Compelled to Go to College

written by Megin Potter  |  Photos Provided

When her teacher invited Saratoga Springs High School student Adrianna Matatt to join Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar, all Adrianna knew was that they were offering free pizza and homework help after school, so she thought, why not?

Although she was academically motivated (with grades in the 90s) Adrianna hadn’t seriously considered going to college after graduating from high school. 

“If I didn’t have this program, it wouldn’t have been stressed to me how far college can get you,” she said.

Luckily, as a sophomore, Adrianna was introduced to her Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar mentor, Denise Polit. 

A Woman of Letters

Denise Polit appreciated how advantageous her early academic success proved to be throughout her life. 

After earning her Bachelor’s degree at Wellesley College, she went on to Boston College, where she received her Master’s degree and a PhD. She then wrote  two popular nursing research textbooks and taught all over the world. Denise served on the boards of many area non-profit organizations and was committed to helping those, like her, who could benefit from a college education. 

With Denise’s (and the school counselors’ guidance) Adrianna, who was interested in civil and structural engineering, enrolled in Project Lead the Way courses while still in high school. To further Adrianna’s interest in music (she played the piano and violin) Denise and her husband took her to concerts. 

Going above and beyond, Denise even gave Adrianna birthday and Christmas gifts. When Adrianna’s car needed repairs, Denise leant her a car for the week.

These gestures, and the extra attention Denise gave, helped to boost Adrianna’s confidence when it came time to apply to colleges. 

“It helped me feel like I had a chance because I had people supporting me,” she said. 

The Greatest Gift

It was Denise who prepared the list of colleges Adrianna applied to. Because Sponsor a Scholar pays application fees, the costs weren’t prohibitive. Denise accompanied Adrianna to 10 school visits, including to her alma mater, Wellesley. 

“I definitely wouldn’t have visited that many colleges without her. My parents were too busy to drive all around New England,” said Adrianna. 

When she settled on SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, Adrianna was surrounded by people who helped walk her through applying for financial aid. She also applied for, and was awarded, a scholarship from The Holly Foundation to help with out-of-pocket college expenses. 

“It was like being given a gift that never ended,” she said. 

The Secret of Success

Adrianna, now 24, has graduated from college and is employed at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna as an engineer. She enjoys gardening, playing soccer, hiking and being outdoors. Her first child is due in June. 

After witnessing the positive experience Adrianna had with Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar, three of her siblings joined. Denise died in 2021 of leukemia at the age of 74. 

“She had to work very hard, push very hard, and was very competitive. She taught me that hard work and staying on the path can get you so far,” said Adrianna.

“I didn’t have a lot of money, but I learned it was possible to succeed.”

For more information, go online to saratogasponsorascholar.org