Fatimah Alfarhood ’26 has never been afraid to explore, pivot, and ultimately find her path. A psychology major at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, her journey reflects both personal determination and the power of a supportive academic community, one that has helped her shape a clear vision for her future in optometry.
As a first-generation Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) college student, Alfarhood is charting new territory for her family. Pursuing higher education at this level comes with both challenges and opportunities, and she has embraced both with intention. With aspirations to earn a doctoral degree, she is driven not only by personal ambition but also by the desire to build something new, setting an example for those who will follow her.
Her academic journey wasn’t linear. After high school, she enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College, where she explored multiple majors before discovering psychology. “Once I found psychology, it really clicked for me,” she said. That decision became foundational, not just for her degree, but for her long-term career goals.
A pivotal moment came during a CSTEP-supported internship at SUNY College of Optometry in New York City. Initially unfamiliar with the field, Alfarhood approached the opportunity with curiosity. “I didn’t even really know what optometry was at first,” she said. “But once I experienced it, I realized how much I loved it.” The experience revealed a profession that blended science, patient care, and balance in a way that resonated deeply with her. “It felt like the perfect fit—it gives you the chance to help people while still having that connection and balance I was looking for,” she added.
That moment reshaped her trajectory. Today, she is focused on pursuing optometry school, supported by a strong academic foundation in psychology and the mentorship she’s found at SUNY Poly.
Programs like CSTEP and EOP have been instrumental in her success. Through CSTEP, she has accessed internships, research opportunities, and professional guidance that have helped her clarify her goals. Through EOP, she has found a consistent support system—one that extends beyond academics. When she faced financial challenges, SUNY Poly Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Opportunity Programs Melissa Prest connected her with the university’s Office of Institutional Advancement, which provided emergency funding for essential course materials, ensuring she could stay on track. “They’ve been there for me through everything,” she said of both programs. “I honestly don’t know what I would do without CSTEP and EOP.”
Alfarhood’s dedication and perseverance have also been recognized at the highest level. She was named SUNY Poly’s 2026 recipient of the SUNY Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence—an annual honor recognizing outstanding students in EOP. She recently traveled to Albany to receive this prestigious award.
Fatimah also highlighted the mentorship she’s received from SUNY Poly faculty. Advisors like Dr. Rebecca Weldon have not only guided her academically, but actively advocated for her, helping her navigate course requirements, connect with faculty across disciplines, and prepare for her next steps. “She has been such a strong advocate for me,” Alfarhood said. “She’s always helping me figure out what I need to do next and making sure I have the opportunities I need.”
That level of personalized support is exactly what drew her to SUNY Poly. After considering larger institutions, she chose Poly for its close-knit environment and accessible faculty. “Here, you really feel like the professors care about you and your future,” she said.
For Alfarhood, SUNY Poly has been more than just a place to earn a degree, it has been a place to grow, to be supported, and to discover a meaningful path forward. With her sights set on optometry, she is carrying forward not only academic knowledge, but a deep understanding of people, something she believes will make her a better healthcare provider.
And in that sense, her journey is just beginning.