Mikayla Nicol
Mikayla Nicol of Lowville selected SUNY Canton because of the Veterinary Science Technology program and its proximity to her home.
“I have never been a city girl, so I liked how the small town felt safe and familiar,” she said. After touring the Veterinary Technology building, I knew that this was the college for me. I am also very much a homebody. I go home on most weekends to have a homecooked meal and see my dogs and family.”
Mikayla is one of the college’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) students who receive funding and academic support through the innovative new program.
“ASAP provided me with money so I could pay for my books,” she said. “I had money saved to pay my tuition, but books were another story. The money helped me not stress out about having to pay for an additional expense.”
Like many first-year students, Mikayla had some trepidations when she first started college.
“I struggled with making friends and didn't feel like I belonged,” she recalled. “After a while, I started to get my bearing. I met people that I will be friends with for a long time and finally feel like I belong. That makes my college experience here at SUNY Canton so much better.
She said her favorite class is Biology, and her favorite instructor is Lecturer Melinda (Mindy) Putney. She is expected to graduate in 2026.