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Capital District EOC – 1990-91 From a Halfway House to a Whole New Perspective on Life Alcohol and substance abuse has claimed many lives and careers of people at every level of society. After 15 years of substance abuse – and living on the street and in shelters – James Thomas was determined to break free from this dependency and get on the road back to a normal life. So he entered rehab and started his life over in his 30s. While living at a halfway house, Mr. Thomas realized that he had to do something constructive with his life. He entered the College Prep Program at the CDEOC and studied biology, reading, writing and math in 1990-91. Mr. Thomas notes, “I dropped out of high school at 16 and just had my GED. I never even thought of college before the EOC. Nobody in my family graduated from high school, never mind college.” After two semesters at the CDEOC program, Mr. Thomas attended Russell Sage Junior College of Albany – where he earned an Associates degree in Science and Physical Science. He then transferred to the University at Albany, where he earned a B.S. in Biology in 1996 and a Masters in Public Health – graduating with honors from both programs. Today, Mr. Thomas works as a Counselor/Advisor for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for educationally and financially disadvantaged college students at the University at Albany. He also serves as the Street Outreach Supervisor for Equinox – a community service group in Albany – where he works part-time with runaway kids living on the streets. He remarks, “I’m now working for programs that I used in the past.” |
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