Andrew Ficili is a familiar face around Saint Rose. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree here in Adolescence History Education, and during his undergraduate career was a member of various clubs and organizations. He is from Gloversville, New York and his hobbies include spending time with friends, playing golf, and watching sports. Currently, he is in his first year of the Curriculum and Instruction Program.
What is your program and why did you choose it?
The program that I chose is the Masters Program in Curriculum and Instruction with a grade 5-6 track. I chose this program to help bolster my skills as a teacher. Additionally, the grades 5-6 track will ultimately lead to an extension in these grades, thus, allowing me to teach in an elementary, middle, and high school setting.
What has Saint Rose done for you?
Saint Rose has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual personally, academically, and professionally. I have been a part of many clubs and organizations on campus and I have taken many challenging courses to spark my quest for knowledge, and I have become friends with many different types of people that I would not have met if I did not come to Saint Rose.
What are your ultimate career goals?
My ultimate career goal is to teach in a middle or high school setting in either Global or United States history. Those are my two favorite areas of history. My goal as an educator and a person is to help someone in some way every day. I feel that is what I was put on this earth to do.
Why did you choose to continue graduate studies at Saint Rose?
I chose to continue at Saint Rose due to the type of programs that Saint Rose offers. I felt that Saint Rose gave me the best opportunity to grow as a professional and reach my ultimate career goal.
What is the best/your favorite part of campus?
My favorite part of the campus is the community that Saint Rose has become. Saint Rose has an amazing faculty and staff that make the students feel welcome. Additionally, the Saint Rose students themselves drive the community.
Who has inspired/influenced you at Saint Rose?
I have been inspired by many at Saint Rose. I have been inspired by my professors both past and present to keep pushing forward even when things get difficult. I have also been inspired by my many friends and their stories and struggles that they have gone through. They are some of the most positive people that I have ever met even though they have gone through some very difficult things.
What is the most difficult thing about grad school?
The most difficult thing about grad school is just adjusting from daytime classes to night time classes. I would also say that I found one of the most difficult things about graduate school is the growing up factor and transition from the undergraduate level to the graduate level.
What advice can you give to prospective students wanting to come to grad school/Saint Rose?
I would tell prospective students who want to come to grad school at Saint Rose or just to Saint Rose in general to just be yourself because the community at Saint Rose is so accepting and welcoming to everyone in general. I would also advise students to be ready for a challenge academically. The courses at Saint Rose are difficult but so rewarding in the end.
The College of Saint Rose Graduate Admissions Blog 