Meet the Students

Amanda Hand

Psychology

Amanda Hand has a plan. The Psychology major wants to eventually get a Ph.D. in Psychology and work with kids who have been abused. Sage is helping her accomplish her goals while working full-time at a day care center.

The Sage After Work schedule is ideal for me. I don't have to quit my job to finish my degree I can do my whole major at night.

Amanda transferred to Sage with an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Hudson Valley Community College. She finds the classes at Sage even more engaging and her fellow students extremely motivated.

I was used to students leaning back in their chairs during class, letting their professors do the talking. Not at Sage. We all jump into the discussions, contribute and learn from one another.

Many students come in with suits on all working professionals coming to class after work. Those are people who really want to continue their education.

The professors know and appreciate the students efforts as well, and are extremely accessible. I can e-mail my professors for help and they get right back to me. One even gave us his cell phone number to call with questions any time.

Sometimes waiting for class to start, I'm exhausted after a day of work. But once class begins, I'm wide awake. The professors bring you right into focus.

She also enjoys the online components of her classes. I can do the work at my own pace. It gives you the freedom to choose which nights are good for working.

Amanda will graduate with a B.S. in Psychology in 2008.

Kali Roy

English
Gloversville, NY

Sage has done more than just meet my educational needs, it has opened my eyes. As a full-time parent and advocate for children with special needs, the Sage After Work program fits my schedule well. The evening classes still provide an intimate and interactive environment with other students like me. Out discussions have led me to ponder other opinions and try new things.

In the program, I have challenged and strengthened my writing capabilities, and seen a whole new aspect of myself. I am majoring in English, but the variety of experiences Ive had here led me to realize how many creative, artistic fields I can pursue. I worked for the Arts Center of the Capital Region once and loved it, so I have decided that I want to work closely again with artists and academics in the community. Sage is helping me pave the way.

Michael Kuban

Computer Information Systems
Schenectady, NY

I've attended a few colleges in the area, but Sage is the only place where I really can finish my bachelors degree at night and in the shortest time possible. The Sage After Work programs flexibility and availability of courses is crucial to me, because I have a full-time job and a family. I work at GE Energy Systems. Recently Ive been doing electrical hardware design and installation for a new wind turbine.

Attending Sage has changed my career direction in a new and exciting way. Teaching has been in the back of my mind for a while, but after talking with my professors, I have decided to pursue a teaching degree next and become a technology teacher.

Estelle Filkins

Accounting
Albany, NY

Sage has all the courses I need to finish my bachelors in accounting at times that fit into my schedule. Plus, the campus is conveniently close to my office at the New York State Comptrollers Office in downtown Albany.

Classes are small, and the professors get to know you as individuals and take the time to help you with any issue you have. I still want to work in tax and finance, but my professors have led me to consider teaching in the future. I'd like to help students advance as they helped me.

Michael Rivet

Sage After Work/Sage College of Albany 2004
Psychology major
Cohoes, NY

Michael Rivet was working as a supervisor and logistics officer for a national telecomm provider when he decided to go back to school to earn his bachelors degree. He wanted to become a better supervisor, and was interested in people and how they interact, more than just dollars and the bottom line. So he decided to major in Psychology through the Sage After Work program at Sage College of Albany. He liked the philosophy of the programs faculty, and could take classes that fit around his work schedule and family life. He and his wife are foster parents and he volunteers with youth sports and activities groups. It was an easy decision.

Little did he know how much his mind would change at Sage.

Rivet has since left the corporate world and is now committed to a career in psychology, whether it be research or consulting. "I am no longer satisfied with just drawing a paycheck," he says. "I want to contribute to my community and profession." He focuses his research on the interaction of daily stress, coping efforts, and social competence, and plans to pursue a doctorate in Social Psychology.

He has also turned his attention to poetry. He began by participating in open mic poetry nights on campus, and was published in the Vernacular, a compilation of art and literary works produced by Sage College of Albany students. He developed a website devoted to poetry, and is working on a manuscript and seeking publishing opportunities.

Rivet graduated as valedictorian of Sage College of Albanys first class of bachelors degree candidates.