NYSACAC Winter 2014 Newsletter

WINTER 2014

NEWSLETTER

Message from the president

By: Timothy Lee, Ph.D. President, NYSACAC Director of Undergraduate Admissions University at Albany

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and had the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. I also hope everyone had a chance for some rest and relaxation after what seemed to be a very hectic fall.

To say it has been a crazy few months may be an understatement. As I saw many of my fellow NYSACAC members during my own travels, significant discussions centered around technology issues and the application process.

While this fall seemed more stressful than usual, it was reassuring that we are able to work through these From the President 1-2 challenging times together, and keep our students as our focus.

B eyond Academics 4-5 When you look at the NYSACAC website and A Student perspective...

5 read through this newsletter, you will see it has been R eflections: B ridges to..

7 an extremely busy autumn for the Association as well.

As I reflect on all of the planning that has taken place 8 Mark Your Calendars during the fall, I am looking forward to NYSACAC’s busy spring.

NACAC 2013 Toronto 10-11 Often, you will hear current and former members NYSACAC Past Presidents 12 of the Executive Board encourage their colleagues to be A nnouncements 12 more involved in NYSACAC. We now have streamlined the process of following up on the requests from those SMILE

13-14 wishing to volunteer their time and participate more S ix Steps to Maximize..

15 actively. On the website, just click here – once you submit the form, a member of our Members Relations CBO Fair

16-17 Committee will contact you.

In this issue:

Conference Update

continued on page 2

Student S potlight

18-19

20-21

Message from the President continued

Much of the fall focuses on planning our many spring events: • Planning for our Spring Conference and Coming Together Conference is well underway under the leadership of President-Elect Jane Mathias and the committed team at Adelphi University. It will be an exciting week on Long Island.

• The Government Relations Committee is finalizing plans for our Legislative Advocacy Day on February 11.

• The Professional Development Committee is finalizing our series of Professional Development Forums for this spring. This year, we will be returning to college campuses to discuss “The Secret to Student Success & Marketability.”

• The College Fair Committee is working hard on our two NYSACAC Regional College Fairs, which will be held March 19th at Ithaca College and April 3rd at SUNY Fredonia.

• We are in the final stages of confirming the itinerary of the second annual Empire State College Tour.

• Arrangements for another two great weekends at Camp College, hosted by Canisius College and SUNY Potsdam, are underway. This year, a special fundraiser will be held, as NYSACAC members kayak down the Hudson River to raise funds for Camp College.

• Thanks to the work of Immediate Past-President Dave Coates and our Technology Committee, we will be collecting nominations and conducting annual elections through our website. This change in procedure will not only allow the association to redirect resources to our events, but also streamline the process to make the election more efficient.

As you can see, NYSACAC is doing great work in order to meet the needs and be a major resource for all members of our profession. Of course, in order to take advantage of all of these opportunities, you need to make sure your membership is current. While our membership cycle runs from September through August, not having your membership renewed now means you cannot become fully involved in NYSACAC – including the nomination and election process, consideration for student scholarships or conference grants, or discounted fees to take part in our many programs. So, please check your membership status today. If you are past due, please renew now. For our friends working at CBOs, please take advantage of our new pricing structure that will make your membership more affordable than ever.

Finally, I am happy to announce that we have secured future conference sites through 2016. We will return upstate in 2015 and be at Utica College, and then be back down in New York City at Wagner College in 2016. If you have any interest in 2017 and beyond, please reach out to me at President@nysacac.org It is an honor to serve as your president and to work with so many talented colleagues and friends on the Executive Board. I look forward to seeing you all in 2014!

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Inspiring Minds. Changing Lives.

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Beyond Academics: Involvement Quality over Quantity By: Anthony N. DiChiara

Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Hofstra University Research shows that involvement in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities enhance the overall quality of a student’s education (Adler 1984). Adler’s research, though conducted in the mid-1980’s still holds true with many student development specialists. Additionally, college admissions representatives, when considering the class they wish to admit to their institutions, are looking for students who have meaningful cocurricular experiences that supplement high academic achievement.

As the college application process becomes more competitive, students must consider the factors that will help improve their marketability as a strong applicant for admission. In addition to high academic achievement, quality student involvement outside the classroom will play a significant role.

That being said, students and parents should be constantly evaluating their out-ofclass experiences. Gone are the days when students were encouraged to join as many clubs as possible. College admissions representatives know it is extremely difficult to give quality effort to numerous clubs and still maintain an appropriate level of academic focus. Instead, a student should consider a smaller number of clubs in which to get involved, commit an appropriate amount of time without sacrificing academics, and build on those experiences, taking on leadership roles in later years.

As underclassmen, students should take advantage of opportunities to learn about the clubs and organizations in which they are interested and choose those which they can invest the most time. As sophomores and juniors, students should increase their level of responsibility, developing many of the skills they will need in the future, including but not limited to time-management, delegation, and public speaking. This can be done by chairing a committee or volunteering to help with club events. By the time students become upperclassmen, they will be ready to assume the leadership roles as a club officer.

As an example, a student who has displayed an affinity of for radio might be encouraged in their freshman year to join the radio club. As a freshman, that student will learn about the club, its characteristics and events. Also, as an underclassmen, students will begin interacting with other club members, improving interpersonal skills and learning how an organization is to be run. As the interpersonal skills improve and the students become more informed about the organization, they may feel more comfortable assuming leadership roles, like coordination of events. In these roles, skills like time management, communication, and organization can be developed. As these skills are developed, towards the end of their high school career, they will be ready to continued on next page 4

assume an officer’s role, where other skills can develop, like leadership, public speaking, and networking. Throughout the entirety of involvement, students can progressively develop important life skills that will aid in their success in college and in life.

The role of student involvement at the high school level is to provide students with opportunities to broaden and/or enhance their base of experience and develop the necessary skills to be successful both in and outside the classroom. Quality experiences through extra- and co-curricular activities not only allow students to be more marketable to college admission representatives, but provide students with opportunities to enhance the overall quality of their academic career.

A Student Perspective: Volunteering at the Performing Arts College Fair By: Denasia S. Garris

12th Grader at Humanities Preparatory Academy

Volunteering at the Performing Arts College Fair in New York City was great fun. I was able to experience the excitement of so many students and parents searching for colleges, all from a different point of view. A few of my classmates and I stuffed bags and handed them out to hundreds of families as we directed them through the fair. Although it was very hectic with over 2300 people to hand out information to, it felt wonderful to be one of the people who provided these students and parents with things that they need in order to search for colleges effectively. Volunteering for something that isn’t so easy to do, yet fun, was a great opportunity for my peers and I and it helps us be role models back at school!

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Reflections: Bridges To Higher Education By: Isabelle M. Ramos, Esq.

Admission Counselor, Ithaca College This was my first fall recruiting in the Westchester and Rockland County areas in New York and I want to share my reflections on bridges and their relation to the education counseling profession. First, thinking about why do we need bridges? Is it simply, because they usually provide the safest and quickest route for getting to the other side? For an off-campus recruiter, the bridge is not just the means to an end, but an end in-and-of itself. For students, college is a bridge that connects them to their dreams and development and requires good guidance on both sides. Thus, the best bridge is the one with the college counselor and high school counselor at each end.

They work together to help young adults make sure their steps will be supported with a successful end in sight. This is a happy bridge that we are all privileged to be a part. It is also one that we are privy to the tolls and pitfalls that occur at each end, each way.

I am encouraged to think about how our profession has educated and informed our “crossers” about the courage and sacrifice they will make day-to‐day and throughout their lives. It is incumbent upon us to offer realistic expectations and encouragement at each end. Whether the student is undecided or knows what they want to go into, we should encourage these young minds to think about not just their career goal, but the journey they are going to take to get there ‐ some bridges have more tolls than others.

These obstacles are not by any means in place to prevent people from utilizing the bridge but, the more knowledgeable the traveler, the smoother the journey. Having been to a bridge that I was unprepared to pay the toll to cross was embarrassing, stressful, and took more time. And, indeed, many college bound students also find themselves in similar situations in May and September.

So, when thinking about how important it is to have strong bridges as an integral part of the higher education infrastructure, I hope we can all remain cognizant of the bridges we build with each other and what it means to others who want to cross your way. Think about the bridges we ourselves have crossed on our own journey and who helped guide us. Let’s keep on building!

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Mark your calendars Our dates for next summer’s Camp College are set, please mark your calendars!

Camp College Canisius July 11-13 Camp College SUNY Potsdam July 25-27 Student, chaperone, and mentor applications will be posted in the late spring on our website. We hope to see you and your students next summer!

Best wishes for a great year!

Doug McNabb and Marie Nocella Camp College Co-Chairs

Get Ready for the Spring 2014 Professional Development Forums!

The Professional Development Committee is happy to announce the topic for the spring 2014 forums: “The Secret to Student Success & Mobility.” The forums will promote in-depth roundtable discussions as we explore the concept of marketability and retention. Attendees will be able to ask questions and find answers from various professionals involved in different stages of the admissions process pertaining to athletics, advanced curriculum, diversity, talent, etc.

The locations for the forums will be: Long Island Region- March, 24, 2014 at SUNY Stony Brook Syracuse Region- March 24, 2014 at Syracuse University Rochester Region- March 25, 2014 at University of Rochester Albany Region- March 26, 2014 at SUNY Albany New York City Region- March 27, 2014 at Fordham University, Lincoln Center Buffalo Region- March 27, 2014 at D’Youville College Please visit www.nysacac.org/regional-forums to register for any of these forums.

There is no fee for NYSACAC members; however, non-members will be charged $20 upon check-in at the forum site. Each location will accept either cash or check. Any non-members who have not paid this fee at check-in will not be allowed to attend the forum.

If you have any questions, please email Professional.Development@nysacac.org We look forward to seeing you in the spring!

Kristen Capezza and Lauren Sangimino, Professional Development Co-Chairs

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NACAC 2013 T a look back

Photo Credit: Brittany Gray

Photo Credit: Charles Fazio

Toronoto in pictures!

Photo Credit: Charles Fazio

Photo Credit: Brittany Gray

Fourteen NYSACAC presidents gathered in Toronto to attend the annual Past Presidents’ Breakfast, hosted by Tim Lee.

L to R: Greg Wasserman, Dave Coates, José Flores, Marjorie Jacobs, Tim Lee, Joanna Broda, Sandy Behrend, Nancy Meislahn, Mary Lou Bates, Kent Reinhart, Jane Mathias, Lisa Sohmer, Scott Hooker, Richard Alvarez

Announcements!

A place to share personal and professional news about NYSACAC members. E-mail your announcements to: newsletter@nysacac.org.

Congratulations on your new position!

Congratulations to Christine Who says you can’t find love on Rossi, Assistant Director of the road? Congratulations to Joe Undergraduate Admissions at Cosentino, Director of Admissions at The College of St. Rose on her Manhattanville College, who married engagement to Rob Corrado. Erica Kovats Cosentino on September 14th, 2013. The two met during their first year of recruiting!

Ryan Teeter has accepted a new position as a School Counselor at Honeoye FallsLima High School. Ryan says “I spent the last 5 years at Rush-Henrietta High School under the direct guidance of Katie Mason. I have learned an immense amount from her and hope to bring all my knowledge and skills to my new position!”

SMILE

By: Christine Loo

College Advisor, Archbishop Molloy High School “Non Scholae Sed Vitae”. Archbishop Molloy’s motto means “not for school, but for life”. As a high school, we aspire to educate the student not just during their four years, but for the rest of their lives. In essence, our mission is to develop and nurture the whole student so that they are equipped to live significant and meaningful lives. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, Archbishop Molloy is proud of the many programs that exist to help students develop emotionally and spiritually. One of these is the SMILE program. The acronym SMILE stands for Something More in Life’s Experience. It has a rich history and the program has had a great impact on students over the years.

SMILE began in 1964, under the leadership of Brother Leo Richard, a Marist brother in the guidance department. Brother Leo saw that when he had older students speaking to younger students about how they had improved their lives, overcome an obstacle, made a significant change, etc., it was as effective as, or even more effective than when he spoke to them. From these simple observations, a program was born, which was founded on the premise that students can more effectively help other students.

Over the years, SMILE has engaged students on a broad spectrum of topics. Today, SMILE exists for students from single parent households, shy students, students grieving the loss of a parent, those dealing with their sexual orientation, struggling with addiction and those who just want to gather and talk weekly. The groups are led primarily by students, with a guidance counselor present. They have been a haven for those dealing with very difficult situations. About 10% of Molloy’s population are involved in the SMILE program.

The impact of the program on students is harder to quantify. However, what is known is that it has helped an enormous number of students. Many who would testify that it was the best part of their experience at Molloy. For some, it was the difference between feeling completely left out versus being part of a community that allowed them to be who they were. For others, SMILE became the place they knew they could go to release feelings that no one knew about; their secret addictions, the fears only they knew, the tears that never had a place to flow until they joined SMILE.

In addition to the SMILE program, Archbishop Molloy is proud of its peer group counseling program. The program was started by Brother Leo Richard. What began as an afterschool “rap group” in the mid-1960’s eventually became a part of the school schedule for all sophomores in 1971. Brother Leo’s vision was to have students helping other students resolve their problems.

During peer group, senior leaders, a faculty counselor and six to eight sophomores meet twice a week for an hour. Agenda topics are presented by the student leaders, but the discussions are often redirected by what the individual members bring up. Students are encouraged to talk about whatever is of concern to them at any given time. Confidentiality is an important part of peer groups.

13 continued on page 14

SMILE continued from page 13

Since the inauguration of both of these programs, thousands of students have benefitted from both SMILE and the peer group program. The vision of one man has given a new sense of hope, confidence, and community to generations of students.

Announcing A New Canadian Resource for US Counselors!

Considering Canada! is a resource designed to provide secondary school counselors and students in the American educational system with relevant information regarding the Canadian university system, the institutions, their programs, entrance requirements and other important information.

Considering Canada! is published in a convenient three ring binder format. The information for each university is carefully laid-out backto-back on a single page making it easy for a counselor to reprint a relevant page for a student.

TOPICS INCLUDE: 

Interesting facts about Canada



A comparison of Canadian and American university systems



A post-secondary decision-making model



Advice about researching Canadian universities



A comprehensive chart of program offerings by degree and university



Relevant internet resources



Information regarding student visa requirements



Contact information for each Canadian university



Application processes

Plus university specific information regarding: Location, Student population, Faculty, Campus description, Application procedure, General entrance requirements, Program specific pre-requisites, standardized testing requirements, AP policies, Residence information, Athletic offerings, Clubs activities & organizations, Student Services supports, Tuition & other fees, Health insurance details, Scholarship information About the author: Dr. Peirce is an educational consultant with over 30 years of college counselling experience in the Canadian Independent School system. He has developed a series of publications regarding the university decision-making process to Canadian, American and British universities which are used in many counselling offices across Canada. He completed his Doctorate in Education at the University of Toronto focusing on post-secondary decision-making.

To read more about Considering Canada! or to order, Visit www.PeirceEducational.com

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Our contact information is: Peirce Educational Consulting 1 Victoria Street, PO Box 508 Flesherton, ON N0C 1E0 Canada (905)849-4623 MPeirce@PeirceEducational.com

Six Steps to Maximize College Funding By: Andrew Lockwood, J.D. Lockwood College Consulting

Here’s a list of steps your students’ families should take to maximize chances of college funding: 1. "Fish in the right pond.” Some colleges are more generous than others. Some colleges offer more need-based aid, while others favor merit-based awards. Research this information prior to finalizing your college list, hopefully months before! (Resource: CollegeBoard.com and the Common Data Set.) 2. Apply to schools where you’ll “class up” the incoming class. Students are more likely to get funded by a school where they are in the top 25% of incoming freshmen. Check the statistics of last year’s admitted students against your students. If they would be “lucky” to get in, they’re less likely to get funded. (I’m talking mostly – not entirely – about needbased aid.) Sidebar: because colleges manipulate - even lie and cheat about - the rankings system, you'd be remiss if you relied only on what US News & World Report says about the colleges you're looking at. Rank is a good starting point, but far from an end point.

3. Danger – Tell families NOT to assume they won’t qualify. The average discount rate for private colleges is 45%. 45%! AVERAGE! The vast majority of aid goes to families in the top quartile of income. I don’t care if a family is one step removed from the poverty line or a multi-millionaire, everyone can get 10%, 20%, 45% or more off the price of college.

4. Don’t expect a financial aid award from a college to be its “highest and best” offer.

Colleges are businesses. Notwithstanding any alarming, posturing “we don’t care about other offers” language you may read from financial aid offices, it’s always worth trying. Two years ago, a client of mine improved her so-called “final” award by more than $30,000.

Last year, another client improved her award by more than $38,000. (Each example is a one-year, not four-year, award, by the way.)

5. Learn the basics of the financial aid formulas, or get help. Some types of savings penalize you more than others, some not at all. This can vary by college, too. (Free resource: my book which is available for download at www.FinancialAidBook.org/counselor.)

6. Start earlier than you’re planning to start! If a family has been putting off this problem for 15, 16 years, because they’re not ready to “deal with it,” understand that the college timeline doesn’t give a rat’s patootie about procrastination. It marches on anyway. Families who start earlier (end of Sophomore Year and beginning of Junior Year) have more options and greater odds of success than those who “blow it off.”

Andrew Lockwood, J.D. wrote How to Pay “Wholesale” for College, is the former host of the College Planning Power Hour on ESPN Radio in Ft. Lauderdale, and is the founder of Lockwood College Consulting in Long Island.

More information is available at www.CollegePlanningTips.com.

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CBO FAIR

at Bayard Rustin Education Complex

By Sylvia Pertzborn CACNY CBO Fair Committee Member

On Thursday, October 3, 2013, CACNY and NYSACAC co-hosted a CBO Fair at the Bayard Rustin Education Complex which was generously sponsored by an Imagine Grant from NACAC. Twenty CBOs participated and more than 300 students, parents and professionals attended. Students from the Rustin Complex schools were well represented, but others traveled from schools such as Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology and Millennium High School. Students, parents and professionals came to learn more about the programs and resources available to help prepare for college, build leadership skills or engage in volunteer opportunities.

For many students it was the first time hearing about the many free programs offered by organizations such as the YMCA, NYC College Line or Henry Street Settlement.

From free college visits to free SAT prep and after-school college clubs, students had a lot of questions for the CBOs present as they discovered programs designed to support them in their college going efforts. Angela Garces, a parent who attended with her son, was impressed with the wealth of resources. “This was excellent because many parents don’t think many things are offered but there is everything here; from test prep to leadership activities to improving academic skill areas all to make students more successful. There are excellent opportunities for college trips and help with college applications.”

Students had a lot of positive things to say about the fair. Joseph, who attended with his mom Angela, said “At first I didn’t want to prepare for the SAT but after coming here today, I see how important doing all this college stuff early is.” Miao and Helen, 10th graders from Millennium High School heard about the fair through their school newsletter and came to find out about “all the different help we can get with school.” The two also shared that after talking to different CBOs they “learned more about the significance of commitment no matter what grade level.” “I’m here for the SAT prep,” said Sunil who came to the event with his friend Alek, a fellow 11th grader at UAG School for Technology. “I’m glad to see that there are free SAT prep classes because I’m not good at testing,” shared Alek excitedly.

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CBO participants were also impressed with the event. Donna from

NYC College line said “It has been a positive experience for NYC College Line.

It’s a great way for us to connect with current high school students to make them aware of the resources available to them in NYC.” She also commented “[that there was a] pretty good mix of parents, students and professionals because it’s not just about the students, but also those supporting them.” “This was great! CACNY should do [the fair] with more schools,” said the representatives from Henry Street Settlement (HSS). Upon reviewing the list of students that signed up for more information from HSS they said “we feel that we will get at least five students to participate [in our programs].”

CACNY is thrilled that after much discussion about hosting a fair it was finally made possible under the leadership of Carla Shere and with a grant from NACAC. Based on the feedback CACNY has received we look forward to the next CBO Fair!

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NYSACAC 2014 Conference Update

By Jane Mathias

President-Elect, NYSACAC Director of Guidance, Nardin Academy We are pleased to announce the launch of the NYSACAC Annual Conference website. The theme of this year’s conference is “The Transformation of Education,” reflecting upon how much and how quickly our profession changes, the challenges and opportunities presented by the constantly moving parts of our industry, and developing better ways to make a college education accessible, to insure the success of those who attend, and to make what we do in the college process relevant to the needs of those we serve.

NYSACAC is the one voice of those who sit on both sides of the desk, and the way that you can have a say in the conversation. Whether you are new to the field and have questions about everything you know and don’t know, or whether you have many years of experience, what draws us to college admission is the desire to make a difference in the lives of students. This conference has opportunities to learn, to teach, to dialogue, to network, to be heard. You will think more broadly and creatively, meet more people, learn about how to do your work more effectively, and have a wonderful time enjoying the educational, social, and networking events we have planned for you.

Our thirty-sixth annual gathering is being hosted by Adelphi University in Garden City, NY, a beautiful and comfortable setting where you will choose four educational sessions from a choice of sixty, one mega-session from a choice of three, and attend a sixth session from a choice of two; hear a keynote address on the topic of Educationomics; attend a college fair for high school counselors; meet with vendors who have the latest products and services; and have the opportunity to tour Long Island and New York City campuses, all as part of the conference. Your evenings will give you an opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues, and meet new ones, both on and off campus. You can play golf on a Long Island golf course and our own mini-golf course; get a tour of Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes; sample a taste of Garden City (literally and figuratively!), and play bocce, a NYSACAC conference tradition. There will be music, dancing, food and a number of surprises to keep you busy and engaged throughout the three days you are with us, June 4-6.

The full conference will be preceded by our Coming Together Conference, June 3-4, where you will have the opportunity to be part of a team seeking solutions 18

to specific aspects of a common theme centered around increasing access and success in higher education. You will leave becoming a practitioner who implements the steps to make a difference.

We have options ranging from single day attendance to both parts of the conference and a discount for those who register before the Early Bird deadline, May 7. There are opportunities to give and receive a conference grant for a counselor otherwise unable to attend.

We look forward to welcoming you to NYSACAC 2014, and promise it will be a highlight of your year.

“the transformation of education” June 3–June 6, 2014 Explore the future of college admissions, and the vital role you play, at the Annual New York State Association for College Admission Counseling State Conference.

During both Coming Together (June 3–June 4) and the Annual Conference (June 4– June 6), you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate and strategize to face industry changes head on.

For more information, visit nysacac.org.

To submit a proposal, go to adelphi.edu/nysacac14/proposals.

student SPOTLIGHT:

Children’s Aid Society Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program

College Success Story: Amanda Perry (Class of 2013) By: Felipe Ayala Jr.

College Coordinator, The Children’s Aid Society Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program

Amanda Perry, a graduating senior from the Academy for Scholarship and Entrepreneurship (ASE) in the Bronx, was faced with a tough choice -- where to go to college. Presented with robust aid packages from Columbia, Barnard, Syracuse, Howard, Spellman, and SUNY Oswego, Amanda reflected on her brief but meaningful interaction with the Barnard College campus representative who participated in a College Summit fair. She was especially struck by the renowned women’s college commitment to diversity and its small, supportive environment. While the school is all of 10 miles away as the crow flies from ASE, Barnard might as well have been in another country from Amanda’s Bronx neighborhood. A neighborhood that struggles with staggeringly high crime, teen pregnancy, high school dropout and poverty rates.

ASE benefits from a unique partnership with the Children’s Aid Society Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (CAS-Carrera), a NYSACAC CBO partner.

CAS-Carrera is an evidence-based, long-term intervention proven to ensure young people develop robust personal goals, succeed academically, and begin to plan for a productive future. CAS-Carrera begins working with boys and girls at age 10 or 11 and follows them through high school graduation and college admission. The program is built on seven integrated, scientifically accurate, and age-appropriate components: Education; Job Club; Mental Health; Family Life and Sexuality Education; Lifetime Individual Sports; Self-Expression; and comprehensive Medical and Dental Services.

In 2006, CAS-Carrera launched its innovative in-school model that is incorporated into the school-day schedule of a public or charter school, beginning in grade six and enrolling each succeeding grade annually until the entire school is receiving the model.

ASE’s Class of 2013 marks the first cohort to graduate from the in-school model and we are encouraged by early indicators of success -- 74% of the Amanda’s class graduated on-time in June.

Even before enrolling in ASE and CAS-Carrera in the sixth grade, Amanda always knew she would go to college, thanks to the unrelenting encouragement of her mother, who herself recently received an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Public Administration from Hostos Community College. Her mother, who struggles with a chronic medical condition, grew up in Antigua, where the education system is heavily influenced by the British system, after a legacy of British rule for so many years. In the British system, exposure to a breadth of subjects is shunned in favor of 20

more narrowly focused line of study that discourages college for most. Inspired by her mother’s determination to go to college late in life despite her long-term illness, Amanda is interested in pursuing a career in anesthesiology. An avid reader whose favorites include Jane Eyre, Midsummer Night’s Dream and Emma, Amanda is also considering African- American studies after reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery.

Through CAS-Carrera’s Job Club component, Amanda interned at Housing Works and gained valuable experience learning how to work with her peers and to “communicate directly and respectfully with superiors and peers.” When the stressors of juggling work, home and studies would weigh heavily on her, CAS-Carrera’s Mental Health staff was available to provide support and help her keep her eyes on the prize. Felipe Ayala, CAS-Carrera’s College Coordinator (Member, NYSACAC CBO Committee; CAS-Carrera program alumnus), played a critical role in getting her college applications in top form. “If Mr. Ayala wasn’t there, I would have had a tough time!” As a sixth grader, Amanda thought CAS-Carrera was nothing more than a “sports and after-school experience.” But by the time she reached high school, she realized, “This is a family, not a program.” Despite her full academic load, Amanda works afterschool at McDonald’s, serves as Team Manager of ASE’s girls’ basketball team, and plays drums at her church.

With support from New York State’s Higher Education Opportunity Program via Barnard’s Arthur O. Eve HEOP Scholars Program Opportunity Program, she pays only $3,500 a year for an Ivy League education. No matter where her academic journey takes her, Amanda is already way ahead of the pack.

Change the Student Debt Conversation It starts with an effective Responsible Borrower Program that empowers students to make smarter borrowing decisions at each stage of the student life cycle.

American Student Assistance® (ASA) created SALT™, a comprehensive approach to responsible borrowing designed to empower college students and alumni to confidently approach, manage, and pay back their student loans while gaining financial skills for life.

Contact Vince Scalise Regional Account Executive - NY 315.735.6347 | vscalise@asa.org

schools.saltmoney.org SALT, SALT logo, American Student Assistance and ASA are trademarks of American Student Assistance. © 2013 American Student Assistance. All rights reserved.

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Newsletter Committee: Meghan DeMayo-Dalen Lisa Raney Client Development Strategist Assistant Director of Admissions Spark451 Syracuse University Cristina Rivas-Laline Iva Zeqja School Counselor Assistant Director of Admissions Plainview Old-Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Adelphi University

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