The GOLD Standard Powered by the Roo Network
Two weeks ago, I met a GOLD Alumni named Michelle.
Our first conversation happened over a video call. It was meant to be an introduction, a chance to hear about their SUNY Canton experience. What it turned into was a reminder of how nonlinear most paths really are, especially for GOLD alumni who are still figuring things out in real time.
Michelle is a member of the Class of ’23, earning their degree in Legal Studies. Before Canton, they started at ASU as a nursing major, but it didn’t take long for Michelle to realize it wasn’t the right fit. While in nursing school, Michelle found themselves drawn to the legal side of healthcare. Questions around policy, patient rights, DNRs, and decision making started to pull at their curiosity. That curiosity turned into clarity, and clarity turned into action.
That search led them to the online Legal Studies program at SUNY Canton.
Michelle completed their degree fully online while working part time and living near their hometown outside of Syracuse, NY. Even as a fully remote student, they described their experience as deeply connected. Advisors were accessible. Instructors were responsive. Communication never felt distant or transactional.
One class changed everything.
An environmental law course helped Michelle realize what kind of law they wanted to pursue. More importantly, it helped them see themselves as someone who could actually take that next step. They spoke highly of Professor William Jones, who became both a mentor and a guide. He helped Michelle prepare for the LSAT and navigate the pathway toward law school with confidence.
Today, Michelle is continuing that journey at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, pursuing their legal degree. They shared that Canton’s online structure prepared them well for the hybrid model of law school they are now in. In many ways, they felt ahead of the curve compared to peers who were adjusting to remote and hybrid learning for the first time.
Last Friday, we met again while I was in Florida for an Alumni event. This time in person, over lunch on the deck at Salt Shack on the Lake. This place was a picturesque lakefront restaurant, mixed with the sunny, laid-back vibe I enjoy most about Florida.
We talked about Canton, law school, and what it feels like to be in that in between stage after graduation. We talked about connection, networking, and what alumni engagement could look like for people who are building careers while still finding their footing. We also talked about ways to stay connected that actually feel worth the time.
And yes, the blackened fish tacos lived up to the hype.
What stood out most across both conversations was not just Michelle’s academic path, but their openness. Their willingness to reflect, to share honestly, and to stay connected even as life moves quickly forward.
Michelle is exactly why The GOLD Standard exists.
GOLD alumni are not looking backward. They are moving forward. They are changing direction, discovering new interests, and building lives that do not always follow a straight line. What they need is a connection that meets them where they are.
Michelle reminded me that Canton’s impact did not end at graduation. It shows up later, in decisions made, paths chosen, and confidence earned.
If you are a GOLD alumni navigating your own next chapter, you are not doing it alone.
The Roo Network is here to keep those connections alive. You can find events, people, and opportunities by joining the alumni network at sunyalumni.canton.edu.
And if you ever feel ready to give back, in any way that works for you, know that it matters. Every story, every connection, every small act of support helps the next Roo take their next step.
Different paths. Same roots. Still Roo.
From the Footbridges,
Zachary
