Bonding Time - Shanice Smellie

Today while in tutoring training, the team was able to act out scenarios that might be encountered with different types of students. It was hard to come up with solutions on the spot but it was fun and we learned what to do in case a certain situation were to arise. Many of the AOP student staff have been through different life experiences and we were informed that we will be working with students from various backgrounds that will offer unique and different perspectives. As a staff, we are all excited to begin working and getting to know these students. As mentors some of the most important things we can do are listen, be patient and be open to the students.

Today was an amazing day with the team. It was great to see that even while going through our intensive training we were still able to have fun and share a laugh. As the days pass we are no longer just a team, we are become a family. We went for ice cream and had time to sit down, talk and get to know each other on a more personal level. We realized that we have so much in common and enjoy spending time with one another.

We are so excited to greet all the students, we are literally screaming with joy and anticipation. The staff is working hard trying to get up all the beautiful wall and bulletin board decorations. So far they are looking great. There are color markers, crayons, colors pencils, and construction paper all over the lounge floor and everyone is having a fun time. We are counting down the days and cannot wait!

AOP Student Staff Training - Christina Alli

Tuesday marked the second exciting day of training. As the weather changed, so did the spirits of the staff. After being introduced to our roles, the AOP Summer Program became a reality. I personally am stoked! It was only last year that a majority of the AOP student staff were pre-freshmen students, nervous about what was to come in the four weeks ahead.

Now, the roles have changed, and we are more than happy to assist in helping students grow and transition into college like our peer mentors did for us. AOP is a family and it’s about to get that much bigger. Preparations have started now. We are racing the clock to ensure that the accommodations provided will not only feel like home but will incorporate our mission statement while we strive for our goals. :)

Student Testimonial - Tiffany Loo

"When I first sat to take the exam in this room, I knew that college was going to be rigorous. When I was told that I had to go to the summer program, I was filled with what almost every one of you must feel; hope, happiness, and major anxiety. I was worried that I was not going to make it through the summer program and therefore was not going to be attending a college in the fall of 2013. I also thought that my last summer before college was taken away from me and I was going to face a challenge that I never had faced before.

Going through the program, I was immediately welcomed by all the peer mentors in a friendly and awesome way. Everyone wanted to get to know you and what your interests and aspirations were. They treated you like family from the very beginning. One of the most important things I learn throughout the summer program was that everyone was in the same boat. Everyone was learning about different cultures, differences, and by the end of the program, everyone found a part of themselves that they hadn’t already known. The AOP program at SUNY Geneseo truly is the place for you to find yourself, and especially if you are talking about value this AOP program in particular has it all.

Almost every senior graduating this semester grew in their college experience with all the AOP staff and students from their incoming class year. When I asked some of the seniors who they were going to stay in contact with, or who their best friends were on campus, they all named people in their AOP class. We are a tight family; and all the counselors here do a really great job supporting you. One of the most important things I learned that these counselors do as opposed to other counselors on campus is that they really remember you and your stories; you are not just another number in the pile of 5,000+ kids. They can recall your name, your story, and your aspirations in a heartbeat; and when you are in a stressful situation or environment, as college is often challenging, you have a tight close support system that will help you get through anything.

I honestly can go on and on about how great and passionate I am about this program. I really believe in this program. In terms of summer classes, I have yet to hear from anyone who has regretted going through the summer program. I definitely wouldn’t have changed anything about my experience so far. If you guys need someone to reach out to or find out if you will be truly happy here you can email me at tkl2@geneseo.edu. In the end, you have to choose the college that suits you best, and I really think all of you can succeed here. Thank you!"

All Roads Lead to Excellence - Klarissa Garcia

As my days become numbered in Geneseo, I can’t help but reflect on my time at this institution. In short, my college career can be described as transformative- in numerous aspects of my life. None of it would have been made possible without the continual support of the AOP department, and more specifically the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI).

I have had the privilege to be a part of this organization since my first year at Geneseo and every year has provided me with a better understanding of who I am as person, leader, student and friend. As a participant, my WLI experience was shaped by my personal growth. I remember Ms. Gonzalez’s tirelessly trying to crack the infamous “shell” I hid behind. The sessions I attended and relationships I established my first year truly pushed me to open up and be vulnerable, but the effort in becoming a better me didn’t stop my first year in WLI. I decided to apply for a position on the Program Development (PD) Team, and since then all three teams which I have been a member of have contributed to my transformation. This year, WLI and AOP in general, have undergone major changes in personnel. With Ms. Gonzalez leaving the program at the end of the fall semester, WLI’s future was questioned. Many, including us on the PD Team, were hesitant in being able to push the program forward and live up to the WLI legacy.

Yet, despite the experience I had on previous PD Teams, this year’s team proved that there is always room for improvement and that anything is possible! We were aware that without an advisor for the majority of the spring semester, we were going to be responsible to execute our planned events and continue to live out our mission and goals. The team not only met, but surpassed all expectations in regards to how the program would continue without Ms. Gonzalez. Our main goal was to do our best as a team and continue to support our participants. As the Student Advisor and senior, going through the WLI program for the fourth time, I was beyond proud of the team and couldn’t believe that I was still learning new things about myself. We were stronger than ever during this semester and our determination and enthusiasm was evident miles away.  I am still shocked by the passion and commitment I have witnessed within this team and have no doubt that the organization is in good hands.

WLI’s theme my first year was “Coming Full Circle: Experience, Embody, Embrace”. Without realizing, I have done just that! I have experienced WLI as a participant and PD Team member, learning new things throughout every year. Unknowingly, I had begun to embody and embrace our pearls and I’m finding ways to share that with our participants, PD Team members and community at large.  I know that although I will be graduating and leaving Geneseo, I will forever be a part of WLI. So, as I pass down my knowledge and prepare the current participants for what lies ahead, in terms of WLI, I emphasize how important it is to be open to change and new experiences. Our experiences may differ, but I encourage each and every young lady to let the process run its course- only when reflecting on your experience will you see how much has changed. I also want to stress the importance of support for the organization and each other. The work that has been done this year would not have been made possible without the support of the college, AOP department, the PD Team, and participants.  Thank you to everyone who has made these last four years the most memorable years of my life!