“I have truly fallen in love with Siena even though I've only been here a few days.”
Those are the exact words of Cristian Santos ’30, who is one of a cohort of 11 new Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) students taking part in a five-week intensive orientation that kicked off July 7.
“The Siena campus already feels like home and the HEOP summer program has been even better – from amazing peer counselors to staff counselors,” said the finance major. “They've all been extremely supportive and helpful, and I've enjoyed all the activities we’ve done as a group.”
HEOP is an academic support services program for qualified New York state residents that provides access to a university education, with eligibility based on both academic and economic criteria.
The 11 scholars – selected from 584 applicants – were joined by faculty and administrators for a welcome luncheon in the SSU on Tuesday, one of their first opportunities to connect with the Siena community.
“I empathize with you and I understand you are a little anxious right now, but this is an exciting new chapter for you,” said HEOP Director Yasmin Fisher ’10. “You earned this opportunity and you should be so proud.” She invoked the concept of “ganas,” which roughly translated means grit and desire to achieve.
During their five weeks at Siena this summer, the students will take part in tutoring and study sessions for English, science and mathematics (complete with assignments), time management classes, plus some fun activities to get them used to life on campus and in upstate New York.
“Since the first day I arrived the welcoming community made me feel a sense of eagerness to enjoy the campus,” said Amy Perez ’30, economics. “The community and support from the faculty to the students impacts me positively every day. I’m glad I picked Siena, and being a part of HEOP fuels me to build more connections and learn good habits for college, but most importantly for my future after Siena.”
Astrophysics major Eric Siri ’30 said Siena’s HEOP program “sets its students up for success by driving our learning and contributions while in a serene, green campus.
“We’ve all felt so welcomed by the community here that we were a little appalled when we realized we haven’t experienced homesickness! My analogy for the summer camp is that ‘this is one fun school trip.’”
Early childhood education major Genesis Pavon-Velasquez ’30 said Siena’s beautiful campus “makes me smile every time I see it. The professors actually teach like they want to help us understand our work and I appreciate that so much. Our group counselors have helped us bond through activities that make us know more about each other.”
Other members of the incoming HEOP 2030 class are: Marlene Colon-Espinosa, Randerson Cuello, Krystal De La Rosa, Amaya Guzman, Max Marte, Christopher Soto, and Izanae Spry.