The opportunity to compete in collegiate soccer while preparing for a career in healthcare led Karlee Hargather (Rochester, NY) to Alfred State. The combination of a close-knit campus, hands-on Health Sciences program, and welcoming community made it the perfect fit.
"I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, and Health Sciences gave me so many different career options."
Health Sciences blends classroom instruction with laboratory experiences, allowing Karlee and her classmates to apply what they learn in courses such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy and physiology.
Karlee enjoys anatomy and physiology, where she can connect classroom concepts to real-world healthcare applications. "I like that you learn the material in lecture and then immediately apply it in the lab. It really helps everything make sense."
As she prepares for graduate school in Occupational Therapy, she is completing internships at an elementary school and St. James Hospital. “The internship has confirmed that occupational therapy is the right career for me and has given me valuable real-world experience before graduate school."
She credits the faculty for helping her prepare academically while guiding her through the graduate school application process. "The professors are always willing to help, whether it's understanding coursework or preparing for what's next after graduation."
Outside the classroom, Karlee competes on both the soccer and lacrosse teams and is active in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
“Being a student-athlete is super important to me. I have made some of my best friends. It keeps me busy, so managing my time well and staying ahead of my work is super important.”
Karlee plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
Alfred State has helped Karlee score goals on the field and in the classroom.