Spring 2013 Staff
Billy Rodriguez
Major: Accounting
Minor: English & Business Class Year: Junior Position: Mentor Workdays: Monday & Wednesday "I am a confused individual, seeking confused individuals." On my spare time I enjoy swimming and working out. I love food and enjoy good delicious meals :P. Hip hop is my favorite genre of music, but I'm not shy to hear new sounds. I was born and raised in Spanish Harlem and breath inner city living. I'm very easy to talk to and open to new ideas! I love spending my spare time sleeping but otherwise spend the rest of my time reading. My biggest goal in my life is to own my business and fulfill all my desires, such as get my motorcycle license and visit California. |
Patrick Piedra
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Computer Science Class Year: Senior Position: Tutor Workdays: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday " I LOVE TO EAT! Who doesn't though?" I go the University at Albany and I'm currently part of CSTEP, STEP and Project Excel. I'm planning on being a mathematics professor after getting my PhD in mathematics . I currently minor in computer science at UAlbany. Besides being a tutor for the STEP After school Program, I am also a teaching assistant for a computer science class and I shadow a math professor. Enough facts about education. Usually if I'm not drowning in my work, I'm playing soccer or tossing around a frisbee. I love making people laugh and making jokes. Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm extremely loud. I'm quite obnoxious but I'm very easy to get along with. I listen to a lot of music, any genre from heavy metal to pop and rap. I'm a big fan of going to concerts and just acting very ridicoiucsly animated. Usually during my summers I am a camp counselor near my hometown. It's my 7th year working there and I usually work with 4 and 5 year olds; so it kind of explains why I act the way I do. I love just being a fool and joking around. |
Altagrace Richiez
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish Class Year: Sophomore Position: Tutor Workdays: Tuesday & Thursday I'm a dancer with Knemesis Dance Crew as well as the treasurer. I do a lot of community service on campus and I like to laugh a lot. After graduation I would like to work closely in a hospital setting perhaps in a psych ward or go to grad school for clinical psychology. Either way, I want to help people enjoy their lives. If I can make a small difference in someone's day by letting them vent or giving them good advice, I've fulfilled my goal of the day. I'm really approachable and I chose to be a tutor so I can be closer to people and gain that experience. Academics can really put people down when they are having difficulties in a certain subject. So when that light bulb goes on and a student understands a topic, I'm happy to be a part of that accomplishment. |
Pertrice Sennon
Major: Math
Minor: Biology & Chemistry Class Year: Senior Position: Tutor Workdays: Monday & Wednesday My main goal in life is to become the best person I can be. I love learning new things and sharing my knowledge with others. I find it interesting to explore the world in all of its elements, especially mathematically and scientifically. My current career goals are to go into internal medicine. The mysteries of the human body intrigue me and I'm always anxious to help others in need. Other than medicine, math and science, my passions vary from puzzle building and photography to rocking out to my own musical mix to mellowing down by indulging in a really good book. Life is just filled with all these small bursts of happiness that all that really matters to me are the little things. And I always believed that the little things are the ones that make the biggest difference. |
Kariel Beckford
Major: English/Africana Studies
Class Year: Junior Position: Tutor Workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday I am a student at the University at Albany, studying English and Africana Studies with the goal of becoming an educator. I enjoy singing, poetry, the overall arts and am currently the Vice President of Phenomenal Voices, a performing arts group on campus. Working with CSTEP is helping me get involved in the Albany community and gain experience with high school students. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I am at Albany High School offering help in various subjects based on the students' needs. Overall, I hope to share a great experience with the students in CSTEP and teach them as much as they teach me. |
Kimberly Jones
Major: Globalization
Minor: Business Class Year: Junior Position: Tutor Workday: Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday My name is Kimberly Jones and I am currently a junior at University at Albany (SUNY). I am from Queens, NY and I am 20 years old. Upon entering the University, I was a business major, however I recently switched to a Globalization major, business minor. At the moment, I am unsure of what exactly I want to do career-wise, but I have plenty of ideas. With a background in globalization as well as in business, I feel pretty confident about the direction I am headed in. A lot of the time people may hear of a major in globalization and may immediately categorize it with history, or they just may be completely oblivious to what it is. It actually relates to the broad view of the the ever-changing world including political, economic and social views, just to name a few. Upon graduating from the University, I aspire to enter into the business world and get acquainted with international business or possibly manage my own company. Down the line, I aspire to be a CEO of a major corporation involved with other countries. Even as I have a lot of hopes as well as aspirations for my life, I enjoy giving back to the community as well. I strongly believe that a person should never forget where they came from, and that they should help out others whenever possible. Through my school, I have been a part of various groups in which I have completed community service. Two of these groups in particular were the Ronald McDonald House Charities and Service is Key. While volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House Albany Chapter, I was exposed to many different people and their personal situations, and it was definitely a great and humbling experience. In addition, I am currently apart of the STEP program at the University at Albany, which is offered to middle and high school students. I was interested in becoming a tutor/mentor for younger students because I felt that I could possibly help someone realize how important an education is. I thought that is would also be a great experience for myself as well. |
Matthew Sarker
Major: Physics
Class Year: Junior Position: Tutor Workdays: Monday & Wednesday My name is Matthew, but call me Matt. I'm a physics major and I hope to one day be a teacher. I love to teach what I know, whether that's math or music or something new I just picked up. I think it's one of the coolest things if you take something that's complicated and explain it in the simplest way possible. It's a skill I'm hoping to sharpen. I love a lot of things but it's all basically about learning, growing, and improving. I do physics because it's interesting, not because it's easy. I play a little guitar and I'm learning piano and music theory because it's cool and it's something universally appreciated. I also enjoy playing basketball, running and working out. If you need help with anything, just give me a shout out and I'll do my best. |
Maxwell Larbi
Major: Physics
Class Year: Senior Position: Tutor Workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday I am STEP but i'm also a stepper."I'm a tutor in the STEP program. I'm currently a senior in University of Albany majoring in Physics. I tutor in Science and Mathematics. Being a former STEP student for six years I'm understand and relate to the value that the STEP program provides to the students thus giving personal example and life lessons learned there. I'm a upbeat and well inform charismatic individual with alot to offer. Not only am I a tutor I also involved in other organizations. One of my favorite organizations is Organized Chaos, a step team on Suny Albany. We perform in competitions and performances in and out of the Albany area thus the quote in beginning. So if you ever have math or science problem come to me or if you ever wanna learn to step I can teach you too. I hope to me you all soon. |
Lissette Hernandez
Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminal Justice/ Business Class Year: Sophomore Position: Tutor Workdays: Tuesday & Thursday I am currently a sophomore at the University at Albany.I am hoping to enter either child development field of psychology or the criminal justice field of psychology. I am a very outgoing person, most of the time. I love to meet new people and try new things. I'm always involved and active; some of my hobbies would be playing softball, dancing and reading. For the most part, I am okay with trying new things. I love to challenge myself and put myself out of my confront zone. It teaches me a lot about myself and handling different situations. I am a very shy person, therefore at times it may take a while to adjust to certain things, but I'm usually good at improving on what I do. It is not challenging for me to push myself to succeed or do better, therefore when I want to accomplish something I usually do so. I am very easily motivated and inspired therefore even a simple quote or a book can motivate me to do better things. My goals are to challenge myself as much as I can, meet as many people as I can and succeed. |
Gilbert Steier
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Computer Science Class Year: Freshman Position: Tutor Workdays: Monday & Wednesday Hello world! My name is Gilbert "Gibby" Steier and I'm currently a college freshman taking a combined major/minor in computer science at SUNY Albany. My interests include logic puzzles, video games, plush figures, the TV series "Psych", and classic rock music. I aspire to be a successful programmer working for technology industries such as Microsoft, IBM, and Google. I hope to get to know all of you well and help you with your goals. |
Tom Courtney
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Physics/Education Class Year: Senior Position: Tutor Workday: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday I chose to join the STEP program for the experiences that it'd give me for my future. I have plans to become a high school teacher someday. I know that it's pretty soon actually, but when I start to think that I'll be graduated and on the job in just a couple of years I start to feel far too old, so I prefer to use the term 'someday'. Although I'd done some other work in high school working with younger students and in college tutoring people my own age, this program by far gives me the best representation of what I'll be working with for the rest of my life. I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I remember (hence having used the term someday for so long), and this program gives me the chance to jump into a field that I love and start getting a feel for my future. |
Pascale M.
Major: Public Health
Position: Tutor Workday: Wednesday I enjoy helping people. I really feel that helping people is my main goal in life. I like mathematics and science, especially chemistry. I am a PTCB-certified pharmacy technician and I used to sing soprano in high school. I like cooking food, reading health articles, going to church and watching comedies. In my college career, I studied biochemistry before changing majors to public health. Through studying public health, I am using my knowledge in science while learning how smart behavioral choices, monitoring risks, using policies and laws, and understanding environmental factors can help a population become healthier. Life is a web of diversity and I enjoy how my Christian faith, volunteering, college life, biochemistry and public health has given me a diverse background that can enable me to help many people in different ways. I am most grateful that I can help students through the UAlbany STEP Program. You are the future!! Thank You for the opportunity!! |
Elayne Mesa
Major: Sociology
Minor: Latin American Studies Class Year: Sophomore Position: Tutor Workday: Tuesday & Thursday My name is Elayne Jovanna Mesa. I am nineteen years of age and I was born in the Dominican Republic. At the age of ten my mother and I moved to United States and have been living in New York City since. I am currently majoring in Sociology and minoring in Latin American studies. I like to dance, draw, write, photography and most importantly watching movies. I have a very diverse taste of music ranging from Bachata to Punjabi. I also enjoy watching cop shows such as NCIS, Law and Order: SVU and CSI. One day I want to be a Social Worker and help people overcome some of their major difficulties. |
Kiara Genao
Major: Biology
Minor: Class Year: Sophomore Position: Tutor Workday: Hobby: I enjoy running, shopping, trying new things. Favorite music: Spanish pop Favorite show: Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy and how I meet your mother. Favorite Movie: I love a lot of different movies I don’t have a favorite one but I’m open to watching basically anything. Career Goals: I will like to become an ob/gyn. I also want to travel the world and see different cultures and challenge myself. Fun Fact: I love to crochet on my free time I find it very relaxing |
Michael Browne
Major: Communication
Minor: Business Administration & Spanish Class Year: Senior Position: Tutor Workday: Monday & Wednesday I'm a 90's baby. Love sitting, relaxing and watching an episode of Hey Arnold while working on my Bill Cosby impersonation (maybe if you're nice to me, I'll give you a five second demo!) I play football for the University at Albany Great Danes, strong safety. Don't let my height fool you :p I studied abroad in Spain this past summer, so I like to think I'm fluent! I like to keep the atmosphere light, fun and relaxed. So, that being said, let's have fun, do some work and share some laughs! |
Janine Miller
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Class Year: Sophomore Position: Tutor Workday: Monday & Wednesday "Promise to always give you me the real me" Hello my name is Janine, I am a chemistry major with the intentions of becoming a pharmacist. I'm from Brooklyn, the best borough in New York City. I enjoy writing poetry and singing. I have a passion for serving my community, whether its at a nursing home or with my church. Even though I'm 20 years young I still watch cartoons on Saturday. Lastly, I'm just here for you to help me help you. |
Ginny Nunez
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: French & Education Class Year: Senior Position: Tutor Workday: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday My name is Ginny Nunez. I am a senior at the University at Albany. I am a Criminal Justice Major and a French and Education Minor. During my spare time I like to read cheesy romance novels (not involving old people) and crocheting. When I have a lot of free time I like to write. My favorite music, besides good ol’ Pop music, is Country and Bachata. My favorite movie is Grease and Cruel Intentions. I have various TV Shows that I like so I sum it up to Reality TV and Prime Time USA and ABC shows. I am graduating UAlbany this May and hopefully moving on to Law School. I aspire to be a big shot lawyer in NYC or D.C. For now I’m just studying my way through it. |
Munzerin "Munzzy" Uddin
Major: Nano-Science & Engineering
Class Year: Freshmen Positon: Tutor Workdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays &Thursdays Currently as a freshman at SUNY Albany, I'm aspiring to have a future somewhere in the Nano-science field. Most people call me by my nickname, Munzzy and just like it; I'm fun and unique. I'm usually categorized as very friendly and outgoing. I love meeting new people and interacting with them. Beside my fun side, I also have a very serious side. I'm a very ambitious and determined person. I make sure I work diligently and keep my eye on the prize. I can be accounted for someone who is reliable, trustworthy and who will get the work done. My hobbies include hanging with friends and goofing of. I love laughing and making others laugh with me. Theres nothing I love more than eating, shopping and watching movies. I also enjoy cooking a lot! In my opinion, theres nothing better than good friends coming over a table full of food and having a good time. |
Ra-Idah Annan
Major: Biology (Human)
Minor: Class Year: Position: Tutor Workday: Monday & Wednesday My hobbies are dancing, singing, reading and nature walk. My major is Human Biology and I haven't yet decided on my minor. I don't really have a favorite kind music. I love types and genres. I want to be a doctor after improving my skills extensively in various parts of medicine. |
Deidre Pinkerton
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Business Class Year: Position: Tutor Workday: Monday & Wednesday Hobby/Interest: Sleeping, Dancing Favorite Music: Alicia Keys Academic/Career Goals: Become a math teacher |
Jared Spaulding
Major: Physics/Mathematics
Minor: Class Year: Senior Position: Tutor Workday: Tuesday & Thursday 1. Your hobby/ interests I’m an adequate guitar player. I’ve got a blue, Mexican Fender Stratocaster, some sweet effects and a tube amp that goes to ‘11’. I used to have an red Epiphone SG with a beautiful finish that you could see the wood grain through, but I had to sell it to buy school books….which is ok because school is more important than hobbies. I like to have impromptu jam sessions with friends and I play regularly at my church. Recently, I have embraced the nerd in me and have gotten into popular science books. I also love science fiction and anything by Dostoyevsky, among other things. I have a ton of books that I have either not finished or have not even started yet. I got a Kindle for Christmas and, since there are so many good free books online, the number of unread books I own just keeps going up. That’s a good problem to have as long as you keep reading. 2. Major/Minors I am a double major in Physics and Mathematics. That feels like more than enough work for me, so I don’t have a minor. I don’t know what I would be a minor in anyway. I guess being a CompSci minor would be helpful. All I know is that I definitely wouldn’t want to be a Chilean Miner. Get it? It’s a pun. You see, I was talking about academic minors which are “a college or university student's declared secondary field of study or specialization during his or her undergraduate studies” (Wikipedia) and then I changed it to the occupation miner. I said Chilean miners specifically because there was a group of them that were stuck underground for 69 days and I don’t think I could handle that. Funny, right? 3. Favorite music/Movie/ TV Show I listen to a lot of classic rock because you gotta love the classics. I also listen to some Christian rock, which isn’t as bad as it sounds, but I might be a little biased. Some of my favorite artists include: Led Zeppelin, Bon Iver, Jars of Clay, Jonny Lang, Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Relient K, Bob Dylan, Audio Adrenaline, The Band, and the list goes on and on. I’m not a big fan of most pop music nowadays simply because I don’t like drum machines with loud bass drums emphasizing the obvious beat to make the song easier to “dance” to, overused synthesizers that play simple I-IV-V chord progressions but cover it up with “wacky techno sounds”, auto-tune instead of talent, and vapid, contrived lyrics generated by what I can only guess is a robot (or team of robots?) trying to learn basic human emotions and can only regurgitate clichés and nonsensical ramblings, but I digress. Forms of entertainment are limited when you’re from a small town and the closest mall is an hour away. You either rent movies or throw rocks at ducks. After all the ducks disappeared mysteriously, all we had left was renting movies. So I’ve seen a lot of movies―some good, many bad. I like sci-fi, horror, comedy, action, (romantic comedies…although I would never admit it outside of these parentheses), basically any genre. My favorites include: Alien, The Exorcist, The Dark Knight, Spaceballs, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and many other movies…..so many movies. I watch too much TV too. I like Big Bang Theory (of course :P), The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, The Simpsons, Tosh.0, The Colbert Report, Scrubs, The Office, Battlestar Galactica, and others. I usually watch them online because, honestly, who watches stuff on TV anymore? 4. Academic/ Career Goals My goal as of now is to graduate in May. After that I hope to attend grad school for physics/engineering and get my PhD. Then I’d like to do some research, maybe discover something cool (the Spaulding Effect? Spaulding Radiation? A new element – Spauldingium? A new species - Spauldingia procrastinaticus? Who knows?), and get a Nobel Prize. Eventually, I’d like to become a college professor and teach physics. Because physics is phun! 5. Or something extremely witty about yourself Is the above enough? |
Mark Stevens
Major: Economics
Minor: Business Class Year: Senior Position: Tutor Workday: Wednesday Hobby/Interests I love to play video games, basketball, and football. Last semester I used to work out every day and every hour, but senior year came along. I also like mentoring students because I believe that every student has the ability to succeed, it is a matter of putting the time and effort into completing a task. Major/Minor I transfered from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and switched my major to Economics because I wanted to learn about the economy. Also, minored in business because I thought it would enhance my skills as an economics major. Unfortunately, I don't like my major and fell in love with business. Favorite music/Movie/TV Show: Reggae/Friday/King of Queens Academic/Career Goals Short term goals are to obtain an internship with a company for the summer and get into Graduate School for a Masters in Business. I am not too sure my goals as of yet, however I do want to do something business related mainly with computers and once I get into graduate school more doors will open for me to possibly pick a career. Something extremely witty about yourself I am cheap. I count the prices of every item in the shopping cart at Walmart before I buy something and my heart skips a beat when I see how much I have to swipe. |
"The job of an educator is to teach students to see the vitality in themselves."-- Joseph Campbell
