Alyssa Blanco

Class of 2024

Clifton Park, NY 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SIENA COLLEGE?

I remember driving an hour and a half from home to tour two colleges in a single day: Siena and a large SUNY university. After touring the university, with its student population of over 10,000, I was excited by the idea of leaving behind the small-town environment I had always known. However, the moment I stepped onto Siena’s campus, heard about its Franciscan values of inclusivity and community, and experienced the beautiful campus scenery, I realized I wasn’t actually trying to escape that hometown feeling. Instead, I recognized how important it was to find a place where I could feel supported, and truly belong while being away from home.

WHY SOCIAL WORK?

I am grateful that I always knew I wanted a career in social work – following in the footsteps of my Aunt – as my desire to support others helped guide me through my own challenges back home. Siena offered the perfect program for me, with professors who were dedicated not only to expanding our knowledge of the field but also to helping us grow as individuals. Through the guidance of those professors and the opportunities provided by the program, I was able to explore my interests, develop my skills, and ultimately secure my dream internship during my senior year at Albany Medical Center.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE AT SIENA?

My most meaningful experience at Siena was attending the Alpha Kappa Alpha ceremony during my senior year. The ceremony celebrated the achievements and growth of my peers and myself throughout our four years at Siena. In that moment, I was able to reflect on the countless academic and extracurricular opportunities the College provided, allowing me to engage with the community, contribute to campus life, and step into leadership roles that supported all students. It was both a humbling and heartwarming experience, serving as a meaningful reminder of how much I had grown and how Siena had prepared me for the next chapter of my journey in graduate school.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

After graduating from Siena, I went on to pursue my MSW at that 10,000+ student SUNY school—which still makes me laugh when I think about it. Since then, I have passed the ASWB exam and have become a Licensed Master Social Worker, providing psychotherapy at a group practice in Clifton Park. As my time at Siena progressed, this became the career path I envisioned for myself, and I do not believe I would have stayed on that trajectory without the valuable connections, internships, and support I found both on and off campus. I still have more career to pursue with social work – two years until I can apply for my LCSW to be exact – and I have the social work department to thank for setting me up for success.

IN WHAT WAYS DID SIENA PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AND WORK AFTER COLLEGE?

Siena provided me with the ultimate preparation for life beyond college. Through the College and its student leaders, I was given spaces to explore my identity and develop a deeper appreciation for diversity. I learned the importance of being vulnerable with myself and others, because without that willingness to be open, I would not have met the kind, like-minded, and compassionate mentors and peers who helped me find my path. Those experiences not only shaped me personally but also prepared me professionally. Developing a deeper understanding of my own identity has enabled me to better support my clients as they explore theirs. Siena taught me the value of building connections across differences and showed me how those connections strengthen our communities and help make us whole.