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Breanne Beard '17
On February 2, 11 students from Siena’s Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) attended Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day at the State Capitol and Legislative buildings in Albany. The students told their stories about the importance of student aid and how it has helped them access higher education. This annual event promotes the need for increased funding and increased accessibility for students across New York State.
Melissa Zamora ’19 always dreamed of going to college, but it seemed like a difficult goal to reach. For her, HEOP was a way to make this idea into a reality and become the first in her family to attend college. She saw the importance of her advocacy work first hand at this year’s event, “I wanted to attend Lobby Day because I want everyone to be able to receive the same opportunity that I did. I want everyone to get the education they deserve, and a bright future.”
Zamora and her fellow Siena students were joined by New York State faculty, students, financial aid representatives and opportunity program administrators in their fight to help more students afford college
The Siena students met and were able to share their stories with Senator Neil Breslin and Assemblyman Phil Steck. Both representatives listened to the stories of each student and shared words of support on their goal to increase aid. For Stephanie Martinez ’16, this is much more than just an annual event; she sees the importance of this opportunity every day.
“This was my third year attending Lobby Day and it was great to see that Senator Neil Breslin and Assemblyman Phil Steck took time out of their busy days to hear us talk about our background and all the opportunities we've had through the [HEOP] program.... I talked to Phil Steck and told him about my future plans of becoming a medical interpreter and how HEOP helped me make that decision... Without HEOP, I would not be in college, nor close to graduating. HEOP has given me the tools I need to be successful and I am very grateful for it. ”
Senator Breslin met with the Siena College HEOP students once again at their annual HEOP/AOP Student Academic Dinner.
Zamora said, “For the younger generations, they should look out for these programs and take advantage because they will help you in the long run. If they gave me an opportunity like this, I believe everyone should get an opportunity like this as well.”
