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Antonio Gutierrez
MATCH Class of 2006
Attending Union College
Biology Major
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Interview with Antonio
Having almost completed your first year of college, how are you enjoying the experience? What is your favorite part, what is your least favorite part?
I love my college experience so far. I have tons of free time to do community service work and other activities. There are a lot of things for me to do on campus and the school also gives me opportunities to do things off campus.
What is your favorite memory from MATCH?
Graduation!!! I literally spilled blood sweat and tears to get my diploma. I felt like crying when Mr.Sposato handed me my diploma and my college sweatshirt.
Who from MATCH has had the greatest impact on you, and why?
Every faculty and staff member influenced me while I was at MATCH. I still am inspired by them. Mr.Sposato definitely inspired me the most. His dedication to the students and faculty is extraordinary. Even when he began to get physically weak from chemotherapy he still had an astronomical amount of strength inside himself. His ability to utilize his beliefs as fuel to fight the odds that he faces physically is what inspires me the most.
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in the transition from MATCH to Union?
TIME MANAGEMENT!! It is going to take a little while to find study times and habits that work best for you. High school tricks DO NOT work in college. I am still working on time management and study tactics myself. There are students, counselors, as well as other faculty and staff members who can help you with this.
How well do you feel MATCH prepared you for the college experience?
Not at all. I'm just kidding. MATCH really helped me with my writing and my math skills. I feel that MATCH needs to have students do more research papers. I wrote a lot at MATCH, but I feel it would be an easier transition process if the students had good researching skills.
MATCH is intensely focused on academic work, and as a result, most students have little time for extra-curriculars with the assumption being that once students get to college, they will have much more time to explore any areas of interest. Have you had the opportunity to get involved with any extra-curricular programs?
I am in an acapella group at school as the beatboxer. I sometimes beatbox for the school radio. I work at the Kenny Community Center at school. I get to work with kids in Schenectady. Next year I will be the director of the homework program for 2-5 grade students as well as volunteer for the America reads program. It is a program that is run by students to help kids learn how to read. I am also playing club sports. I take harmonica lessons. There are a lot of things to do. I am planning on doing more.
If you could give one piece of advice to the current MATCH students, what would it be?
Don't fight the teachers. All they want to do is help you. Please take advantage in learning the basics. It will be easier for you to adjust to the new work load in college.
You received a Posse Scholarship to attend Union College. What is the Posse program like? Can you describe it?
The Posse serves as a traveling support system. We trained together for 8 months before we got to Union on dealing with issues on diversity...Etc. Every year we put together a huge event (the POSSE PLUS RETREAT) to discuss any topic that we feel will benefit the campus community. We invite students, as well as faculty and staff. It was a huge success this year. Many professors, students and deans came. The president also came to our Posse Plus retreat at Lake George. The scenery was beautiful. This year we talked about relationships on a global scale, a community scale and at a personal level.
How has MATCH supported you since graduating?
They always bother me and ask how I am doing. MATCH is always there for me whenever I need a shoulder to lean on.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Come to Union College!!!!!!!!!!!
Interview conducted Spring 2007
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Past Spotlights
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Antonio Gutierrez Interview
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