Valeriya Weeks brings a world of experience into her Architectural Design classes - but she's also starting over.
She's a native of the Soviet Union who immigrated to Turkey and spent 18 years working in architecture before moving to the United States with her family. Now she's relearning her craft in Onondaga Community College's Architectural Design degree program. "I'm so happy studying here. Even though I have experience, it's a plus for my memory."
Weeks is attending OCC tuition-free thanks to SUNY Reconnect, the community college program for students between the ages of 25 and 55 who have not yet earned a college degree. It covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies after all other financial aid is applied.
After arriving in the U.S., Weeks began taking classes at BOCES to strengthen her English skills and learn more about her new country's culture. She spoke fluent Russian and Turkish at the time, but her English was limited to what she called "British English."
Higher education was not new to Weeks. She previously earned a master's degree in Quality Control Engineering. Once she began attending classes at OCC, she was happy to find a much friendlier environment. "Everything here is so different than where I grew up. In the Soviet Union, you are scared to ask your professor a question. Here you are more comfortable. Your professor is more like a friend who will help you, and you are comfortable when you are learning things."
Her goal is to complete her first degree in the U.S. in 2027, then continue her education. "I will finish here with an associate degree, start an internship, then get my master's degree. I'm happy I'm studying here."
