#PROFspective: Biology Major Kevin Jacome

student works in lab

Today we speak with Kevin Jacome, a senior biology, pre-med major from Mt. Laurel, Burlington County, who rents a house off campus with friends. Kevin will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. 

Name: Kevin Jacomestudent portrait
Major: B.S Biology in the College of Science & Mathematics
Minors/concentrationsPre-med
Year: Senior

Hometown: Mt. Laurel, NJ (Burlington County)

Transfer Student: Yes, I transferred from Burlington County College right before it became RCBC.

Commuter: Technically yes, since I rent a house off campus. But I do not consider myself a commuter. I walk to class and back every day.

Off-Campus resident: Yes, I live in a house on Hamilton with 5 other guys.

Athletic clubs: Intramural Soccer

Social clubsTau Epsilon Phi fraternity Recruitment Chair- E-board member

Do you have an off-campus job? I wait tables at TGI Friday’s Mt. Laurel.

Why did you choose your major? I love biology and am fascinated by the way the world works. I also knew that a biology major would be an intelligent decision to acquire the necessary prerequisites to apply to medical school.

One reason why you chose Rowan? I chose Rowan mainly because it has two great medical schools. Upon visiting Rowan, however, I immediately got a sense for Rowan’s welcoming atmosphere. I loved it here. The campus is the perfect size for me, the science professors are excellent and care about their students, and the medical schools have the same exact atmosphere. I love that I am close to home, but still far enough away for me to gain independence and get the most out of my college experience.

student in science building

My Typical Day as a Rowan Student

Hello, and welcome to a day in the life of Kevin.

student sits in roomOn a regular day, at 8 a.m., I go through the expected struggle of leaving the cozy cocoon I call my bed. After approximately 20 minutes of scrolling through my phone and debating staying in bed for eternity, I begin my day with the breakfast of champions: Lucky Charms and a croissant. Take notes, people. After getting ready for the day and packing the necessary notebooks and equipment for the day I begin my 15 min walk to Science Hall, which has become my second home over the last year and a half. I have taken my core bio, physics, organic chemistry classes, and upper level bio electives over the past year and a half here at Rowan. I think my favorite upper level lab bio elective was Microbiology with Dr. Gregory Hecht. Don’t get me wrong, it was a tough class, but I learned so much about microorganisms and did an incredible lab on their antibiotic resistance. In that class alone I learned how to culture bacteria and apply staining and other lab techniques that aid in differentiating between species of bacteria. It was amazing.

student at meet the brothers
Kevin at his fraternity’s table for “Meet The Brothers”

After my classes conclude, I grab some lunch at the Student Center cafeteria where I stuff my face until I force myself to stop and start being academically productive. I then start my homework and studying for my MCAT (standardized test for medical school admissions.) Toward the end of my day, usually on Thursdays, I make my way over to James Hall for my fraternity executive board meeting. I am the recruitment chair for my chapter, so I am in charge of contacting new potential members, organizing events, and participating in executive actions in the  fraternity.

On Saturdays, I go to my MCAT prep class from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then commute about half an hour to TGI Friday’s in Mt. Laurel to wait tables from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. or 12 a.m. Sundays are for homework and my fraternity meetings at 4 p.m. Once my typical day is over, I walk back to my house and prepare myself a hearty college dinner consisting of some sort of protein or microwaved foodstudent in science hall, while watching Bob’s Burgers. Once I’m done, I make time for more homework or necessary studying. On a rare night, I have the chance to unwind with some Xbox, Netflix, or meet some friends on campus to hangout. Finally, I make my way back into my cocoon to reset my circadian rhythm and prepare myself to get back into the groove of things the following morning. 

We are #RowanPROUD and we are Rowan Profs! Not exactly sure what a Prof is? It’s our owl mascot, Whoo RU. Read about him here

Story organized and photography by:
Jen Green, senior public relations major