Stella Page graduated early from Pine Bush High School in January 2023 and arrived at SUNY Orange eager to study art history, backed by Advanced Placement coursework and honor roll success. Yet almost immediately, her education took an unexpected turn.

“I crashed and burned that first semester and had to withdraw,” Page said with a blend of bluntness and humility.

For many students, the move from high school to college can be a defining moment, even for those who appear fully prepared. The lingering academic and personal effects of remote learning thrust upon students during the global pandemic in 2020 have added new and often unpredictable challenges that continue to arise.

“I had a difficult transition at just 17 years old from mostly attending school remotely and suffering a series of personal challenges that led me to tank academically, lose my financial aid, and make some serious and difficult changes,” she explained.

How she rebuilt her confidence and reshaped her academic direction is where an inspiring story truly begins.

“I was an art history major. I spent two weeks at Fordham University studying historical drawings as part of a course through Sotheby’s Art Conservation and Appraisal program. I thought I found my career goal. One of my very supportive teachers at Pine Bush High School had recommended me for the program, and that was going to be my path.

“I thought the best natural step was to enroll at SUNY Orange. But when I started classes while working, it just fell apart. I thought to myself, ‘I need to get it together,’ but it just felt like I lost my passion for learning.”

The spark was reignited in an unexpected way during Professor Richards’ Introduction to Biology class.

“It was the first science course I took in person after the pandemic, and it sparked my interest,” Page said with a sense of exuberance.

“Next, I met Pathway Success Coach Scott Cooper at a workshop. In addition to discussing study techniques, over time we talked about potential careers and general goals before he recommended I apply for the Foundation Student Representative role.”

Cooper shared that Page has become an example of a student who experienced significant growth while at the College.

“Stella Page is a success story here at SUNY Orange. During her time, Stella has truly embraced every opportunity for growth, building confidence in the classroom, strengthening her skills through tutoring and workshops with the Center for Student Success, training for her first Spartan race and boldly applying to the Nursing program. She is proving that by adjusting her daily habits, with dedication and heart, she can achieve anything she sets her mind to,” Cooper said.

Today, Page is the recipient of the M&T Bank Scholarship and is enjoying her place on the Dean’s List, most recently earning a perfect 4.0. She is president of the Sustainability Club, vice president of the Outdoor Club, secretary of the Math Club and a member of the Chemistry Club. She has also completed an internship with Sustainable Hudson Valley.

As the SUNY Orange Foundation student board representative, she updates the Board about student life from her perspective. She shares opportunities and financial resources with peers, including the Student Emergency Fund, the food pantry, internships and other support.

The SUNY Orange Foundation partners with alumni, donors and the community to support SUNY Orange students and advance their success. In 2025, the Foundation awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships.

Kristin Jensen, executive director of the SUNY Orange Foundation, said, “Stella embodies the spirit of SUNY Orange. She is a hard worker, on and off campus, and her energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Knowing that Stella has transformed challenge into momentum and academic success is inspiring. She brings heart and determination to our Foundation Board and our college community, whether she’s excelling academically, serving as our student representative, or encouraging her peers to take advantage of the support available to them on campus. She is a delight to have as a board member and shares an important perspective with her colleagues.”

Asked if she had any advice for fellow students, Page said, “I was told by a SUNY Orange tour guide that you get out what you put in, and I am proof of that theory. Stay on campus, go to office hours, talk with others, join clubs if you can. Each little win for me felt like I was gaining momentum.

“I would not have been able to turn things around without all the personalized support I received. SUNY Orange is truly a community college and has been the best experience.”

Scheduled to cross the commencement stage in May with an A.S. in Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science, Page plans to return and complete a second degree, majoring in the highly competitive nursing program in the Fall.

To learn more about how to apply to SUNY Orange, visit www.sunyorange.edu/getstarted, email apply@sunyorange.edu or call 845-341-4030.