Kayla Wyckoff
Kayla is a Liberal Arts student here at SUNY Broome, with plans to transfer to Binghamton University next Fall, and she is 19 years old. On top of her academic journey she has been an athlete playing goalkeeper for the SUNY Broome lady’s soccer team, an experience that she has been spending time evolving and growing in since the 7th grade.
Kayla says that she “Loves soccer because it’s fun for her, and keeps her busy.” As to how she came to find soccer in her life Kayla says “When I was younger, probably around 5, I started playing softball and I felt like I wasn’t getting any better. So I tried a new sport in soccer and I actually felt like I could succeed in it, and I obviously did seeing as how I’m playing at the college level.” This just goes to show what it takes to get good at something, it takes a lot of time and patience and practice.
Stephen Comency
Back in 2005, I had a sudden & major vision loss. It was determined at the time to be optic nerve neuropathy.
My path led to AVRE (association for vision rehabilitation and employment, Inc) for vocational rehabilitation and additionally orientation & mobility training.
This training led to employment at AVRE, at first as a production associate. After one year I moved on to accounts payable and receivable specialist (with the assistance of a CC TV page magnifier and screen reading software). At the prodding of my then manager, I returned to college after a 20 years absence at age 40. With the assistance of the accessibly resource office, formerly student support services. I was able to attend in person and online classes without too much difficulty. ARO assisted me with textbook conversion to an accessible format, proctored exams with a CC TV, note takers, and the occasional tutor. I recall needing a tutor to help me figure out a scientific calculator; when you have poor vision tiny calculator buttons are impossible to navigate. ARO staff was always incredibly kind and there for any request. I was able to complete three associates at SUNY Broome: Business Marketing Management & Sales 2011, Business Information Management, 2013 and Individual Studies, 2016. Hard work coupled with the knowledge I received from SUNY Broome saw my job move from Accounts Payable & Receivable Specialist to Customer Relationship Specialist. In this new position I handle inbound purchase orders, customer service and inside sales. It’s fast-paced work but is never boring. I miss attending SUNY Broome and may return for a fourth associates someday. If I did, I would look forward to working with ARO again and believe it or not, the business building vending machine coffee. You can do it too!
Dylan Beresford
My name is Dylan Beresford and I am an IT Specialist at Lalor Family Dental. I have been working with the company since May of this year and have enjoyed working with my co-workers and being in Information Technology! Its always great to be learning new things everyday and be a lifelong learner.
