One graduate, five questions, go ...
Rosanna Cuttone '23 (Psychology)
Assistant Coordinator of Leadership, Campus Residences, Stony Brook University and Coordinator in the LGBTQ+ Center, Stony Brook University
How did your education prepare you for what you are doing today?
My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology and I am currently pursuing a master's in social work at Stony Brook University with a focus in Community, Policy and Political Social Action (CPPSA). My undergraduate degree prepared me for my master's program because the professors prepared me with difficult assignments which allowed me to thrive in graduate school. My undergraduate degree in Psychology has allowed me to develop evocative empathy and listening skills which have allowed me to be successful in graduate school and in my various jobs.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment or recent professional accomplishment to date?
I work for SBU in Campus Residences as an assistant coordinator of leadership and I work as an LGBTQ+ Center Coordinator at the LGBTQ+ Center. In my assistant coordinator of of leadership role, my supervisor and I have rebuilt National Residence Hall Honorary from having no members to having members and a full executive board. I am going to be presenting on gender-inclusive housing at a graduate conference SBU is hosting for graduate students that work in campus residences from all around the United States. I also recently became a conduct hearing officer as part of my role. In my role as an LGBTQ+ Center coordinator I started my own affinity group called Beyond the Binary which is a purposefully created community for people who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming.
What programs do you support at SUNY Old Westbury, and why?
I think all programs are important at SUNY Old Westbury. My home was in the Psychology program. My major was in Psychology and my minor was in Social Work. Dr. Park has done a fantastic job with the Psychology Department, and I am grateful I had the opportunity to be her student and to be a graduate of this program. My professors have had a profound impact on me especially Dr. Kiner who provided a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and stepped in to be the advisor of OW Rainbow (Editor's Note: OW Rainbow is a student club dedicated to creating a safe, positive, confidential, and comfortable environment for students who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as allies). My success at SUNY Old Westbury started with my education and having wonderful professors that allowed me to use my voice and share my thoughts.
Do you have advice for current students?
My advice for current students would be to find your voice, find something that drives your passions, and go after it. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way! Know your worth and the value you bring and do not be afraid to push for change. Network and talk to others about your aspirations and future. Your gut is usually right, listen to what your gut is telling you. Allow yourself to feel your emotions and do not give up!
What is your favorite memory of your time on campus?
I have many favorite memories at SUNY Old Westbury. The highlights of my time at SUNY Old Westbury include working for the admissions office as a student ambassador,
working in the TRIO office and being a peer mentor. I loved talking with students and assisting with their needs. I enjoyed spending my time in the Student Union where I would meet with OW Rainbow members. My biggest accomplishment at my time at Old Westbury was creating OW Rainbow.
Learn More: Alumni Information | Admissions | SUNY Old Westbury News