It’s one thing to sit in a lecture hall on a campus with 50,000 students and listen to a professor rattle off the same material year after year. It’s quite another to study in a place where professors know you by name and where hands-on learning is at the heart of every experience.
For Gaby Ames '26, SUNY Potsdam has been exactly that.
“Since coming to Potsdam, I’ve found a strong sense of belonging, a supportive community, and people who genuinely want to see me succeed. Looking back, I’m so happy with my decision to come here and the direction my academic journey has taken."
Ames first arrived at SUNY Potsdam intending to pursue a degree in education. But after exploring a range of classes, she discovered a deeper interest in psychology—complemented by a minor in health and wellness.
“That change has been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she said. “I realized that I wanted to help people on a deeper level. That’s what led me to change my major to psychology. I’ve always wanted to better understand what someone is going through and learn the right ways to support them emotionally, mentally, and personally.”
From the start, Ames found mentors in Dr. Heather Beauchamp, her advisor, and Dr. Jim Fryer, both from the Department of Psychology. “Some of my favorite classes have been with them. They helped me connect what we learn in the classroom to real-world experiences, which has helped me grow both academically and professionally.”
Gaby Ames '26, center, speaks with Dr. Heather Beauchamp, left, and Dr. Jim Fryer.
During her junior year, Ames took her classroom lessons into the field, completing two internships that aligned perfectly with her passion for helping others.
At the Canton Potsdam Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, she observed counseling sessions with individuals battling substance abuse—an experience that brought the realities of clinical psychology to life.
“I learned how to write professional notes in participant charts, complete discharge paperwork, and assist in developing activities designed to educate participants and help them build the skills needed to maintain sobriety. That experience was truly eye-opening and gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges and resilience within recovery work,” Ames explained.
Her second internship offered a very different perspective—working with children in 4-H after-school programs at two local elementary schools. She taught lessons, read with students, and helped with homework.
“Those internships provided me with real-world experience and allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to meaningful, community-based settings. I value these experiences deeply because they helped me explore different career paths within psychology and human services while keeping my options open for the future,” she said.
This semester, Ames has taken on three campus jobs while continuing to support her peers. Along with working at the library’s circulation desk and with Campus Life, she’s also part of the team at the Lougheed Center for Applied Learning (LoCAL). There, she welcomes students, checks them in for appointments, and maintains listings of job opportunities.
“Working in the LoCAL has opened so many doors for me, including studying abroad in Cuba, completing two internships, and sharing my own experiences with other students who are exploring what’s next for them. The LoCAL also helped me secure funding for both of my internships and my study abroad trip to Cuba, which made these experiences possible,” Ames said.
That month-long study abroad experience in Cuba proved to be one of the most transformative chapters of her college career. After completing two preparatory courses—Cuba and the Cold War and Contemporary Cuban Cultures—Ames immersed herself in the island’s history, politics, and art.
“The artists we met were so passionate about their work. You could feel how much heart and soul they put into every piece. Every painting told a story, and every song carried meaning. It made me appreciate how creativity and expression are such powerful parts of Cuban life, and it inspired me to think about how culture shapes identity and resilience,” she said.
Now in her final year at SUNY Potsdam, Ames continues to lead and inspire others through the college’s Emerging Leaders Program, where she joins other motivated students in offering workshops and high-impact experiences for their peers.
“Being part of Emerging Leaders has been such a rewarding experience during my time at SUNY Potsdam. It has opened the door to new friendships and given me the chance to help other students develop a deeper love for the college,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ames plans to build upon her psychology foundation by pursuing a master’s degree in social work to become a Child Life Specialist.
“Through my psychology courses at SUNY Potsdam and internship experiences, I’ve discovered how much I value working directly with children and helping them through challenging situations,” Ames said. “I hope to support children and families as they navigate medical experiences, providing comfort, education, and emotional care. I’m excited to continue growing in this field and to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Article by Jason Hunter, Photos by Sophia Pleat '25