SUNY Orange BRIDGES program student Amalia Zoupa doesn’t hesitate when introducing herself. “I’m Amalia. I draw. Any questions?” It’s a line that captures her directness, her humor, and the heart of who she is as an artist and individual.

Zoupa moved to Queens, New York, from Athens, Greece, in 2015. She then relocated to Monroe during the global pandemic. It was during that time that she discovered the SUNY Orange BRIDGES program and started a journey that would support an artistic, socially engaged and educated life.

The BRIDGES Program at SUNY Orange is a federally recognized Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as they transition from high school into adulthood. Offering personalized academic, vocational, and life-skills guidance, BRIDGES helps participants develop independence, gain work experience, and fully engage in college life. Through collaborative community and collegiate partnerships that promote inclusivity and a commitment to accessibility, the program strives to inspire and enable every participant to achieve their full potential.

“I need a community and people to help keep me on track,” Zoupa said. “My autism makes it difficult for me to make connections with other people, and BRIDGES made it possible for me to make friends again.”

Not only is Zoupa making friends, but as a student of the Hybrid Pathway, she received support toward transitioning to credit courses through foundational workshops in academic and personal development. With guidance and mentorship, students like Zoupa connect with campus resources and plan their educational journey at a pace that suits their needs.

Her progression has included a combination of BRIDGES program classes in addition to one class in the Fall of 2023, two classes of increasing difficulty in Spring 2024, and continuing in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. This Fall, as a Visual Communications major and matriculated student, she will be taking Drawing 2, Visual Communications and Graphic Design 1, Diversity of Life and History of Art 2, for a total of 11 credits. But the incredible, noteworthy essence of meeting Zoupa actually links back to her introduction. Art and drawing.

Asked about her influences, her eyes bright and sparkling, “I’m inspired by everything. The more sources you have, the more creative you are and if you steal from one place, it is plagiarism, but if you steal from many places, it is inspiration,” she shares and adds, “I think that last part is a quote that may be from Picasso.”

One quote that is similar and often attributed to Pablo Picasso is, “Good artists copy, great artists steal,” with the explanation that artists start with established techniques and move on to absorb particular styles and use them as a starting point for their own creativity.

Throughout a thoughtful conversation, Zoupa shared insight into her vast knowledge of art, including film, comics, and painters while using an enviable and succinct vocabulary. Her own medium leans toward “not really realistic” sketching, and she is able to sit down and draw art that matches a particular mood or vibe. With many stories in her head, she is learning to turn her attention to getting those ideas out and shareable.

“Amalia is an incredible artist, thinker and person. We are incredibly lucky to have her as part of our community at SUNY Orange,” said Sara Wilbur-Mesic, assistant director of the BRIDGES program. Zoupa’s journey reflects determination, creativity and the power of finding the right support at the right time. As she continues to grow through the BRIDGES program and her studies in visual communications, her art and her story are gaining depth, confidence and momentum.

The SUNY Orange BRIDGES Program is an Inclusive Post Secondary Education college program. Areas of study range from all stages of employment readiness, social engagement skill building, academic resource skills learning how to navigate college resources and enhancing students’ independence. The program offers three unique pathways designed for the student to complete the program at the pace best suited to their learning style and personal goals. The BRIDGES Program is open to all students. New courses and curriculum updates are currently being finalized for the Fall 2025 semester. If you are interested in more information, contact Lisa Hayes, director of the BRIDGES Program by email at lisahayes@sunyorange.edu, or call (845) 341-4694.