Meet the Students

Brian Erlwein

Undeclared, Psychology Concentration

Brian Erlwein can’t say enough about how friendly a place Sage College of Albany is.

“People here wanted a small college, and they’re looking for ways to get to know and include each other. High school is full of cliques. Here, no one pushes you away. Everyone wants to know who you are.”

Though he says he was searching for his own spot in high school, he’s really come into his own at Sage. Brian was vice president of the freshman class, and a member of ACE (the Association of Campus Events), the Psychology Club and the Ski Club.

“Everyone knows each other and gets along. We like to do all of the activities together.” He rattles off a list: Casino night. Harvestfest. The formal dance. Relay for Life. Going out to clubs like Sneaky Pete’s or Jillian’s. Intramurals. Laser tag.

The students are the only threads in this close-knit community. “The teachers actually know my name, and know who I am. They will stay after class or go out of their way to help you. They honestly want you to succeed.”

Brian plans on being a professional image consultant after college. He wants to help people work on their body language, their wardrobe and appearance, and their speaking and interpersonal skills in order to improve their self-esteem. “I want to help people feel better about themselves, and realize they can be successful and happy.”

Renata Sviridova

Interdisciplinary Studies
Turkmenistan

I appreciate the choices and opportunities that Sage provides, perhaps more than any other student. I came to America from Turkmenistan, where things are very bad. The economy is in shambles, the people are impoverished, and there are no jobs and no schools. I faced discrimination because of my Russian descent, and students like me were labeled as “traitors” for leaving the country to pursue an education.

I came to American on a student VISA and studied at Schenectady County Community College. Sage offered me a scholarship that allowed me to transfer here and continue my education. I was able to design my own degree combining my interests in art and computers.

I’ve had such exciting classes, learned from talented faculty, and had work study jobs that have opened my eyes to new possibilities. I want to live in New York City and work in graphic design or digital imaging, and Sage is helping me realize my dreams.

Noelle Pezzi

Interdisciplinary Studies
Schenectady, NY

I chose Sage because the intimate atmosphere was very comfortable to me, coming from a small high school. I even got involved in student government and was elected Student Body President!

Sage has been great. I was able to create a program that fit my interests and goals through the Interdisciplinary Studies program. I am studying Psychology and Sociology, and had a great internship right next door to campus at Parsons Child and Family Center, where I learned so much.

Now I want to become a social worker for troubled and misguided children. Being at Sage has really shaped the person that I am and aspire to become.

Ruben Cruz

Information Design
New York City

I chose Sage as a gate to open doors for me. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico until my family moved to New York City. I want to be successful in part to thank my older brother, who I am very close with, for his support of me all these years.

Sage is so different from the city; I enjoy the small campus. You get to learn more about topics in class through discussion with classmates, and you get to know many people on campus. I play intramural basketball, and am a Resident Advisor. Being an RA has given me the opportunity to hold events, build a floor community, and really help people. I guess now I’m the “big brother!”