Accounting

Student Showcase

• Hilina Tiba

  

  Hilina Tiba attended Tompkins Cortland while raising a family and working as a Financial Management Assistant for the City of Ithaca. She pursued an Accounting A.S. degree, graduating in May 2018. While at the College she distinguished herself as an exceptional student, maintaining Dean's List standing every semester, earning induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and receiving recognition at her 2018 commencement as Accounting program Graduate of Note. Upon graduation, Hilina was offered a scholarship to Ithaca College where she plans to complete both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting. She looks forward to a career as a Certified Public Accountant.

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  After I moved to the USA, I learned that getting a job in my field was not easy. My foreign degree in Accounting (with six years of work experience) and the level of my language skill were the main reasons for the issue. So, I decided that going back to school to pursue my dream while my daughter attends the daycare center within the campus.

  How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare you for what came next (career and/ or transfer)?

  The College not only gave me the chance to go back to school, but it also offered an opportunity to reinvent myself. I was inspired, challenged, and taught by the best professors I have ever had in my entire educational life. I learned and cooperated with my classmates, I met my best friends, so and so forth. In short, Tompkins Cortland changed my life for the better.

  What is your current position and how do you draw on your Tompkins Cortland coursework in your job?

  I am currently working as Financial Assistance for the City of Ithaca, and I am also a full-time accounting major at Ithaca College. I would say in full confidence that all the coursework that I took at Tompkins Cortland Community College played some role preparing me for my current position with the City of Ithaca and when I transferred to Ithaca College. However, my accounting, business, economics, and computer application courses were very instrumental in equipping me with both practical and theoretical skills needed for four-year accounting program and financial work environment.

  Who at Tompkins Cortland had the greatest positive impact on your experience or your future?

  As an advisor and mentor, Professor Gary Ford, who is also the Accounting program chair, had the most significant positive impact. I am who I am right now because of his advice and wisdom. 

   

• Grad of Note - Alaric Saufley

  

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  I chose TC3 because of its location and the opportunities it helps local students pursue.

  Who at TC3 had the greatest positive impact on your experience?

  Professor Gary Ford had the most positive impact on my college experience. His enthusiasm for education and helping his students succeed shows in every interaction he has with every student. It's easy to see that Professor Ford truly cares about his students and wants to do everything he can to help them succeed. Professor Ford's teaching style helps him relay all of the material in ways that a student can easily understand, even when the content is more complex.

  What were your extracurricular involvements at and how did they contribute to your college experience/future aspirations?

  The tutoring center was extremely beneficial in helping me understand certain aspects of challenging material. The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has great resources, including scholarships and tips, that make the transfer to a four-year university more smooth and less challenging than it could be.

  What are your next steps after graduation and how did the College prepare you for that?

  This fall I'll be attending Ithaca College to pursue my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting, as well as a career as a Certified Public Accountant. TC3 helped me prepare me for the next steps by giving me building blocks to prepare for my future as a whole. As a non-traditional student TC3's class schedules, library and tutoring, and extra resources were all valuable in helping me keep focused on being a successful student while also allowing time for me to be a successful father and husband to my family. 

• Duane Blaske

  

  Duane Blaske graduated from Tompkins Cortland with an A.S. in Accounting in 2018. A military brat born in Germany, Duane stuck to his roots and joined the Army himself. Now a veteran and father of three, Duane relocated to the Cortland community to be closer to his wife’s family in Homer. Currently in his senior year at Ithaca College, Duane is set to graduate in the spring of 2020 with his Bachelor’s in Accounting. Currently Duane interns with Port, Kashdin & McSherry Certified Public Accountants.

  
  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?
  I chose Tompkins Cortland because it was close to Cortland and was a good school to get me back into the swing of taking classes. 

  How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare you for what came next (career and/or transfer)?
  My college experience at Tompkins Cortland helped me get into the swing of classes during the day and attending school full time again.

  
  What is your current position and how do you draw on your Tompkins Cortland coursework in your job?
  I’m currently taking classes at Ithaca College for Accounting, which was my major at Tompkins Cortland. Tompkins Cortland helped me transfer my knowledge to IC. I felt as if I were on pace. Gary Ford’s teaching style keeps his students engaged and prepared for future/advanced accounting courses.

  
  Who at Tompkins Cortland had the greatest positive impact on your experience or your future?
  Professor Gary Ford had the greatest impact on me at Tompkins Cortland. He kept the class motivated and used real-life learning scenarios. Professor Ford sets expectations and makes sure students actually understand the material. I’ll always remember him saying that class is like a three legged stool-reading, homework, and coming to class. The grade you get in his class, you earned. Professor Gary Ford, Professor Larry Chase, and Professor Tim McCabe hold students to high academic standards.

  
  Any advice for current/future students at Tompkins Cortland?
  My advice to current and/or future students would be to study hard and keep in contact with your old teachers. I would recommend prospective students to attend Tompkins Cortland as a springboard for future success. Come here lay a firm foundation, save money, and then transfer.
   

• Brittany Burke

  

  After receiving her A.S. in Accounting from Tompkins Cortland, Brittany transferred to Ithaca College to complete her B.S. in Accounting. During her time at Tompkins Cortland Brittany was on the Dean's List and held the Vice President of Fellowship Position in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She enjoyed helping her fellow students as an Accounting Tutor in the Baker Learning Center and as a Peer Mentor for the Office of Diversity Education and Support Services. By becoming an intern for the Brofenbrenner Center for Translation Research at Cornell University, Brittany created an internship path for future accounting students at Tompkins Cortland to follow. In her spare time Brittany enjoyed volunteering at the Ithaca YMCA. Brittany is set to receive her Master's in Accounting at Ithaca College in 2019 and just completed her internship at Sciarabba Walker CPA's in Ithaca.

  
  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?
  Initially after I graduated from high school, I was planning on going straight to Ithaca College. However, after a discussion with my mother (she is my biggest supporter when it comes to my education), we thought it would be a better choice if I started at a Community College, Specifically Tompkins Cortland. Being that I was undecided on my major, I thought it would be great to start at Tompkins Cortland and explore my options before I went to a four-year school. On top of that, my mom is a firm believer of the "first-year experience" and wanted me to live at school. My mom thought Tompkins Cortland would be great because it offered on-campus housing. Her and I noticed that Tompkins Cortland was a great investment, in terms of finance. Tompkins Cortland's tuition and related expenses were reasonable for us to swing.

  
  How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare for what came next (career and/or transfer)?
  As mentioned above, I wanted to transfer to another school, specifically Ithaca College. I spent 2.5 years at Tompkins Cortland. I declared m major in Accounting during my second semester. Tompkins Cortland's Accounting Program has provided me with the knowledge that was require for transfer students. The college has provided multiple employment opportunities during my time at Tompkins Cortland. For example, I was a Peer Mentor for the office of Diversity Education and Support Services where I helped guide first-year students during their first semester. Through this program, I was able to obtain my first internship with Cornell University as an Accounting Intern and helped established a connection between Cornell and Tompkins Cortland. I was also an Accounting tutor for the Baker Center for Learning and helped multiple students in Accounting and Math.

  
  What is your current position and how do you draw on your Tompkins Cortland coursework in your job?
  I just finished my internship with Sciarabba Walker, a local Accounting firm in Ithaca. Tompkins Cortland's coursework has provided knowledge regarding the simple idea of debits equal credits. My internship dealt with tax return preparation which required correct data entry and to make sure it was showing up on the return. Once everything is entered, I have to make sure the amounts make sense.

  
  Who at Tompkins Cortland had the greatest positive impact on your experience or your future?
  I'll be honest, its hard to narrow down because everyone I have encountered at Tompkins Cortland has helped me in great ways. However, there are three individuals that need to be recognized. For starters, Seth Thompson from the Office of Diversity Education & Support Services has known me since my first semester at Tompkins Cortland because I started out as a mentee. During my second year at Tompkins Cortland, I worked my way up to a mentor. I went to Seth about academics, stress, and updates about my life. Second is English Professor Aaron Decker. I had professor Decker for one of his classes and I really enjoyed it. He was so helpful, especially when it came to his papers. He would give me feedback and constructive criticism. Lastly is Gary Ford. Gary has been a huge supporter for me from the first day I met him. I had him for ACCT 102. He was the one that actually referred me to become an Accounting tutor at Tompkins Cortland and I couldn't be more thankful for that. After my time at Tompkins Cortland I came back on multiple occasions to see these three individuals. I regularly kept them informed on how things were going during my time at Ithaca College. These three individuals helped me stay focused and encouraged me to continue my education. I will admit that at one point I was experiencing major stress and anxiety regarding whether or not to go for my Master's Degree and CPA license. Seth, Aaron, and Gary have encouraged and supported me during that time. I created a lifelong connection with them and probably wouldn't have gotten this far.

  
  Any advice for current/future students at Tompkins Cortland?
  NETWORK! That is the first thing that comes to mind. Whether it is with other students, professors, staff, or outside individuals, you will be surprised to see who will help you, even at your lowest. I highly recommend future students join the Vector Network Program (formerly known as Peer Mentor Network Program). This program provides great opportunities to connect with people on and off campus.

• Alina Scofield

  

  Alina Scofield grew up in Spencer, NY. When the rest of her classmates were taking the SAT and applying to colleges, Alina had her mind elsewhere. Although she graduated from high school, Alina was still unsure if college was the right choice for her. Fast forward to 2019, and Alina not only has two degrees from Tompkins Cortland Community College, she is also an Associate at one of the top Accounting Firms in New York, KPMG. Alina received her first degree in General Studies from TC3 in 2010 and then completed her Accounting Degree from TC3 in 2012. After graduating from TC3, Alina went to Ithaca College and received her Accounting Degree in 2018.

   

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  I originally chose to attend Tompkins Cortland Community College because I was unsure what field I wanted to work in. I knew going to a community college was a great way for me to get a college experience and be able to explore my interests. Since I didn't have a strong sense of what I wanted to do when I was in high school, I barely graduated, didn't take my SAT's, nor applied to any colleges. I was unable to set long-term goals for myself at that time, but after graduation getting a two-year degree was something that didn't seem so unachievable. TC3 allowed me to take classes, advance my education, and prepare me to transfer to a four year college.

  How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare you for what came next (career and/or transfer)?

  TC3 allowed me to find something I was passionate about and establish goals to work towards. Without going to TC3 and using the time to discover who I was and what I wanted out pf life, I wouldn't be the person I am today. It prepared me initially to do bookkeeping work and to be able to support myself. Being that I did well at TC3, I was eventually able to go on to attend Ithaca College to complete my Bachelor's Degree. Attending TC3 helped me to be aware of what was expected of me at a four-year school and improve my grades enough to be able to get into almost all of my schools of choice.

  What is your current position and how do you draw on your Tompkins Cortland coursework in your job?

  I am currently an Associate at the New York office of KPMG, and I give a lot of credit to TC3 for helping me achieve this. I was able to take classes part time while also working. Taking classes at TC3 allowed me to affordably explore my career options at a pace that was beneficial to me. Previous to returning to school at Ithaca College, I worked as a bookkeeper for a local business in Ithaca and was able to draw on the skills I learned on a daily basis. I now work as a Tax Accountant, and not only do I use the core content I learned in my classes, but I also use my critical thinking and public speaking skills as well. I also tutor accounting and statistics, which has helped me learn how to interact with others in a new way.

  Who at TC3 had the greatest impact on your experience or your future?

  Gary Ford, my accounting professor at TC3, was a driving force in my current success. I received a General Studies degree from TC3 in 2010 and was unsure what field I wanted to work in. I returned to the college and took my first college accounting course with Professor Ford. Immediately it was clear that he had a passion for the subject and also for teaching. Luckily, most of the class came easy to me, but when it didn't Professor Ford was willing and able to explain the material in a way that made sense. Professor Ford pushed me to work in the accounting tutoring lab which was one of the greatest experiences I had while attending TC3. I was able to help other students to retain the material from our classes while reinforcing my own and it was because of this opportunity I am still considering teaching in the future.

  Any advice for current/future TC3 students?

  The advice I have for current students would be to go easy on yourself. My time at TC3 lasted longer than the standard two years it usually takes to get an Associates Degree's. Some semesters I went full-time, some part-time and at least once I withdrew from all my classes in the middle of the semester. Even though I worked through my degrees slowly, I succeeded in the end.

   

• Juan Balbuena

  

  After taking his friend up on a recommendation to visit Tompkins Cortland Community College's campus, Juan quickly realized this was where he needed to be. A New York City native whose parents came to the United States from the Dominican Republic, Juan graduated from Tompkins Cortland with an A.A.S. in Accounting in May, 2013. Tompkins Cortland gave Juan the confidence, mindset, and stamina, to ultimately transfer to Baruch College, switch majors, and graduate with a degree in Communications. After graduation, Juan landed a job with CSM Sport & Management and credits some of his success to the unwavering support of his professors at Tompkins Cortland.

   

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  A good friend of mine actually recommended attending TC3 shortly after finishing High School. I had taken a year off, and was looking at different colleges to attend when I stumbled upon TC3 and thought it would be a great stepping stone to begin my college experience! After visiting one weekend, I really enjoyed the campus and feeling of the school - and applying was a no-brainer at that point.

  How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare you for what came next (career and/or transfer)?

  I would say TC3 prepared me a lot for what came later in life. After graduating, I transferred to Baruch College in New York City, which was recently ranked #2 in the country for Best Colleges ranked by value by Money Magazine. I actually was hesitant to apply because of the requirements, but my professors challenged me to do so, and pushed me every step of the way my second year. After receiving the acceptance letter from Baruch, I gained a sense of confidence. As cliche' as it might sound, it made me believe I could do anything I put my mind toward. Not only did I graduate from Baruch shortly after, but I excelled in my studies, all while also playing on the College's baseball team and interning. During those semesters with heavy course loads, baseball games/practices and internship duties, I always remembered the motivating words from Professor Ford and Professor Chase.

  What is your current position and how do you draw on your Tompkins Cortland coursework in your job?

  I am currently a Senior Integrated Marketing Coordinator at CSM Sport & Entertainment, working with a lot of sports brands and properties. We help the brand and properties launch, reach new fans, and help them share their brand stories. Seeing that I was an accounting major during my time at TC3, I wouldn't necessarily tie my coursework with my day to day tasks, however; something that my professors at TC3 always challenged me to do was think outside the box and to have a results oriented mindset. Instead of focusing on the issues, always think of what can be a solution, and don't be afraid of taking the unconventional way there. This mindset helps me a lot when working with global brands who may be facing challenges such as reaching/attracting new fans.

  Who at TC3 had the greatest positive impact on your experience or your future?

  I would say Professor Gary Ford. During my time at TC3, I sustained an injury before the beginning of the baseball season, and my best friend at the time passed away. Professor Ford noticed my demeanor change and my classes/grades were affected by it. Ultimately, I had thoughts of returning back to NYC and giving up on school, but Professor Ford encouraged me day in and day out to not give up. Professor Ford even held study sessions in his office - sometimes twice a day! I remember seeing him during graduation and thanking him for all that he did for me, and he simply thanked me for letting him.

  Any advice for current/future students at TC3?

  My advice for current/future students at TC3 is that your experience there is what you make it! Whether you have plans of obtaining a job after graduation, transferring to a university or exploring a career field, you'll have all the tools and guidance to succeed at TC3 - the rest is up to you!

• Debra Bennett

  

  Debra Bennett graduated from Tompkins Cortland with an A.A.S. degree in Accounting in May 2016. Despite balancing her college responsibilities along with parenthood, she completed two separate internship placements as part of her A.A.S degree, including at a private accounting firm and a non-profit environmental education organization. Debra was also on the Dean's List, inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, awarded the Tompkins Cortland President's Citation, and recognized as the 2016 Accounting program Graduate of Note. She is currently employed at Sciarabba Walker & Co., LLP in Ithaca and working to complete her undergraduate degree through Empire State College.

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  I chose to attend Tompkins Cortland Community College because it was local and fit my needs. I had two teenage sons at the time and wanted to show them that it was never too late to reach your goals. Shortly after starting school I had another son, and Tompkins Cortland was extremely supportive of me continuing my education. Student Success and Advisement helped me build a schedule that worked for me and my family responsibilities. 

  How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare you for what came next (career and/or transfer)?

  My experience at Tompkins Cortland helped prepare me for my career and transfer to a bachelor's program by providing opportunities to work in my field. I completed two different internships through Tompkins Cortland. One was with the Ithaca Children's Garden in Ithaca and the other with Sciarabba Walker & Co., LLP, a local accounting firm. These experiences were available to me because I was a student at Tompkins Cortland, and they helped prepare me for the field I work in now.

  What is your current position and how do you draw on your Tompkins Cortland coursework in your job?

  After my internship with Sciarabba Walker they offered me a full-time position as a bookkeeper, where I am currently still working while attending SUNY Empire for my bachelor's degree. My coursework at Tompkins Cortland gave me the tools to be successful in my current position. I believe the community feeling at Tompkins Cortland and the continued support of the professors, library staff, and administration gave me the confidence to reach my goals and continue my education.

  Who at Tompkins Cortland had the greatest positive impact on your experience or future?

  Gary Ford (Professor of Accounting) reached out to me about the internship at Sciarabba Walker. I remember a discussion with Gary about his passion for teaching and he inspired me to tutor in the library for accounting. All the staff at Tompkins Cortland were supportive, and I remember several positive experiences, but for me Gary will always stand out for some very specific words of encouragement that meant a great deal to me at the time, "I believe in you". These were not words that I has heard before from anyone and will be with me forever. My experience and the connections I made at Tompkins Cortland have transformed my life in so many ways for the better. 

   

• Jax Li

  

  Jax Li graduated from Tompkins Cortland in 2016 with an A.S. in Accounting. While attending Tompkins Cortland, Jax was an active volunteer and worked as a translator for the Ithaca School District and as a peer tutor for other accounting students. Jax was on the Dean's list every semester, received the Tompkins Cortland Presidents Citation and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. After graduating from Tompkins Cortland Jax transferred to SUNY Albany where he received his B.S. in Accounting. Before graduating with his M.S. in Professional Accountancy in May 2019, Jax received a job offer from one of the top four  accounting firms, Ernst & Young (Boston Office).

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  After I graduated from high school, I was not sure what I wanted to major in. So instead of going straight into a four-year university I figured Tompkins Cortland was the best option for me.

  At that time, I heard great things about Tompkins Cortland from friends who were attending Tompkins Cortland. Things like it's very easy to transfer credits from Tompkins Cortland to other four year universities/colleges, and its 100% correct. After I graduated from Tompkins Cortland I was able to transfer most of my credits to SUNY Albany (where I got my Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Professional Accountancy), and other things like Tompkins Cortland has a low student-professor ratio, which was great for someone who was transitioning from high school to college. Tompkins Cortland was also very affordable compared to other schools.

  How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare you for what came next (career and/or transfer)?

  I must say starting college at Tompkins Cortland was one of the best choices I made. After I transferred to a four-year university, I thought the accounting classes were relatively easy while others who started at a four-year university struggled with classes a bit. It was because my fundamentals were great. If you want to succeed in advanced accounting courses you must have very good fundamentals. At Tompkins Cortland we have small classes and professors are able to help individual students and answer individual questions easily. I believe that's how students learn the most - in a small class room environment. On the other hand, at a large school, you will be in a huge lecture  hall with 200 - 300 students and only one professor simply because there are too many students -  and it is more difficult to build a s close relationship with the professor.

  What is you current position and how do you draw on your Tompkins Cortland coursework in your job?

  I will get my Master of Science in Professional Accountancy in May 2019 and I will start working full-time as an Assurance Staff with Ernst & Young (one of the big four accounting firms) in their Boston Office. Again, Tompkins Cortland really helped me build up my fundamental skills and knowledge in accounting which was crucial to my success both in school and in my job.

  Who at Tompkins Cortland had the greatest positive impact on your experience or your future?

  Professor Gary Ford had the greatest impact on my life. He was one that sparked my interest in accounting. He was also my mentor; I learned so much from his classes and from many out-of-classroom conversations with him. Here I want to thank him, Professor Tim McCabe and Professor Larry Chase. They all had a positive impact on my life and they all contributed to my success.

  Any Advice for current/future students at Tompkins Cortland?

  Some of my advice for current/future students at Tompkins Cortland are:

  1. Build good relationships with your professors, get to know them and let them get to know you. it is easier for them to write you a recommendation letter if they know you well.

  2. Step out of your comfort zone (very important).

  3. Get involved in student organizations, step up and take leadership positions (relates back to #2). This will make your resume much better.

  4. Tompkins Cortland is a great school, even though some might say otherwise, but remember, you get out what you put in.

• Vy Trinh

  

  Vy Trinh is a Vietnamese international student who graduated from Tompkins Cortland in 2017 with an A.S. Degree in Accounting. Despite a tough upbringing, Vy excelled throughout her tenure at Tompkins Cortland. Her disciplined work ethic and active participation was demonstrated in and outside the classroom. While maintaining perfect attendance, Vy was on the Dean's list every semester, earned the Tompkins Cortland Presidential Citation Award,  was inducted as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and received the Graduate of Note Award. To help others succeed, she became an accounting tutor in the Baker Center for Learning. In her spare time, Vy volunteered and became a member of the Tompkins Cortland Intercultural Club, Cornell Vietnamese Association, and Cornell Southeast Asian Program. In May of 2019 Vy will receive her B.S. in Accounting from Ithaca College and will start her M.S. in Accounting from IC in the Fall of 2019.

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  I chose Tompkins Cortland to study because I wanted to study Hospitality and Restaurant Management. However, after my first semester, I realized I wanted to do something with numbers, so I switched to study Accounting. Professor Ford was the one who gave me the motivation to study this challenging major because he listened to my concerns and supported me whenever I had issues with assignments or future career paths.

  How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare you for what came next (career and/or transfer)?

  Tompkins Cortland is a small school, but most of my professors and the staff are very friendly and nice. I used to be in the Intercultural Club and was a peer Accounting tutor in Baker Center, so I met a lot of great people from around the world, such as Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Burma, Philippines, Dominican Republic, etc. I remember my English wasn't excellent in comparison to my international friends, but my friends, professors, and colleagues helped me improve my skills and supported me to be more confident - especially in public speaking. When I became confident, everything improved. I graduated with a 3.97 GPA and received the Graduate of Note Award. After that I went on to receive a merit Scholarship from Ithaca College.

  What is your current position and how do you draw on your Tompkins Cortland coursework in your job?

  I will start my Master's Degree at Ithaca College in Fall 2019. I am currently a student employee and work as a financial services assistant at Ithaca College. At Tompkins Cortland, I took many different courses such as Economics, Accounting, Psychology, Biology, etc., and those courses helped me become more flexible when I deal with any problems in real life. Even though I majored in Accounting, I took writing classes and drawing classes. I was surprised at how well I did both of those things. I was scared of public speaking because of my accent, but I was so surprised that I could tell my story in front of nearly a hundred people at Tompkins Cortland in a scholarship ceremony. Everyone listened to me respectfully with their hearts. They sympathized and cried when I cried.

  Who at Tompkins Cortland had the greatest positive impact on your experience or your future?

  I think all of my professors had a great impact on me. Ms. Robin Hinchcliff was my first professor in English. Mr. Gary Ford was my first professor for my Accounting major - he would always advise his students to "study hard, work hard and play hard". Mr. Tim McCabe always supported me to become the best in his Macroeconomics class and always told great things about me. Mr. Larry Chase always made me laugh because of his jokes and his kindness. Ms. Elizabeth Caughey became my good friend outside the classroom after I took two classes with her at Tompkins Cortland. Also people in the Baker Commons like Ms. Margaret Degaetano (with her old and cute dog-Bebop) was always friendly and nice to everyone. Also my supervisor Pamela Ana Singh, who always gave me a hug whenever I came to ask for help when I started studying Accounting.

  Any advice for current/future students at Tompkins Cortland?

  For whoever is studying at Tompkins Cortland now or will study at Tompkins Cortland in the future, you should not only study hard, but you should find fun things to do on and around Campus. I usually went to Cornell to volunteer with my Vietnamese community and for the Southeast Asia Program; I met even more great people. Friendship is also important because I make lots of great friends at Tompkins Cortland who always support me. We have many good memories there. Even though most of them went back to their countries or transferred to a different school to purse their own career paths, I still keep in touch with most of them. Furthermore, you should build your professional connections when you are in college. I remember when I was so stressed at my last semester at Tompkins Cortland because I did not know what I needed to do next. Mr Walter Poland, Mr. Gary Ford, and a counselor in school patiently sat next to me and spent their hours on advising me which school I should apply to.