Sandy Abbott Chmiel

“For 2008, my New Year’s resolution was to climb out of the rut of my comfort zone. Holding on to that pledge, as well as to the promise I made to myself years ago to continue my college education, I returned to Bay Path, and enrolled—with much trepidation—in the One-Day-A-Week Saturday College.

After an inauspicious beginning (crying in my first class!), I’ve come out of my shell to face my fears and to seek new challenges. Now, after my first year in the One-Day program, my professors can see the change in me. Most importantly, I feel that change; I have been transformed.

Before the One-Day program, I would have never thought of speaking in public. Through the program’s encouraging environment and my coursework and presentations, I am developing the confidence that I so desired. Thanks to professors like Dr. John Jarvis, and author Suzanne Strempek-Shea, who serves as Bay Path’s writer-in-residence, I’ve learned to open up, expand my passions for reading and writing, and to share my experiences. Today, I mentor and connect with new One-Day students, encouraging them to take that leap to a new life.

Bay Path’s One-Day program has been an amazing experience for me, opening my eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead. There are so many women who can benefit from this program; the faculty and staff at Bay Path will help them to succeed.

— Sandy enjoys sharing her love of books while teaching first graders to read. However, she intends to remain involved in the Bay Path community and One-Day program after graduation in May.