Lilly Nolette

From the moment she arrived on campus, Lilly Nolette loved the Sage community.

“Everyone was so open, so willing to help, and ready to be there for you no matter what.”

Then Lilly met Director of Service Learning Ali Schaeffling, Ph.D., “and she became like a second mother.”

Lilly began to truly believe that she could take on the challenge of majoring in Interior + Spatial Design and be successful. The idea that she might actually have her own interior design business one day seemed like a real possibility.

This idea of becoming an interior designer first took shape in Lilly’s hometown of Willsboro, New York, back when she was in high school. A woman had built a beautiful new home in town and Lilly had been given a tour.

“I was really inspired by this woman,” she says. “Meeting her and seeing what she had accomplished helped me to understand who I was and what I wanted to be. I was impressed by her artistic values, what her work was doing for others, and what she was able to do with her own home. That’s what I wanted to do.”

At first, Lilly admits, she felt a little intimidated by all there was to learn. “I was really excited when the first semester began,” she says. “And it was a little scary. But my professors have been so great. They get back to you right away when you ask for help. They make the experience feel so positive.”

Lilly also appreciates the access she has to Sage alumni who have been successful in their careers as interior designers, as well as the opportunities presented to her for internships in the field.

“This place has changed me,” she says. “It has opened me up. I’m more willing now to meet people.”

This change has come about, she says, “because at Sage it just seems like everyone is ready to be your friend.”