Joel Lansdowne found his way to TC3 after completing a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation program. While in rehab, he found that working with his peers and assisting them with their own recovery was good for him, too. His after-care plan included pursuing education, and, as he puts it, the stars aligned. “The SUNY Reconnect program came out, and one of its academic programs was chemical dependency counseling,” he said. “When the universe gives you signs like that, you must abide! I enrolled, and it has changed my life!”

Joel’s story starts well before TC3. “As a gay man growing up in a small town in the early 2000s, I struggled deeply with internalized homophobia and the pressure to fit in,” he said. High school brought alcohol and other substances, which served as a coping mechanism and temporarily managed his depression. “I was able to graduate from high school in 2006, but the groundwork for a substance use disorder had already been laid,” he said. “My reliance on drugs and alcohol continued as a way to deal with emotional pain and social anxiety.”

The struggle continued, until it eventually became unmanageable, and he checked himself into a rehab center in the Adirondacks. He completed the treatment, wasn’t yet sober. “When I began at TC3, I was still in active use, struggling to maintain my footing,” he said. “A turning point came in October, when I received my first refund check and realized I was at risk of losing this valuable opportunity. could not continue down the same path.”

He moved in with his grandmother for support, and I also contacted his academic advisor, Amy Faben-Wade. Together, they created a plan. “Amy connected me to the incredible resources at TC3, including the Recovery Center, the Best Life Lounge, and Student Equity. I spoke openly with my professors about my journey and my commitment to sobriety and academics, and they met me where I was,” he said. “With the unwavering support of my family, the TC3 community, and my own resilience, I was able to abstain from all substances and achieve academic success.

After graduation, he will start a new job as a residential counselor at a halfway house where he had interned. “That experience affirmed that this is the field I am meant to be in,” he said. “The internship blossomed into a full-time position where I now have the privilege of helping others every day—a dream come true.”

“These memories are more than highlights of my time at TC3; they are milestones that changed the course of my life and set me firmly on the path I was always meant to walk.”

Are there any faculty or staff in particular that were particularly helpful during your time here? Who and why?

In Joel's own words: 
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Amy Faben-Wade. Amy has been an unwavering source of inspiration and encouragement—she's guided me through my darkest times and celebrated my achievements with genuine compassion. Her support was transformative, and I am forever grateful for her presence in my journey.

Amber Gilewski, my psychology professor, stands out as another beacon of strength and empathy. When I returned to use and was at risk of failing my first semester, Amber met me with kindness and practical support, without hesitation. She helped me access the resources I needed and always believed in my ability to succeed.

Erin Cornish—thank you for making math possible for me and for your patience and dedication. Travis Vande Berg, your spirit and humor (Hollywood Swinging!) brought light to my experience. Lynette Montgomery, your unwavering support, guidance, and genuine care made a world of difference—what you do truly matters.

Diane Williams, your infectious passion for science helped ignite my own curiosity and love for the subject. Declan Fullerton in the Recovery Program, thank you for your encouragement and commitment to students like me.

To my library crew: Gregg Kiehl, thank you for hiring me, for your friendship, and for always being there—I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and friend. Donnie Dunham, you are a true miracle and a source of joy and light in my life. Andy Finkle, my customer service mail buddy, thank you for all the laughter and support along the way. Karla Block, Eric Jenes—your dedication does not go unnoticed. And of course, Susanna Van Sant: who else could make being hushed in the library by a student a cherished memory? Ma’am, you’re a librarian! Thank you for helping me edit my work when I was overwhelmed with sources and ideas, and for keeping me focused (and laughing) through it all.

To everyone I may have missed—thank you. The impact you’ve had on my life and my time at TC3 is deeply appreciated.