When Melea Jones decided to return to school after a five-year break, she was not sure what her next step should be. She knew she wanted to grow and challenge herself, but she was uncertain about which program would feel like the right fit. Encouraged by her boss at Monroe Community College’s Upward Bound Program, Melea applied to graduate school. Her search led her to the online Information Design and Technology (IDT) program at SUNY Poly, where she found the perfect intersection of her interests in education, graphic design, and technology.
Melea graduated from SUNY Poly in May 2025 with her master’s degree, while continuing to work full-time as a Program Advisor at MCC. Her work involves guiding high school students toward graduation and college enrollment, a role that aligns with her passion for helping others and sharing knowledge. Though she is still refining her career goals, she envisions a future where she combines interests in AI, graphic design, video games, and mental health to create meaningful and supportive tools for others.
“The IDT program gave me new skills and the motivation to believe in myself,” Melea said. “It was the kind of challenge I needed to grow personally and professionally.”
Melea describes the IDT program as a space filled with engaging courses, supportive professors, and students who genuinely care about each other’s success. Despite being in an online format, she felt deeply connected to her peers and faculty. She credits the faculty for being responsive, empathetic, and always willing to offer help. The lessons extended beyond coursework, teaching her how to advocate for herself, manage time, and ask for guidance in a digital learning environment.
One of the most meaningful moments in her academic journey came while working on her Capstone Experience project. Inspired by the game Dragon Age Veilguard, Melea recognized that video games had long served as a source of comfort and emotional regulation in her life. She decided to explore the connection between gaming and mental health, aiming to shift public perceptions by developing accurate and helpful educational materials on the subject.
Melea’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when passion meets purpose. With the skills gained through SUNY Poly’s IDT program and her unwavering dedication to uplifting others, she is poised to make a meaningful difference at the intersection of education, design, technology, and mental health. Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to redefine your path, and that with the right support and determination, new beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.