Feature: Graduating Seniors: Allison Friers & Lyndsay Ruffels

written by, Erica Taglione

When entering college, some students have an idea of what they want to do; but even that idea can change. When students start at Russell Sage College (RSC), they are adapted into a family and brought through traditions. Most students are here for four years. When they leave, they have a better understanding of who they are and what they can do in the world. It is the same thing for transfer students, who did not start at RSC, but somewhere that prepared them to be introduced to Sage.

This is the story of two graduating seniors, Allison Friers and Lyndsay Ruffels. I interviewed both Lyndsay and Allison who transferred to RSC for the 2008 fall semester. They were both planning to live on campus, and found each other as roommates. Coincidently, they were also in the same program; Health Science and Occupational Therapy.

Lyndsay Ruffels (Left) and Allison Friers (Right)

Allison Friers

Allison started her college education at Adirondack Community College. She earned her associates degree in Liberal Arts Humanities, and Social Sciences. Allison liked that Russell Sage College was close to home, and the program was very appealing to her. “By going to Russell Sage I had the option to start taking my masters classes for Occupational Therapy my senior year of undergrad,” explained Allison.

When I asked her what led her to Occupational Therapy, she told me that it actually wasn’t her first choice. “I have always been interested in the health field. I was originally looking at schools for Physical Therapy, but while searching I found Occupational Therapy. I also like that there are so many different fields that an Occupational Therapist can work in such as, psychosocial, pediatrics, or physical rehabilitation.I ended up speaking with people who have benefited greatly from it, and hearing how thankful they were for the services made the decision (to study Occupational Therapy) that much more concrete.”

Lyndsay Ruffels

Lyndsay attended SUNY Oneonta and Onondaga Community College each for a semester before transferring to RSC. “I chose RSC because they have a great Occupational Therapy (OT) program and I was able to transfer all my credits.  I also wanted a change in environment.  As you could imagine, moving from Oneonta to Troy is a big change,” said Lyndsay. She did admit that being closer to her boyfriend was also a positive part in the change. Lyndsay explained that she is a creative person and that Occupational Therapy let her combine her want to help people with creativity. “I always enjoy helping my older grandparents do things when they are unable and I think that also influenced my decision to study OT.”

We also discussed their life at RSC. They both live in German House, and love it! Allison described the space as their “own little apartment, with its own bathroom.” Lyndsay said she also loves German house; however, she misses living in Sage Hall because she loved looking over the park.

They both have a lot in common which makes living together that much more fun. “One of the best things about my roommate,” says Lyndsay, “is that we always know what the other is thinking. Allison also always knows how to make me feel better when I’m in a bad mood; she knows me very well,” Lyndsay laughed. They also encourage each other she said, “Because we are in the same classes, we give each other a lot of support which is very important when it comes to taking harder classes.” Allison agreed with Lyndsay and said, “I pretty much love everything about her. I really lucked out getting paired with someone who shares so many similarities with me. I have only known her for a year and a half, but I feel as if we have been friends forever. I really don’t know what I would do without her! If I had to pick just one thing about Lyndsay that I love best, it would be that she makes me laugh all the time.”

Both Lyndsay and Allison plan on keeping in touch after graduation, even though their lives may separate them. Their internships will take them anywhere they wish to go. Lyndsay will be going as far as England to a town where her father grew up. Then she hopes to travel to warmer climates, and find a place where she can settle down with her boyfriend. Allison, who is not thrilled about Lyndsay moving so far away, will stay close to home and do her internships in Saratoga and Glens Falls. Then Allison plans on taking a fun vacation, and finding a fun job.

My final question to them was: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”

Lyndsay answered:

“In ten years, I see myself being married and hopefully settled down in a southern state.  I will hopefully be working as an Occupational Therapist in a physical rehabilitation setting.  I also want to have at least two dogs!”

Allison answered:

“That is a hard question. Hopefully I will have a job as an Occupational Therapist in a setting that fits me. Beyond that I hope to be married and live in an area that will be close to where I currently live in Queensbury.”

Allison and Lyndsay are both dedicated students who have found their life path. They are excited for their future, and proud to call each other friends. Even if they no longer live together in German house, or attend RSC, they will succeed at everything they do. Lyndsay and Allison are a great example of “Women of Influence”. I am happy I had the chance to meet them and become their friend!

Congratulations Allison and Lyndsay, and good luck with your future endeavors!

1. Middlesbrough Windows Says:
   January 19th, 2011 at 6:18 am

   Thanks for taking the effort and time to make some thing that is invoking

   [Reply]