Ashley Szalkowski's Alumni Testimonial

Fredonia is home to me. Not just because I attended college at the State University of New York at Fredonia, but because it is my hometown. When deciding which college to attend I visited many campuses, both in-state and out-of-state, and researched various science programs. With each school I visited, I became more certain that Fredonia was the right choice for me.

I was accepted into the 3+4 Optometry Program at Fredonia as a first-year student and completed my bachelor’s degree in biology in three years. I am now a second year optometry student at The New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA. I sit in class with students who have master’s degrees, students from other countries, students who attended ivy league schools and as a proud Fredonia alum I don’t feel any less prepared than these students. I would say my experience at Fredonia prepared me just as well, if not better, than my current classmates.

The small class sizes and individual attention from professors helped me thrive as a student at Fredonia. But, it wasn’t just my classroom experience that prepared me for my professional education; it was also what happened outside of the classroom. Throughout my undergraduate career I became very active in campus activities. I was a member of the Leadership Development Program, a student manager for Campus Life, president of the Undergraduate Alumni Association, a member of the Pre-Health Professional Club, and an engaged student both in the classroom and community. An honors biology student, a student employee, a campus tour guide, a volunteer, a student ambassador - these are just some of the titles I held while at Fredonia. As I think back to the late night group study sessions before an organic chemistry exam, examining fruit flies for Dr. Ferguson’s genetics laboratory, or collecting specimens in the creek for freshman biology lab, I realize all these lessons helped prepare me for life after I left Fredonia.

From the friendships I created to the lessons learned, my three years spent studying at Fredonia were some of the best I’ve had. I’m proud to call Fredonia home.

ASHLEY SZALKOWSKI
B.S., Biology, Fredonia, Class of 2014
New England College of Optometry, Class of 2018