MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – Whether a form of societal evolution or the global pandemic, students rarely experience a previously traditional public school journey that ends with high school graduation before heading off to college. Diversity was always present in one form or another—after all no two individuals share identical backgrounds and experiences. However, many college freshmen share the experience of quickly navigating online learning, realizing their education can be optimized with a level of personalization and their mental health matters. Today, more than ever, every student has a uniquely personal story about their life before they are on the path at SUNY Orange.

Dancing at two years old, singing at five, professionally acting at seven, and being a SUNY Orange College Experience Program student attending classes on campus at 16 is certainly one example of a unique journey. Samarah Conley, an award-winning actress with credits that include a Hallmark television movie, is finishing her high school requirements for Marlboro High School while taking four college classes (two on campus and two online) this semester and is excited about the future!

“When I graduate (high school), I plan to have completed over 40 college credits at SUNY Orange,” Conley shared.

After experiencing anxiety, depression and medical challenges along with some tumultuous times associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her family began to explore alternative education options.

“I’ve been attending school on a modified schedule since the ninth grade,” she shares. “As a sophomore, my superintendent recommended the College Experience Program. I was on the high honor roll, which was required, and then my parents and I met with Maynard Schmidt to learn more. I started taking online classes such as U.S. History/Government, Micro-Economics, and English 101 and 102.”

Schmidt, SUNY Orange’s director of admissions and recruitment, explains further, “The College Experience Program is for high school students looking to jump start their college career. Some students use it to complete the requirements to graduate high school.”

Schmidt adds that while Conley’s path is somewhat rare compared to her traditional age peers, it demonstrates how community colleges, and SUNY Orange specifically, can address the unique needs and academic goals of students.

During the first week of classes, Conley’s course load includes Business Law, Intro to Business, Macro-Economics and Creative Writing.

Asked how she feels being on campus, she answered, “This is such a wonderful opportunity, and I am so grateful for everything my parents (Melissa and Russell) have done to support me and help me get to where I am today. I like the smaller campus. It’s made it easy to meet people, and everyone has been very friendly. My schedule is manageable and I am already learning, which is the most important part.”

With an eclectic blend of interests that have grown to include figure skating, Conley also works part-time at an auto body shop and plans on taking four more classes at SUNY Orange in the Spring. She will be exploring college options for next year and plans on a dual major that includes business and maybe pre-law or engineering.

“The top three colleges I am looking at are the University of Albany, SUNY Binghamton and SUNY New Paltz. I will know more once I visit the campuses,” Conley said.

Wherever her path leads, Samarah Conley is setting herself up for success.

To learn more about the SUNY Orange College Experience Program, click here.