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Carol Sagor is a mother of two, a fiancé, a professional transportation and construction specialist and a University College (UC) student. Sagor, who hopes to graduate in December 2020, is working toward a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering after completing two associate degrees in liberal arts and engineering science at Onondaga Community College. Sagor chose civil engineering after taking an aptitude test at the Onondaga/Cortland/Madison (OCM) BOCES. “The test showed I had a strong skill set in math, and science,” Sagor explains. “While I considered being a doctor, I knew that field wouldn’t be right for me.” She has a clear understanding of how things should be designed and built, so the experience reinforced her desire to become an engineer and led her to the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University.

Sagor put her coursework to use this past summer working for the New York State Department of Transportation, where she earned certification in concrete field testing. As a transportation and construction inspector, Sagor confirmed that the specifications for concrete were accurate and that contractors were pouring the concrete correctly.

This semester, Sagor is focusing on her education and her family. When she is on campus, she is fully dedicated to her learning. Like many adult students, Sagor knows that when she gets home, she will have to prepare dinner, help her son with his homework, and handle many other responsibilities—all before settling down to do her own homework.

Returning to school at UC after a gap in her education and career was initially very intimidating for Sagor, but discussions with her academic and financial advisors created a sense of excitement. “The advisors were helpful in explaining my options and offering information on grants and scholarships,” she recalls. “They also explained the opportunities a college degree could afford.”

Sagor said that being an adult student in classes with traditional-age students was somewhat daunting. “But all the professors I’ve had make me feel welcomed. They are encouraging and understanding of how my schedule is different than other students.” Sagor also said that having female engineering professors has been extremely inspiring. In turn, they are aware of the benefits Sagor’s life experience brings to the classroom.

As a first-generation college student, Sagor’s advice to others is to consider all your options. She also stresses the importance of asking questions. “I would never have received the information I needed to decide on a career in engineering if I hadn’t asked questions,” she says. “People are more than willing to help. You just have to have the courage to go after what you want.”

Nick Mobilia entered the Army in 2015, where he served as a combat engineer stationed at Fort Drum. While on active duty, he completed a tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. In 2017, Mobilia was recognized at the Pentagon by the Sergeant Major of the Army as a representative for the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program at Fort Drum. As a representative, he was selected to travel to Washington, D.C. to represent the 10^th Mountain Division and to escort Gold Star Families at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. “It was what I consider my biggest accomplishment to date,” says Mobilia. “It was an incredibly humbling experience that I will never forget.”

Mobilia retired from the service in August. In January, while still on active duty, he was accepted into the Bachelor of Professional Studies program (B.P.S.) at University College and began his coursework for a degree in cybersecurity administration. “I chose this program because the digital world has become an increasingly dangerous place with more threats than ever before,” explains Mobilia. “Enrolling in this program to learn how to lead and manage teams that work to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber-attacks was incredibly appealing.” Mobilia said that while in the military, he quickly learned that cyberspace is becoming one of the world’s battlefields and that gaining knowledge and expertise in this field is very important for the future safety of our country.

Mobilia now uses what he learned in the military to be successful student. “The skills I apply to my life and my education are discipline and goal setting,” he says.  When he entered the military, Mobilia was told to set attainable goals for his career and develop specific strategies to accomplish them. “I learned that writing down my plan and taking a small step forward every day was the best way for me to meet my goal of becoming Sergeant. Breaking down a long-term goal into smaller pieces makes the process more rewarding and a lot less stressful,” says Mobilia.

The Cybersecurity Administration degree is fully online with a synchronous component. The weekly live session gives Mobilia the opportunity to learn and connect with students and professors from across the country. “So far, I love the program and am excited about my future with University College. My favorite part so far has been the small class size with thoughtful professors who really want us to learn.”

Like many part-time students, Mobilia juggles his coursework with work and other obligations and admits that time management has been his biggest challenge. “Working full time as an active duty soldier and studying was not easy,” he says. “I would have to look ahead at our training schedule and figure out ways to free up time each night for coursework while still being an active leader.”

“I learned so much from my time in the Army. I plan to take everything I learned and apply it to my studies at Syracuse University,” he says.