Liberal Arts and Sciences: Teacher Education Transfer

Student Showcase

• Clare Cutler

  

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  Honestly, I chose TC3 because I couldn’t afford to go to a 4-year school. I had been accepted into a few state schools in my senior year but I did not come from means or have parents who could afford to help me with the cost of my education. Even with financial aid and in-state tuition I was looking at taking out about $15,000/year in student loans, and I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to do at that point. TC3 offered me a very affordable start to my college education and saved me tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

  How Tompkins Cortland prepare you for what came next(transfer/career)?

  TC3 was a such great transition for me as someone who wasn’t sure what they wanted to do in life and didn’t have access to the financial resources of many of my peers. As a current graduate student at Boston University School of Social Work, I can honestly say that the time I spent at TC3 represents some of the best and most important moments I have had in my education and development. I have never had more passionate professors than I had at TC3, and have never felt so invested in as a student. My current work in education equity advocacy was inspired by the conversations I had in class and with my professors, and the way that my instructors believed in me gave me the courage and confidence to pursue my dreams.

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

  I am currently Development Manager for Junior Players, a nonprofit that provides free and accessible arts education programs to underserved and historically marginalized youth in North Texas. I was an early childhood education major, and while I don’t teach anymore, my foundation in education advocacy was laid at TC3. I had such passionate and incredible professors during my time there that inspired me to pursue a career in addressing the gaps in our education system and combatting the systemic inequity therein.

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

  Carol Sammis, my faculty advisor and professor for many of my early childhood education courses at TC3 is probably the singular most important figure in the development of my education and career. After transferring and obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Towson University in Maryland, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work to allow me to build a career in education and social equity advocacy. Carol is the first person I asked to write me a letter of recommendation for Boston University School of Social Work, and with her support I was accepted. She went so far above and beyond in her role as an educator, and remains hands-down the best professor I have ever had.

  For Carol, it was not enough to simply prepare us for the classroom – she worked to convey to each of us the opportunity and responsibility we had as educators to inspire the next generation of learners and advocate for those who need us most. I was able to have a classroom experience unlike any other with Carol at TC3, in which each class was an open exchange of ideas which she facilitated and led while allowing her students to explore relevant themes and create meaningful learning experiences. Carol always treated us as equals and had endless time for her students, and the conversations we had after class planted the seeds for my future endeavors as an education equity advocate and social worker.

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

  N/A – I didn’t do much extracurricular activity unfortunately!

• Grad of Note - Erin Harkenrider

  

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  I chose to attend Tompkins Cortland because it was close to home, I was able to play volleyball, build connections for my future, and save money.

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

  I had many influential role models who helped me achieve everything I did here at Tompkins Cortland. My volleyball coach, Mr. Okaru, as well as my advisor Ms. Mike, helped me in and out of the classroom.
   

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

  I was a captain of the Panthers volleyball team as well as a member of the Captains Council. I am in Phi Theta Kappa and National Society of Leadership of Success. I was on the NJCAA All-Academic Regional Team last spring and hope to be selected to the National Team this spring. I am also a lifeguard at the college. These activities helped strengthen my leadership skills and connect with other students during my two years.

  What are your next steps after graduation (employment, transfer, etc) and how did the College prepare you for that?

  I plan on attending SUNY Geneseo in the Fall majoring in Early Childhood/Childhood Education. Here at Tompkins Cortland I gained knowledge in my coursework which I applied while doing observation in elementary school classrooms.

• Grad of Note - Auburn Noce

  

  Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

  I have always had a plan of going to Tompkins Cortland. My mother went here and so I learned how it was a good first step in my college career. I also came from a small school and was not ready to be in a large four-year college, so having a smaller community made me feel more comfortable.&

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

  The greatest positive impact was the two jobs I worked at the college. I worked for the CollegeNow office and the childcare center. Both jobs have taught me so much, and I have met so many wonderful people. They have all supported me throughout my education, and I’m so grateful. 

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

  I was involved in PTK and NSLS. Being involved in these have made me feel more confident going into a four-year college.

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

  My next step after college is going to SUNY Cortland to continue my education in Early Childhood. The college has prepared me by giving me a good support system through my first two years of college and helping me become comfortable with a college environment.