Kinder-Day Visit

As part of an effort to encourage youngsters to stay in school and attend college, Hobart and William Smith Colleges partnered with Rise Day Care Center to create a memorable day on campus for a group of Geneva youth. Patrisha Blue '77 works at Geneva’s Rise Day Care and was excited to bridge the gap between the Geneva and HWS communities.

"They are having a wonderful time!" Blue exclaimed during the recent trip to campus. The group, ranging from kindergarteners to third-graders, made their first stop at President Mark Gearan’s office. There, they tried on the various commencement robes that were decorating the President’s wall and surfed a bit on his computer.

"Now we have to start working!" said Juan, a third-grader at West Street after donning the official garments. After leaving the President's Office, the group set off to have lunch at Saga and travel to the Warren Hunting Smith library to view the mummy. The Finger Lakes Institute and the Office of Admissions also opened their doors to the curious youngsters.

Esthefanie Giordano '10 and Veronica Mora '08, who took part in the visit as a component of their independent study project with Alejandra Molina, director of Intercultural Affairs, said the experience allowed them to interact with the kids and become positive role models.

"I'm excited to show them what college is all about, Giordano elaborated. "It's great to start at such a young age, because I never had this type of opportunity." Mora agreed, "It was the youngest group of students I have ever given a tour to, but it was so much fun. I think this was a great idea because it's important to start talking to children about college as early as possible."

Blue understands the importance of positive role models and quality education. She was 6-years-old the first time she came to the HWS campus with her mentor from the Big Brother Big Sister program. After many years of exposure to college life, it was no surprise that she decided to enter college following her junior year in high school.

When asked about how William Smith changed her, Blue said, "It made me more focused on my womanhood, and empowered me in that regard.” She recalled meeting many women who were decision-makers, and decided she wanted to become one of those women.