Union College’s Academic Opportunity Program is a program that supports students who may be first-generation college students, come from low-income backgrounds, or have academic disadvantages. As Union’s website states, “Opportunity Programs increase college access for students with demonstrated economic need and the ability to compete academically in competitive higher education institutions.” This program has been greatly appreciated by AOP students as it plays a big role in their education. AOP has advisors who are always there to guide students, a generous amount of financial aid, a five-week summer program for incoming students to take classes and life-skills workshops, and an office for students to relax, work, or hang out with friends. AOP is a tight-knit community that helps set students up for success.
Students and staff were asked their opinions on AOP. They only had positive feedback, showing their appreciation for the program. When the staff members responded to the question, it proved that they are overjoyed to be able to work in this community.
Philip Poczik, the director of AOP, said, “I took the job seventeen years ago because I knew it’d be meaningful to me. My father raised me to believe the most important things in life are the relationships you have with people around you. This is why we call it the AOP family.” He also stated, “I knew I succeeded when, in my second year, some of the seniors asked if we could provide graduation sashes to represent AOP at commencement. That told me students were proud to be a part of the AOP family.” Sandra Buchanan, the admissions coordinator, claimed, “My favorite part about AOP is the family we’ve created and the students coming in and out of my office every day.”
Two of the AOP staff are alumni of the program, underscoring its impact on them. They loved AOP so much that they wanted to come back in a different role. Sulay Lora-Mejia ‘12 commented, “I wanted to come back home in a role where I can give back to a program that has helped me so much.” Julissa Boyer-Perez ‘22 answered, “I decided to come back to build relationships with the new students as well as watch their own relationships build.” The fact that AOP alumni were so passionate about giving back to a community that helped them so much shows how important the program is to those who were previously students.
In addition to the staff members, students were asked about why they enjoy being a part of the AOP family. Andrew Diaz said that his “favorite part about AOP is how friendly and welcoming the community is.” Sydney Marryshow claimed that she appreciates AOP’s generous amount of financial aid, friendliness, and our amazing advisors.” Lizzy Cardenas stated, “I previously thought AOP would be purely academic support, but now I feel it’s more community-based. I love our people and how much everyone supports one another.”
Not only do AOP students enjoy the program, but people outside of it think highly of it as well. Betzy Salmeron, A student outside of AOP, who members like to refer to as “AOP Plus,” said, “The reason I’m so drawn to AOP is that I found such an accepting community there, not just with the students but also the staff. They have offered me guidance even though I’m not in AOP, which I know is because they love helping others.”
Overall, AOP has brought nothing but positivity for students, staff, and the Union College community as a whole. Students are thrilled to be a part of the program, and with all of the love that students and staff show for AOP, we are not just a mix of people who happen to be in the same program, but we are a family.
