fact about me is that I actually started at a different program at St. Rose before I joined the College Experience. When I first came to the College Experience, I was a little nervous, but l learned that you should never be afraid to make friends and ask questions.

I love to read books about animals, play video games, go see movies, listen to music, and I love to go to the gym and go swim. St. Rose is a great school, because it’s a little different compared to high school, and you are working towards your independence, which will help set you free in this next chapter of your life. But what this program is going to do for you, is it will help you get out of your comfort zone, see the community, make new friends, try new things, and get educated on many topics you may have never heard of before. Some of the classes that you will be taking are very important for your future. You will learn tools to help navigate a relationship, learn how to stay active, learn how to cook, and learn how to manage your money.

I’m looking forward to meeting all of you freshmen joining the College Experience, and you will all do great during your first year here.

Sincerely,
Pablo Nieves, Jr.


Dear Incoming Freshman:

Hi, my name is Diego Montalvo and I’m a senior this year. The College Experience Program is a program in which they show and teach you living skills for you to live independently. They also help you prepare to have a job. This program really helped me learn how to manage my money and I learned some new stuff that I didn’t know before. I made a lot of new friends that I never had before. When I first moved into my new dorm, I was very excited to live by myself. I am Spanish and I come all the way from Puerto Rico. I’ve very friendly, kind and fun around people. I look forward to meeting you and welcome to the CEP.

Sincerely,
Diego Montalvo


Dear Incoming Freshman,

My name is Michael Mortensen and I will be a Senior this year. A year ago, I remember coming to the College Experience Program and I was really nervous because I did not know what to expect and it was my first time being away from my family. A couple weeks after my move-in day I got adjusted and I made many new friends.

I think this program is awesome and it really has changed my life tremendously. I have many favorite classes in this program. One of them is History. In History, we learned about the history of Albany and went on field trips. One of my favorite field trips that we went on was to the Capital. Another one of my favorite classes is Career Prep. In this class, we learn about how to get jobs, how to act and dress for an interview, how to write a resume, time management, how hygiene is important for a job and how there are different modes of transportation that you can use to get a job.

From this program, I have learned how to ride the CDTA buses which you can use to get to events that happen in Albany. One of my favorite events that I enjoy going to is the semi formals because I love to dance and I love parties. I also learned how to cook a variety of foods. One of my favorite meals that I have made a lot in this program is Chicken Quesadillas. You will also learn how to live independently as well as how to share a dorm with other people. I also really like taking the CDTA bus to Crossgates Mall to see movies with my friends. You may feel nervous but I know that once you get here and are familiar with everything you will live this program as much as I really do!

Welcome to The College Experience Program and I can’t wait to meet you this year!

Sincerely,
Michael Mortensen


Dear Incoming Freshmen,

Hello everybody. It’s so nice to meet you. Welcome to the College Experience Program. My name is Daniel Walsh, however people refer to me as Danny. I am a senior within the program this year. I bet you’re feeling nervous for your first time in Albany. Well, it will be nerve-wracking at first, but it’s worth it at the end. First off, no need to worry. You’ll get the info regarding everything you need. For me, I was nervous when I arrived, but I was also excited as a freshman of all the new memories to be made. I took nice, easy steps setting in at my dorm. All of the past worries disappeared in front of me. Eventually, my fear of the oven disappeared over time and now I make all sorts of food from my own dinners to yummy desserts.

On top of schoolwork, there is plenty of fun shoved in, balancing everything out. Here are some fun things I got to do (and you will get to as well). I whole bunch of fun college clubs for any interests, concerts, trips outside the college, events at the mall and so much more. You’re going to have a great time being here. I welcome you to the program and look forward to meeting you.

– Danny