‘I’ve never felt so proud of myself’

A Canandaigua mom shares how the SUNY ASAP program helped smooth the way to a degree.

Leah Stohs’ parents, both in their 80s, flew in from California for her FLCC graduation.

They were not going to miss Leah’s success at getting a degree in spite of life’s obstacles. She had tried twice before but faced a familiar catch-22 in which time spent working to pay for college leaves no time for school. Leah is also the primary caregiver for Riley, her son with special needs.

Two years ago, Leah’s daughter, Anna, graduated from Canandaigua Academy and headed off to Ithaca College. It got her thinking.

“I got inspired and decided that I really wanted to try this one more time,” she said. Leah has done some freelance photography work, making graphic design a useful complement.

Though she lives close to the main campus, she felt FLCC’s fully online graphic design program would maintain her flexibility to care for Riley. Returning to college in her 40s, Leah also enrolled in the SUNY ASAP (Advancing Success in Associate Pathways) program, which provides personalized support services.

“It really seemed to fall into place perfectly with ASAP. The program was amazing in terms of the support I got,” she said. “Anytime I had a question, I could turn to them directly with email communications and then monthly phone conversations.

“They would bring up opportunities I didn’t even know about, in terms financial aid because I couldn't work at the same time that I was trying to get all this done.”

In the final month of school, Leah won a design competition hosted by Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) for a T-shirt displaying the summer concert season bands.

“I've never felt so proud of myself, to tell you the honest truth,” she said. “I think it would be nice to be able to continue to learn even more in the field. For now, I’m thinking I’m just going try to start my own photography and design business.”