April 8, 2011 — By Amy Radik
After a divorce, Judy Olson found herself needing to acquire some professional job skills. “I had been a full-time mom and was temporarily on public assistance,” says Judy. “I received a brochure in the mail from FM where I read about an opportunity for welfare parents to earn either a certificate or a degree depending on the course of study. At the time, it was called the PACE program.
The goal of PACE was employment and there were only certain majors you could select. I thought I would do well in graphic arts, since I don’t like to answer the phone and can’t type. I majored in Visual Communications.”
As much as Judy loved her graphic arts classes, her favorite class was Social Psychology. “Hands down, the best teacher I ever had was Dr. Andrew DiNitto,” says Judy. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to have taken some of his classes. He was tough and demanded excellence, that’s what I liked most about him.”
As a Visual Communications major, Judy didn’t realize she would be taking more than just graphic arts related courses. “I received an education that covered areas I never would have believed I’d be able to understand. I actually learned something about physics, chemistry, and math and it was entirely due to very good teachers. And when it did come to my major of study, I was well prepared by my visual and fine arts teachers including Frank Ambrose who gave me such a solid foundation in photography, which is now my current occupation and my current love.”
The overall best experience for Judy while attending FM was the treatment she received. “Even though I was 40 years old and a mom on public assistance, I was treated with respect by the faculty and administration,” says Judy. “The students treated me as if I were just another student. I had classmates to hang out with and never felt like an outsider. After my two years were finished, I hated to leave.”
Judy graduated with high honors from FM and it was this two-year education that landed her a job she so desperately needed. “I was hired at Quad Graphics in Saratoga and worked in the Imaging Department for 11 years, doing re-touching, and color correction for magazines and catalogs including National Geographic. For the past eight years I have been on my own, showing and selling my photographic artwork at art shows and craft fairs around the Northeast. I have been selected to be the Guest Artist at the 53rd Annual Fulton County Art Show this year. For anyone interested, this art show is May 1 through May 8 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Gloversville.”
A resident of Northville, Judy has three children, one of whom will graduate from FM in the spring with a degree in electrical engineering. She says FM helped turn her life around and would love to see more people take advantage of their community college. “Whether it’s your dream, the situation you are in, or both, my advice to anyone who is thinking about getting a college education is do it! Simply do it.”
To view Judy’s photography and check on upcoming show dates, visit her website at www.judyolsonphotography.com.
Amy Radik is Coordinator of Public Relations & Marketing at FM.
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