Rowan at Home: Glassboro Native Builds Sports Career in Her “Own Backyard”

Kayla smiles and stands in front of Wackar Stadium

Welcome to Rowan at Home, our new series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story features sophomore Kayla Santiago, and was captured by senior Nicole Cier, writing arts, before quarantine. 

Sophomore Kayla Santiago, of Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County), had never considered applying to Rowan, though it was just a five-minute drive from home — “it’s practically in my backyard, and I didn’t want to commute.” She feared she would miss out on the typical college experience of living in a dorm, but soon discovered that Rowan was the perfect missing puzzle piece in the search for her future career. 

Kayla stands in front of the Prof statue by the Rowan University team house.“I originally didn’t even apply until the day of the [application] deadline, and then I found out about the Sports Communication and Media (Sports CAM) major, and realized it was perfect for me,” she reflects. “It brought me back to the passion I’ve had for sports since my childhood, when my dad would take me to the Phillies batting practice and I’d be chanting players’ names at three years old.”

Taking on the Sports CAM and Journalism majors, with a minor in Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Kayla dove into the world of Rowan athletics. She asked her advisor for advice on getting involved in the major as a freshman and found her place with Rowan Television Network right away as a football sideline reporter. 

“RTN allowed me to get experience right away. I mentioned that I was interested in sideline reporting, and they needed a sideline reporter that weekend for football and asked if I could do it,” she says. “I had never done it in my life, and it was a really great learning experience to just be thrown into it right away and have to figure it all out.”

Kayla commentates on a Rowan Athletics game.The following year was a whirlwind of experience, as Kayla found more ways to get involved with sports communications and strengthen her resume. She jumped into play-by-play, color commentating and sideline reporting for Rowan Athletics, as a TV broadcaster. She even broadcasted the first football game of the fall 2019 season against Widener by herself! “We usually don’t [broadcast without a partner], but we were first getting into a groove for the season and figuring out our roles. It was definitely difficult, but it was cool to have that pressure and experience to get me started,” Kayla recalls.

Since her first year as a Prof, Kayla has expanded her athletic commentating experience to include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey and more! Broadcasting allows her to study team rosters, examine player records and statistics and interview coaches — tasks that allow her to implement the journalism skills she learns from her second major. Kayla even made Rowan Athletics history as the first female play-by-play commentator for football and basketball on TV!

Kayla holds a microphone up for basketball coach Demetrius Poles during a sideline interview.
Kayla interviews head coach of the Rowan Women’s Basketball Team, Demetrius Poles.

“It’s not just about being a sports broadcaster; it’s also about making relationships with the coaches and players. You develop a gain of trust, and they want to give you good answers [to your interview questions] and tell you what’s going on as much as they can,” she says.

“For me, [Sports CAM] is more than just being a fan. I want to keep growing my knowledge and passion about sports and see where it can take me. Now, my whole course load is sports, and how could I not love that? It’s exactly what I wanted to do.”

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Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Pandemic Profs: Serving as the First Mental Health Chair for My Sorority

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Elizabeth Madden, a junior isolating in her house in Monmouth County, NJ. Elizabeth is an early childhood education major with a focus on literacy studies. She who normally lives off campus during the school year, in a house with her sorority sisters.

A close up of Elizabeth Madden.When I heard that my sorority was creating a new position called mental health chair, I knew immediately that it was something I would like to be a part of. The executive board created this position to really highlight the importance of mental health in college and promoting resources that are available to us currently and beyond our college experience to ensure that we get the most of those.

Personally I wanted this position because I have struggled myself with mental health and have seen those around me struggle and get lost in the “college world” and wanted to help them out while also navigating the same struggles together. My goals for this new position are to raise awareness on campus and within our own sisterhood to help everyone get more informed on mental health and to stop some of the stigma that comes along with those words.

Elizabeth (on right) holds wooden painted Greek letters with a friend, the Greek letters fro Sigma Delta Tau.
We painted these letters for our sorority, Sigma Delta Tau.

Some of the activities I had planned were unfortunately not able to happen due to the coronavirus outbreak. I had wanted my sorority to get involved with the Out of the Darkness walk on campus through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I have gone to this walk since I was a freshman at Rowan, and noticed that Greek life was not heavily involved and thought that should change. I planned to host tables and fundraising events for this and also have our chapter go to the walk.

Self care isn't selfish sign.Next I planned to hold peer support groups in which I planned to schedule a library room before our chapter meeting and just hold an open one hour space where my sisters could come and talk about stressors in their life or their current anxieties they were having. I thought this would be a good idea because talking it out sometimes helps and makes you realize you’re not alone and a lot of people surrounding you are having these same feelings as you. This would give hope and an outlet.

I also planned to host a speaker, my mom, who is in the mental health field. She was going to come talk to the chapter and inform us on mental health and some of her healthy coping mechanisms she uses and teaches to her clients.

Lastly I was going to give away once a month or so, a mental health basket. In this basket was going to be coloring books and pens, an essential oil diffuser, stress putty and just simple de-stressors that can help calm them and refocus them in a time of uncertainty.

I hope that I can implement these next semester and come up with even more ideas on how to help my chapter and even the campus. 

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Related posts:

Managing Your Stress in an Ever-Changing Environment

Prioritizing Wellness Days

Julia’s Corner: Taking Advantage of On-Campus Resources

Alumni Success: Staff Engineer for Hershey Company’s Reese Plant Christopher Dromgoole

Christopher Dromgoole, a chemical engineering alumnus, graduated with his B.S. in 2000 and M.S. in 2003. He is from Gloucester Township, NJ (Camden County). During his time at Rowan, he was an Undergraduate Lab Assistant and Graduate Assistant. He is a Staff Engineer at The Hershey Company’s Reese Plant. 

Chris Dromgoole smiles for a selfie on the beach.What would you share with a future student interested in Chemical Engineering?

“There are many career opportunities and pathways to choose from for those with a Chemical Engineering degree such as: food and beverage, pharmaceutical, energy, medical, legal and sales.  Don’t just focus on the word ‘chemical’!”

Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?

“Sure, Chemical Engineering was difficult and required a lot of hard work, which made me question whether I really wanted to be an engineer. The key for me to overcome this challenge was to maintain focus and persevere through the rough times knowing that graduation was right on the horizon.”

Did you feel supported throughout your college career by the Rowan community? If so, explain.

“Yes, I most definitely felt supported by the Rowan community, especially my professors and classmates. I was part of the first graduating engineering class, so at that time, the program was small and each semester only had one section per course due to the minimal amount of faculty. This forced our class to be together for every required course, and we became like a second family. If anyone had trouble understanding classwork, homework or projects, there was always someone willing to sit down and explain things differently in hopes of making you understand.”

Chris Dromgoole poses with his children.Tell us about your transition into the work field and how you pushed through any challenges.

“I had a relatively smooth transition into the work field having been well prepared by learning how to work in teams during my various Rowan Engineering Clinic projects. As an engineer, one of the most important skills that you will need to learn is how to effectively troubleshoot an issue or a problem. This skill will greatly improve over time as you become immersed within your field of concentration or industry, but as a new engineer, you can’t be afraid or too proud to ask others for help or advice…”

What is your biggest career accomplishment so far?

“My biggest career accomplishment so far was the commercialization of the Hershey’s Air Delight Bars and Kisses. I worked together with the marketing and product development teams to create and scale up the production of aerated milk chocolate products in multiple plants that were located within different countries.”

How did you begin working for Hershey?

“I believe that working on one of my Senior Engineering Clinic projects, which was the reassembly of a donated, Specialty Chemical Pilot Plant, helped me to stand out from other Chemical Engineering candidates that applied for the entry level position of Associate Process Design Engineer. The clinic project had required me to learn how to read Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), which was needed for the role at Hershey.”

Can you explain your duties for the External Advisory Board?

“I help to advise the Rowan University Chemical Engineering department on ways that they could improve their curriculum based on the skills that are needed and preferred for the Food & Beverage Industry.”

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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Photos courtesy of Christopher Dromgoole.

#PROFspective: DJ and Resident Assistant JT Kurtz

JT poses in front of Chestnut Hall.

Name: JT Kurtz,JT poses in front of Chestnut Hall with his laptop and headphones.
Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County)
On campus resident or commuter: I am a resident assistant in Chestnut Hall

First-generation college student? Yes

Academic or social clubs you are a part of: I am a part of Rowan University Philippine American Coalition (RUPAC), I do research for the psychology department and College of Business, I am a learning assistant for Introduction to Computer Science, and I oversee the computer science learning community.

What inspired you to choose your major? I aspire to be a full-stack developer, which is a person who has the ability to design and develop both the front-end and back-end of a software program.

What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
Persevere. Going into computer science is challenging, but very rewarding. When you see results, you will recognize the work you put in, and it is a lot of work. Rowan’s Computer Science department has so many opportunities. There are so many internships, jobs and co-op program opportunities. Also, be independent, but don’t be afraid to ask people for help.

Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge? I can’t pinpoint a certain moment, but there come times where you really can’t figure things out and it gets tough. I got through it by having my RA staff around and being honest with them. JT and his friend are working on homework.They were motivational. Listening to music and getting in the zone helps. I learned to not be afraid to ask for help from some of my computer science major friends, then that translated into feeling comfortable asking for help from professors. 

Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you. When I first stepped on campus, I felt at home. Rowan isn’t too big, or too small. It felt just right. During orientation, Professor Jack Myers really hyped up computer science, which motivated and influenced me to pursue my degree. He got me excited about the major and made me feel like computer science was what I wanted to do with my life. I also knew Rowan had the tools to help me go far.

How has DJing impacted your experience at Rowan and vice versa? I love to DJ. I DJ for on campus events, formals, and I also outsource to otherJT is DJing at an event. universities. When I outsource to other universities and in the outside world, I am representing Rowan. Being an RA has made me more confident and comfortable, as well as increases my interpersonal skills. These qualities are transferrable to my DJing. Both jobs have also taught me how to be adaptable and make people feel welcome. Also, DJing has helped me make many connections, and being an RA people reach out to me to DJ their events. 

How will being a DJ and an RA affect your future career? Both jobs go back to the fact that I love technology and helping others. My goal to be a full-stack developer is to help people, and both jobs allow me to help others in different ways. For example, as an RA, I was able to redesign the duty system for housing. The system made scheduling a lot easier for everyone. Being a DJ, if a party or event is dying and starting to become slow, I rescue it and bring the event back to a party level. 

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Story and photography by:

Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

History Major Finds Her Passion for Archiving During Internship

books aligned on a book case.

Julianne at the library

Julianne reading a book at the library

Before COVID-19 social distancing, through her internship with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania this semester Julianne Tarrant was able to figure out what career path she wants to take after graduating in May. The history major from Nutley, NJ (Essex County) also minors in political science and international studies

Julianne at the library choosing a bookJulianne has always liked history, more specifically presidential history. “Their personal lives is the better part, because you learn so much about what they did in class but then you get to know more about them as people and that kind of makes a bigger picture.”

After a tour at Rowan University Julianne really liked the university, as did her mom. “My mom really pushed me to come here and I am really thankful she did that.”

Julianne started off as a history education major, but then decided to drop education and focus on history. “It was really the faculty from the history department that showed me that there was so much more I could do with history aside from teaching, which I never knew before. The faculty opened my eyes, there is so much I can do.”

Dr. Jennifer Janofsky, a professor who teaches public history courses has become one of Julianne’s mentors. Dr. Janofsky was the one who told Julianne about the Historical Society of Pennsylvania internship. “She kind of knew what I wanted to do and what my experiences were already with different internships and she was like ‘you should try the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.’”

When Julianne applied, she did not think she would get the internship Julianne reading a book at the librarybecause she though that other students from other colleges in Pennsylvania had a better chance due to them being closer. To Julianne’s surprise, after her interview within an hour she was already signing papers to start interning there. “I wouldn’t have heard about it if it wasn’t for Dr. Janofsky, I am very thankful.”  

Julianne is currently working on the Philadelphia Orphan Society collection, where she transcribes lots of documents into Excel sheets, to then use that information for the genealogy research that the Historical Society of Pennsylvania performs. Through this internship she has learned to read other people’s cursive writing much better. “It was really hard at first and now I’m starting to get the hang of it.”

Thanks to this internship Julianne said she learned that she really likes archiving and hopes to one day work at one of the presidential library museums.“There are 13 of them in the country, different presidents and just based around them. So, I definitely want to work in museums, preferably ones that relate to presidents.”

Julianne’s advice for future history majors and current history majors is to read all assigned readings. It may seem tedious reading about World War II over and over again, but it is worth it.

“And don’t just study one area of history, try to take it all in because we have a really diverse history staff so take as many classes as you can.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major 

Home Away From Home: Arielle Gedeon [VIDEO]

Arielle holds the student government association gavel.
https://youtu.be/VzkRtKc–0I

Arielle Gedeon, junior Radio/TV/Film major from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County) feels most at home when she’s involved with the Student Government Association (SGA.) As president of SGA for the 2019-2020 school year — and recently re-elected for the 2020-2021 school year — Arielle leads the student body, providing a student a voice to administration and implementing new initiatives focused on student well-being.

Video by: John Horton Jr., junior Radio/TV/Film major
Edited by: Peter Planamente, senior journalism major

Pandemic Profs: Geocaching

Eddie crouches in the woods, holding a walking stick.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Eddie O’Melia, a sophomore relocated to his house in Warren County, NJ, for the rest of the semester. Eddie is a mechanical engineering major. 

Hello Profs! Normally during the school week, I would be either be working on a project in the engineering lab or hanging out with my fraternity brothers. However, since we are all being restricted to certain quarantine measures I have decided to go geocaching with my family. Eddie and his brother crouch in the woods to examine a geocache find.

Me and my little brother Greg decided to go to one of the local parks in Warren County and geocache. Geocaching is where someone hides a box full of different treasures along a path and when/if you find it you log when you did and can take one of the treasures inside, replacing it with your own. Going out in nature is a great way to prevent the spread of the virus and has endless possibilities. It gets you out of your house while not putting yourself or anyone else at risk. It was also a great way to spend time with my family while I am home. 

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Pandemic Profs: How I Maintain Structure in My “School Day”

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Nicole Cier, a senior isolating in her house in Middlesex County, NJ. Nicole is a writing arts major who normally lives in Rowan Boulevard Apartments during the school year. 

With the constant news alerts, cancellations, and changes in my college schedule due to COVID-19, it can be difficult to focus on what really matters. Each day, a new aspect of daily life changes for people around the world due to this virus, and it can especially be a rough time for college students to adjust. Now more than ever, it is extremely important to maintain a routine during the week, so we can stay on top of our work and ensure success.

A hand holding a yellow phone with Google Calendar pulled up.
A snapshot from my Google Calendar for these upcoming weeks.

Structure in our days is much harder to attain while we’re confined to our house, juggling family time and alone time, and still trying to hang onto our jobs and degrees. But small adjustments in our daily lives during a time of social distancing can have a positive impact on our happiness, productivity, and education. We, as college students, must strive to maintain a sense of normalcy to get us through these challenging times. 

  • Plan out a schedule for each day. When it comes to school work (and for some of you, remote work or internship responsibilities), organization is still the biggest factor in your success. Use a planner or Google Calendar to keep track of your commitments, scheduling out specific blocks of time to work on certain things. Treat your remote courses as if they are in-person courses and avoid distractions. Don’t forget to include time for lunch, and intersperse a few short breaks to get up and stretch/walk/play with a pet/FaceTime a friend! You can also use these tools to keep track of your class video meetings, due dates and other important events. Personally, I also find that keeping a to-do list for each day is a great way to stay productive. I give myself a reasonable amount of tasks to complete by the end of the day, and feel like I’ve made the most of my time by accomplishing them.
    A chocolate cake with sprinkles on a cake stand.
    One of the items on my “quarantine bucket list” was to bake a cake!
     
  • Make time for fun and exercise. Although we’re working remotely and staying home, we all still need fresh air and vitamin D! Going outside is not off-limits, so long as you’re mindful of social distance. Make sure to leave yourself time every day to do something you enjoy and be active. Grab a family member (or call a friend) and go for a walk. Explore neighborhoods in your town you’ve never been to for a change of scenery. Wave to people as you pass by, to help us all feel connected. Take up a new hobby like yoga or DIY projects or virtual group activities (the “Netflix Party” extension for Google Chrome is my favorite). We may be quarantined, but that doesn’t mean we have to binge-watch Friends all day, every day!
  • Maintain your regular hygiene. Just because we’re not leaving the house doesn’t mean we must give up on our hygiene and appearance! On days you are working, put on “work clothes” (AKA anything but sweats, at this point). If you will be video chatting for class or internships, wear a business casual outfit. Shower regularly, brush your teeth and hair as usual, and even apply some makeup if you wish! Continuing your hygiene routine during quarantine will give you a sense of normalcy and will keep you feeling your best.
  • Nicole's boyfriend at a "social distance picnic."
    My boyfriend and I went on a “social distance picnic” at a park nearby.
    Keep a “quarantine bucket list.” Optimism is key at a time like this, and having a list of things you want to accomplish is a great way to stay motivated. Your list can include fun things such as tie-dying old t-shirts or learning a new skill, and it can include practical things such as cleaning your room or going through your old clothes to donate. These tasks will give you something to look forward to, keep you busy in moments of boredom, and hopefully prevent you from falling into a three-hour TikTok rabbithole (guilty). Try to allot time for at least one item on your bucket list each day, to keep some excitement and variability in your routine.
  • Develop an online community. Studying at home doesn’t mean you have to learn on your own; connect with other students in your class! Try utilizing remote platforms such as Google Hangouts or Zoom for remote group study sessions. I created text and email groups so I can ask and answer questions.
A laptop on a desk with office supplies, with colorful posters in the background.
This is my #RowanAtHome desk.

As we all try to find a new normal in our daily lives, it is important to allow extra time and space for growth and reflection. Mental health is even more important now, and maintaining a regular schedule and practicing self-care can help us navigate the realm of COVID-19.

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Story and photos by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Me Time

Autumn smiles in the lobby of Savitz Hall.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Autumn Gittinger posing in Savitz Hall.Meet Autumn Gittinger, senior communication studies major, from Gibbstown, NJ (Gloucester County). She wrote this article in hopes to encourage a student to take a break and feel less guilty for wanting time for themselves.

In today’s society especially within college campuses, we make taking time for ourselves to be on the back burner. We often feel like “me time” is a waste of time and we constantly remind ourselves of the other hundred things we should be doing instead of doing nothing.

Though often we make people feel guilty for focusing on themselves. As a result many think finding time for themselves is not worth it (Carter, 2012.) But taking time for yourself is important, it gives your brain a chance to reboot, increases your productivity, concentration and helps you solve problems more effectively (Carter, 2012.) It also increases your self-awareness and helps you discover or rediscover your own voice (Carter, 2012.)  Guilt is a big part of why “me time” is often thrown to the side, but how do we work to overcome the guilt? There are some things to remind ourselves to help lessen the guiltiness of self-care.

First, is to remember that spending time alone will benefit those around you, because it will leave you in a better state of mind to take care and help those you care about. Secondly, taking “me time” will be time well spent because it will improve our happiness and ultimately make us happier people to be around. Lastly, spending time alone will prevent and combat burnout (Carter, 2012.) Which majority of people in college can relate to since we all have so many things to think and worry about on a daily basis. 

As college students we may understand how important it is to take time for oneself, but we may not know how. In a Psychology Today article titled, “Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty About Stealing a Little Time for Yourself” by Dr. Sherrie Bourg Carter. Carter suggests things such as waking up a little earlier, or using some of lunch time, and temporarily disconnecting from our devices. If these tricks don’t work then we could focus on our schedules. We can look at what time can be consolidated or what can be postponed in order to make time for ourselves (Carter, 2012.) Something that is important to remember is that when it comes to taking alone time, it does not mean you need hours and hours of time. We can all start off small and see how it works in our own lives. 

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Story by:
Autumn Gittinger, senior communication studies major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Sources:

Carter Bourg, Sherrie (2012). “Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty About Stealing a Little Time for Yourself”. Psychology Today. Retrieved from:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/high-octane-women/201202/wh y-you-shouldnt-feel-guilty-about-stealing-little-time-yourself

Pandemic Profs: Writing Arts Club Suggested Reading List

Stock image of an open book fanned against an orange background.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Paige Stressman, a sophomore writing arts major holed up in her house in Mount Ephraim, NJ (Camden County).

Hi, I’m Paige Stressman, secretary of the Writing Arts Club on campus. Our executive board decided to create this suggested reading list together to help the Rowan community combat boredom during social distancing. The books are a mix of young adult, graphic comics, fiction, poetry, and nonfiction – there is something for everyone. Happy reading!

Barnes & Noble on Rowan Boulevard may be closed, but you can visit any book retailer online for delivery. Side note: support your local, independent book sellers!

Her by Pierre A Jeanty
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur 
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
The perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Arc of a Scythe series (Scythe, Thunderhead, and The Toll) by Neal Shusterman
1984 by George Orwell
The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough
The Infernal Devices (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess) series by Cassandra Clare
The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak
Memory Man by David Baldacci
Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
The Remnant Chronicles (Kiss of Deception, Heart of Betrayal, and Beauty of Darkness)
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao
Intensity by Dean Koontz
The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett (second in series)
Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Comics/Graphic NovelsMan sits on a couch reading a book with a red cover.
All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison
Seven Soldiers of Victory Vol 1-2 by Grant Morrison 
The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
Kid Eternity by Grant Morrison 
Watchmen by Alan Moore

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Pandemic Profs: New to Anxiety? I’m Not.

Girl stares into the distance as we see the back of her head and ponytail.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from a student who would prefer to stay anonymous, given the personal nature of their blog post. 

So, you’re new to anxiety. Or, maybe you don’t even know the name of that feeling that you’re feeling yet. It’s unfamiliar to you. You’re struggling. You’re sleeping too much. Or not enough. You’re snapping at people. You’re fine, it’s just that they are so annoying – all. the. time. You just can’t stop reading the news about COVID-19. You haven’t showered in 2 days … OK 4 days. You’re eating like garbage. And you just don’t care. Your chest is tight, but only sometimes. Are you having a heart attack? Sometimes that feeling in your heart goes up to your jaw and your bottom teeth feel funny.  You feel like if you just had willpower, if you weren’t so lazy, all of this would go away. 

Welcome to my world. 

It’s not your fault. It’s not a lack of willpower. It’s not laziness. It’s anxiety. 

I’ve lived with this on and off since puberty, which is the typical age when anxiety or depression starts to kick in. Today I’ll share with you a few tricks that work for me. Try them. If they don’t work for you, or if your anxiety gets worse, please call your family doctor for an appointment. If you are in immediate danger, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. 

Here are 5 things that work for me:

  1. No caffeine. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Ditch it. Caffeine is horrible for anxiety and can kick off anxiety attacks. Switch to decaf. Beware of hidden caffeine, like green tea and eating too much chocolate. 
  2. Keep a routine. Find a schedule and stick to it, even when you’re stuck inside like we are now. Wake up at the same time every day and go to sleep at the same time every day. Yeah, it sucks to not binge Netflix until 4 a.m., but – trust me – it’s better for your mental health if you don’t. 
  3. Reach out to people. Confide in friends and family – but, honestly? Only the ones you know who will support you. Nobody who has a “you have nothing to be depressed about, snap out of it” sort of attitude. 
  4. Exercise. Get off the couch. Find something that works for you. Exercise keeps the anxiety demons at bay. Start a Couch to 5K training program, follow a Zumba program online. Do something. 
  5. Sunshine and outside time. This is a must. Sunshine increases serotonin levels, which helps to reduce anxiety. Walk your dog. Sit outside, even if it’s to scroll Instagram on your phone. 

Most of the time, when I actually follow my own advice, these tips help me to manage my anxiety. Listen to your own body and its alarm bells. If anxiety is new for you, call your doctor for guidance. If you follow the advice above and it helps you, too, great! But if it doesn’t, it may be time for therapy or medicine — and there’s no shame in that, either. 

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Pandemic Profs: Bonding with My Dog

Riley the golden retriever stands in the middle of large yard.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Jason Russack, a sophomore isolating in his house in Warren County, NJ. Jason is a civil and environmental engineering major who normally lives in Whitney Apartments during the school year. 

Jason and Riley pose for a selfie. Hello Rowan Profs! Normally I’d be in Whitney Apartments, hanging out with friends and going through my engineering homework. However, being stuck at home, I have decided to take some extra time to bond with my beloved golden retriever, Riley!

Riley is 10 years old and doesn’t like the cold much, so she definitely needs to get outside more than ever this spring. I have made it my duty to play with her on every sunny day for at least an hour, even if that means we are just sitting and catching rays in the lawn!  It has proven to be very rewarding being that I love nature. Not only has it helped my boredom, it is definitely healthy to soak up vitamin D and breathe fresh air, while physically distancing myself from others. Stay healthy and get outside when possible, it can make your day.

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Story and photography by: 
Jason Russack, sophomore civil & environmental engineering major

Pandemic Profs: a Social Distancing Spring Break

Alyssa Bauer poses at the top of Bear Mountain, NY.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Alyssa Bauer, a senior holed up in her house in Bergen County, NJ, during spring break. Alyssa is a public relations major.

I am definitely not someone who enjoys staying in. I am actively involved on-campus, which forces me out of my dorm for at least eight hours a day. Being stuck in my home with only my mom and brother, although I love them very much, is quite an adjustment. To avoid complete boredom, I found some ways to accommodate and welcome this new challenge of social distancing, which is important for my health and those around me.

  1. Socializing while social distancing
    Just because I’m limiting who I physically hang out with, doesn’t mean I’m completely trashing my social life. FaceTiming friends is a great way to keep each other company, distracted, and sane. If you’re in need of some open space and fresh air, I suggest grabbing a friend and taking a remote hike!
    Alyssa Bauer poses at the top of Bear Mountain, NY.
    Here I am at the top of Bear Mountain in Upstate New York!
     
  2. Staying active 
    Laying in bed all day may seem tempting, but making an effort to keep your body moving will help ease built-up stress.
    Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, meditation or a combination of all three, take the time to find out what works for you. Working out breaks up each day and ensures I’m doing something positive with my day instead of binge-watching  YouTube videos.
  3. Cooking
    Cooking is a huge de-stressor for me. I use that time to log off of social media (mainly because my hands are dirty) and cleanse my mind of distress. Now that I have all of the time in the world, or so it seems, I’ve been experimenting with different time-consuming recipes. What better reward than a yummy meal?
    Photo of cooked chicken Thai curry.
    This past week, I cooked Thai chicken curry, which came out delicious!
  4. Watching movies
    I rarely have the time to sit down for two hours to watch a movie. I started re-watching my favorite sappy movies (starting with About Time) and going through my Netflix watch list. Yesterday, I watched The Place Beyond the Pines, and it was one of the craziest movies I’ve watched in a long time — definitely recommend.
  5. Reading books
    Another activity I enjoy doing but usually don’t have time for is reading. However, I am now making an effort to replace screen time with book time.
    Photo of Educated by Tara Westover
    I just started reading “Educated,” by Tara Westover.
  6. Limiting caffeine consumption
    I love coffee. I love the taste, smell and comfort of holding it in my hands. However, it took me until my senior year of college to admit consuming more than one cup a day is a recipe for disaster. Too much caffeine makes me feel anxious, and adding stressors to a new routine will not help the adjustment. Take note of how you feel with the amount of caffeine you’re drinking.
  7. Finding peace
    The entire world is affected by all of this chaos in different shapes and forms. I, among my fellow soon-to-be graduates, are hurt over abrupt goodbyes, event cancelations and job losses. As hard as it may seem, we have the opportunity to exhibit humanity through our reactions.
    Behaving in deviance will not lead us to health. Be safe, be distant and wash your hands. 

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Story and photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Pandemic Profs: Baking Depression Cake During Social Distancing

A chocolate cupcake with powdered sugar on top on a plate.

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Rachel Rumsby, a freshman holed up in her house in Bergen County, NJ, during spring break. Rachel is a dual major in communication studies and public relations who normally lives in Mimosa Hall. 

My favorite ways to spend my time are baking and eating baked goods. I like to make sweet treats in any kind of weather or circumstance. The recipe I am going to share with you today is called the Depression Cake. The recipe’s ingredients would have been accessible during the Great Depression, hence the name. From my current experience during the coronavirus outbreak, most shelves are bare, so this is the perfect time to make this cake! This cake is dairy free. It can be made as a full cake, cupcakes, mini cupcakes, or a layer cake. In this instance I have made cupcakes!

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the cupcakes laid out on the table.

  • 1 1/2 cups of flour
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • Powdered sugar or preferred icing

Directions:

  1. Wash your hands often!Author washes her hands.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Put all dry ingredients into a bowl.
  4. Add all wet ingredients into the bowl and mix well. Mixed ingredients
  5. Grease pan with butter, cooking or baking spray, or alternative.
  6. Pour batter into the pan.The batter is in the pan.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes or until done. 
  8. Let cool.The finished cupcakes before garnish.
  9. Top with powdered sugar or preferred icing. Bon Appétit!The finished cupcake topped with powdered sugar.

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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major

Pandemic Profs: Music Industry Major’s Advice to Help Musicians [Spotify Playlist]

Jen Green stands in the Rowan University bookstore, looking toward her phone with the Badflower album cover OK I'm Sick

Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Tommy Bell, a junior isolating from his home in Atlantic County, NJ, during spring break. Tommy is a music industry major who normally lives in Triad Apartments.

With concerts and tours being canceled or postponed because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, musicians have already felt big monetary losses. For smaller artists, the impact is huge and immediate. 

Soraia on stage in the middle of a show.
Philadelphia-area band Soraia had their East Coast tour cut short due to coronavirus. Singer ZouZou and drummer Brianna live in Pitman, the town next to Rowan. (Photo courtesy of Soraia. Photo credit: Jen Green.)

Not only are musicians not getting paid for playing shows and not able to sell merchandise at shows, but they are also missing networking opportunities. Smaller bands thrive off of networking at their shows. Meeting new people and getting to know them is what helps a band grow. 

But all hope isn’t lost, there are still a few ways that you can support local artists from your house.

Here is what I’m doing – and how you can help local artists. 

  1. Add smaller artists’ songs to your playlists. Streaming platforms pay attention to this, and will suggest artists to new listeners based on related artists from playlists they’re on. 
  2. Even though streaming doesn’t provide much of an income to most artists, listening to and sharing their music could lead to them making it onto a major Spotify playlist which is great exposure. 
  3. Go to artists’ websites and buy merch. If they don’t have a website contact them on social media to buy. Most artists are still able and willing to send out merch to fans. 
  4. Follow artists’ social media pages and have your friends follow them. 
  5. Stream music in the background while you’re home. 
  6. Some artists are hosting virtual shows to watch and listen online. Buy tickets for this alternative type of show. 

I created a Spotify playlist of my favorite local bands to listen to. It includes a lot of Rowan student bands (Pastelephone, Upon Knee Hill, Aftyn, and Sanity Falls) and local bands such as Soraia, The Underground Thieves, Deal Casino and a few others. So go and stream while you’re stuck at home and support local artists!

Pastelephone singer kicks in the air during Battle of the Bands.
Rowan music industry students make up Pastelephone, shown here during a Battle of the Bands on campus. (Photo courtesy of Pastelephone.)

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Story by: Tommy Bell, junior music industry major

Perseverance

Rowan University junior Abby Broschard sitting outside.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Abby Broschard sits under the Magnolia Gazebo.Meet Abby Broschard, junior Nutrition & Dietetics major from Ocean City, NJ (Cape May County). Abby hopes after reading the article,”The reader feels a bit of hope that the struggles they face and handle are not in vain. Instead, I hope it can feel reassuring to know our struggles are rather a fundamental process for character growth and development.”

No matter what circumstances, when faced with disappointment, pain or hardship, our response ultimately comes down to one of two choices: to open, or close. The things we experience are often out of our control, but we regain our autonomy in whether we allow ourselves to be pried open to the world around us, or if we, in quite understandable fear, close. I made a promise to myself that afternoon that no matter the unknowns that headed my way, I would be someone who opened.”

This quote is from a letter written as a parting gift from a high school English teacher. She was one of the first who helped me understand how to perceive my circumstances and take on challenges within my life. Referring to our natural responses to circumstances as ‘to open or close’ resembles closely to research conducted by Carol Dweck, who has introduced the concept of identifying the traits of a “fixed or growth” mindset. In “Fixed vs. Growth: The Two Basic Mindsets That Shape Our Lives,” Maria Popova explains Dweck’s research:

“A ‘fixed mindset’ assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens which we can’t change in any meaningful way, and success is the affirmation of that inherent intelligence, an assessment of how those givens measure up against an equally fixed standard; striving for success and avoiding failure at all costs become a way of maintaining the sense of being smart or skilled. A ‘growth mindset,’ on the other hand, thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities,” (Dweck, Popova, 2014).

We are all amid one of the greatest unknowns in our lives thus far, and navigating our lives everyday is an incredible feat within itself. We must take ownership in our direction, even if it means dancing along in the shadows of our uncertainties. Further, in order to heal, grow and thrive under any circumstances, we must acknowledge our hardships, learn from these experiences and go on to try again.  By trusting the process and honoring the progression of our lives, it is certain that we will be able to foresee light. ♡

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Story by:
Abby Broschard, junior nutrition & dietetics major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Reference:

Dweck, C., Popova, M. Fixed vs. growth: the two basic mindsets that shape our lives. January 2014. Retrieved from www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset/

Pandemic Profs | Rowan Art Student-Created Coloring Book

Rowan coloring book pages

We understand that staying at home for spring break this year may not be what you wished it would be. We’ve tried to provide our Profs with some things to keep you busy and your mind at ease. 

Pick one of your favorite coloring book pages created by our very own Art students and color away. Share your creations with us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for a chance to be featured on our social media.

Click the photo above to download the Rowan Art student-created Coloring Book.

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#PROFspective: Women’s Ice Hockey Vice President Emily Render

Emily stands in front of the women's ice hockey trophy.

Name: Emily RenderEmily poses in front of a white background.
Year: Junior
Major: Radio/Television/Film within the Ric Edeleman College of Communication and Creative Arts

Hometown and county: Nutley, Essex County

On campus resident or commuter: I live in 114 Victoria, on campus.

Academic or social clubs:  Women’s Ice Hockey Club Team

Why did you choose Rowan? I met one of the Women’s Ice Hockey coaches at a game. The coach reached out to me and told me to look into Rowan. I came for a visit and I really liked the Radio/Television/Film program.

Group photo of the Women's Ice Hockey Team.
Emily, pictured front left.

What inspired you to get involved on campus? I Wanted to make more friends, and I knew if I got involved on campus, I would find people with similar interests to me, such as art, hockey, and Radio/Television/Film.

What made you want to join Women’s Ice Hockey? The coach was dedicated, there was a promising future for the team, and it seemed like a good environment. I also grew up playing hockey and wanted to continue.

Emily is wearing her ice hockey uniform, standing in front of the goal net.What would you share with a future student interested in joining Women’s Ice Hockey? Joining is definitely worth it. The team is like a family. Everyone is collaborative with putting in effort, the coaches are great and helpful, and every teammate has your back on and off the ice.

How has being on the Women’s Ice Hockey team impacted your Rowan experience? Being on the team helps me stay active and relieves stress. Being on a successful team has definitely had a positive impact on my college career. Also, I have a great group of friends with similar interests as me, and I enjoy the sport.

What are some good memories that you’ve had with the Women’s Ice Hockey team? We played really well freshmen year with 6 skaters. It felt great to prove that we can accomplish a lot with a small team because we worked so hard. Also, my sophomore year, we won the championships in overtime to get a seat in Nationals, and it was an amazing experience to be able to go to Nationals.

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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major

Students Make Furry Friends at Salem County Humane Society [VIDEO]

a person petting a cat on its head.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7zi5U65rG0

Through Rowan University’s Office of Volunteerism, students mingle and make new furry friends while volunteering at the Salem County Humane Society. Volunteer tasks include cleaning cages, setting out food and water, and socializing the animals. 

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Video by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Music by:
Louis Testa III, junior music composition major

Recovering Philanthropy at Rowan University

Sam smiling for a portrait outside Engineering Hall.

Sam Bollendorf poses in Engineering Hall.Meet Samantha Bollendorf, sophomore biomedical engineering major from Sewell, NJ (Gloucester County.) She shares her passion for volunteering with the Food Recovery Network and encourages students to deepen their volunteer experiences on-campus. 

“What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?” – George Eliot

There are few feelings, as a college student and human being, that rival the sensation of giving back to a cause, any cause, that matters to you. Giving all that we can do individually to better the lives of those that we empathize with is just about as rewarding as it gets, and it’s safe to say that we all wish we could participate in philanthropic efforts a little more than we already do.

It’s easy to be philanthropic when you’re a well-established gajillionaire, but as an undergraduate 20-something scraping together loose change to do your laundry and buy discount cereal from Aldi, donating to your favorite non-profits is an act easier said than done. Money is tight, and some days, starting a personal GoFundMe to keep your Spotify subscription afloat doesn’t seem all too crazy. All of this begs the question: “How can I give back on-campus in a way that works for me?”

As a student who actively volunteers and is constantly searching for ways to be more immersed on campus, I can assure you that Rowan offers a plethora of opportunities for students to give back. The breadth of volunteer efforts on campus reach a scope far beyond the bounds of our school — philanthropic efforts tend to reach the Glassboro community, as well as greater national causes.

That being said, it can be difficult to weed through the zillions of opportunities provided by our university to find the activities that really resonate with us as individuals. After a full year (and one semester) here at Rowan, I’ve found my own personal unsung hero of philanthropy in the form of Rowan’s Food Recovery Network.

Rowan’s Food Recovery Network is a small, student-led organization on campus that works on a weekly basis to source unused, otherwise wasted food from Rowan University’s dining halls. Students and faculty transport recovered food to local shelters in the Glassboro community. Food Recovery Network redirects food waste to a worthy cause, and gives students a chance to positively impact their surrounding community in a way that’s meaningful, and of course, doable.

Food Recovery Network logo Being a part of something like Food Recovery Network at Rowan, a university that encourages sustainability and practicing sustainable habits, is extremely rewarding. Being able to give back to those that have lent a hand in building beautiful Glassboro — the town that us Profs get to call home — is an opportunity I’m beyond grateful to have.

The best part? I don’t have to dip into my Spotify subscription fund to give back — all that I need to donate is my time, energy and my drive, shared by everyone at Food Recovery, to make the lives of those around us just a little less difficult. That’s the case with most volunteer efforts at Rowan University — so enhance your college experience, and lend a hand!

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Story by:
Samantha Bollendorf, sophomore biomedical engineering major

Photos by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Jalen Shares 3 Things He Likes about Living in Mimosa Hall

mimosa hall outside in spring.

students at mimosa lounge

Meet Jalen Rushton, a freshman Music Industry major from the College of Performing Arts. Jalen grew up in Columbus, Ohio but moved to Middletown, Delaware (New Castle County). He may be far from home, but Mimosa Hall has made his experience at Rowan University much more comforting. Today, he will share with us his three favorite things about living in Mimosa Hall.

jalen in front of his dorm room1. The Community in Mimosa

“I love how everyone is really accepting of each other, it’s like a small community. I’ve gotten used to the people here.”

Jalen has made many friends throughout his freshman year while staying at Mimosa. He mentioned that everyone on his floor knows each other and that they all help each other when the help is needed.   

 2. The Lounge AreaJalen playing piano

The lounge area in Mimosa has become one of Jalen’s favorite spots to hang around with his friends.

“Sometimes I do homework, sometimes we play ping pong and sometimes I play the broken piano.”

 3. The Location

“Mimosa is in the middle of campus, so if you don’t want to be at Mimosa you can go to the Rec Center or the Student Center or the Campbell Library, they are all literally next to us. The courts, the fields are right there too, I think Mimosa has the best location.”

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major 
Rachel Rumsby, freshman public relations major

How One Professor Changed My Perspective on Math

Adriana and Professor Smith smile in front of the Mathematics suite.

Meet Adriana Simiriglio, a junior Elementary Education major specializing in Mathematics from Gloucester County. Today she shares how her mathematics professor changed her outlook on teaching and learning that ultimately made her a better problem-solver and soon-to-be teacher.

Adriana sits outside Education Hall.

I’m an education major. This means that I will relearn nearly 12 years of schooling, but this time from another perspective.

I was a little hesitant to take my math class my first year. I was good at math, but I was never the strongest at it, and I was afraid that college math would be at least 50 times harder than what I experienced during my regular school years.

It wasn’t.

I walked into the classroom to meet my bright-eyed professor, William Smith, who welcomed me with open arms and was already practicing everyone’s names. He placed us sitting in different groups, where I was able to meet three other education majors who were scared of math just like me.

He started out by handing us all a pencil because he knew a lot of us would ultimately forget. However, it was what he had inscribed on the pencil that got my mind reeling.

“Math is not a spectator sport.”

A close up photo of a pencil that reads "Math is not a spectator sport."
Adriana still holds onto the pencil that Professor Smith gave to the class.

Professor Smith began to explain what this math class really was. We had to relearn all of math, starting with regular addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and then next semester, we’ll continue with fractions and probability. I was shocked. I had to relearn addition and subtraction? That was a kindergarten skill that I had already mastered many eons ago.

I thought I knew it all. I was wrong.

To help support us, Professor Smith made his own textbook and made it available in a PDF form. He explained he would never to assign too much homework because assigning book problems that don’t give us an answer and show us how to solve the problem are useless because we will never learn that way.

As soon as he was done explaining, he put addition problems on the board. Simple addition problems, but this started the epiphany of why math isn’t as scary as it looks.

The problems were easy, 2+2, 5+5, 20+10. When he asked us to explain our answer, we just simply said that “we knew it.” There was no explanation.

That’s the problem. We are never forced to explain. We are robots to the common knowledge, but we don’t know why or how we got the answers to the problems.

Now for the big guns, 367+83. Everyone was amused by what we thought was humor. So, we grabbed our papers, carried and borrowed with confidence, and all came up with the same answer. When we were asked why, it was just because “we were taught that way.” We had absolutely no knowledge of why we did math the way we did math.

Adriana and Professor Smith chatting at a table.

This is when he explained the pinnacle of what math truly is:

We are forced in our classes to memorize formulas, patterns, ways of solving problems the quickest. We are never taught to look at the problem, become problem solvers, and think of our own way to solve it. He asked how many of us were told by our teachers “not to use your way,” or “don’t use your parents way, just stick to this” even though we were getting the right answers. We were forced to copy the work of our teachers, and expected to get the right answers. All of us raised our hands. He told us he is going to guide us through this class, but he is not going to teach it, we are.

We are going to explain our thinking of answers to the class, share our own ways of solving the problem so others can try, and most importantly: scrap all formulas and shortcuts because they will never show you what math truly is. No more carrying and borrowing, no more solving from the right to the left. He taught us so many different ways to add, subtract, multiply, and divide so we could find what works best for us. Tests told us on every question to use the method that works best for us.

Throughout the semester, he had us volunteer to lead the class lessons, and as I started to feel comfortable and confident with my own work, I took strides and led the class multiple times, even within the first week of school. He told us that if we are going to be teachers, we have to get up in front of the class and explain something that is our biggest fear to our peers first. 

But why? Why did we feel confident? The answer is simple: We were allowed to let our brains work out and process problems in a way that we could figure out. We weren’t force-fed information that we had to mimic, but instead, we were given full range to expand our minds and understand what we were learning.

Adriana and Professor Smith hug.

So yes, math is not a spectator sport. It requires effort, thinking, and problem-solving skills. But when you open your mind to the different possibilities that math has to offer, it is only the beginning of what you can accomplish. Not only did this class change my perspective on math as a future teacher, but it made me feel confident instead of belittled when I couldn’t solve a problem, it made me feel empowered that I could solve the problems the way that I saw fit, and most importantly: this class taught me that math isn’t something to be afraid of. It is only yourself that can make you afraid, but when you have the right teacher, math can be as easy as 3.14.

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Story by:
Adriana Simiriglio, junior elementary education major

Faculty PROFile: Experiential Engineering Education Department’s Dr. Kaitlin Mallouk

Professor sits at her desk, hands clasped

Meet Dr. Kaitlin Mallouk, Assistant Professor within the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering

What is your area of expertise? Currently, my main area of expertise is engineering education pedagogy – basically, what are the best ways of teaching engineering students. I am also working on developing expertise in faculty development and leadership practices and diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering education. These new areas have synergies with each other and with my existing expertise, so I’m very excited to learn Dr. Mallouk sits at her desk in Rowan Hall.more.

Share an “aha!” moment that you’ve had within your discipline that made you feel passionate about your field. A few years ago, I championed the inclusion of weekly reflections in our first-semester first-year engineering clinic course that all engineering students take. As I began reading my students’ first reflections, I was struck by how many of them so clearly needed an outlet beyond what we typically provide in engineering (i.e., problem sets and lab reports). Their reflections were personal and honest and gave me a window into their lives that I don’t normally get. It reminded me that our students are whole people, and I had newfound motivation to provide them the best classroom experience I could.

Describe for us an experience you’ve had with a student that made you feel excited about educating the next generation in your field. I developed a project for our first-year engineering clinic class during which students learn about Net Zero Energy buildings and sustainability – we talk about solar power, heat transfer, and low energy appliances in the context of the engineering basics students are learning (like engineering economics). I think the project is super interesting and relevant, but I was so gratified when a student emailed me after the semester was over to let me know that his internship was going to require him to analyze solar panels and energy reduction measures and that he felt totally confident going into the internship having worked on the Net Zero project in my class! Our current students are the people who will be solving the most challenging engineering problems our society has ever faced and I’m proud that I can contribute to their development as engineers and people.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or your research focus? Just because a particular way of teaching/learning things worked for you doesn’t mean it works for everyone (or even the majority of people). Our education system has been designed to select for particular strengths, which means we’re missing out on a huge amount of talent that doesn’t happen to thrive in our current system.

What is a current project you and your students are working on? I have several students working on analyzing the reflections our first-year students are writing in their engineering clinic course. We are taking a few different approaches to this work—one is to try to understand how students think about the entrepreneurial mindset (curiosity, connections, creating value) and another is investigating how students conceptualize themselves as learners based on their responses to the prompt “Tell me about yourself as a learner”. We have found some interesting results—the publications are forthcoming!

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Story and photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Why It’s Important to Say No

Autumn smiles at the camera for a portrait taken in the student center.

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Autumn posing in Savitz.Meet Autumn Vilches-Cruz, junior psychology major from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County.) She shares, “I think this article will help the Rowan community because everyone has the power to put themselves first, and it all starts with saying no!”

In every individual’s life, there is a struggle to say “no.” When our plates are piled with things to do, and places to be, there is a standard we all hold ourselves to, where we want to commit to as much as we can.

However, there comes a point in everyone’s lives when the schedules we make for ourselves become overwhelming and taxing on the body. As humans, there is only so much we can do in a day. Committing too many things in a day can have harmful effects on your mind and body, so why put more on your plate than you can handle? Here are some benefits to saying “no.” 

  1. More time can be dedicated toward getting rest. If your schedule is piled up with commitments, your body will pay for it! By using the power of saying “no,” a door is opened up to more time for rest and recovery. 
  2. Other people’s priorities will not take precedence over yours. According to Michael Hyatt’s article “5 Reasons You Need to Get Better at Saying No,” if a person doesn’t offer rejection, then their life is then piled up with another person’s life. If a person piles too much on their plate, other people’s priorities become our own. Everyone has their own schedule and personal priorities to take care of. We cannot take care of other people if we can’t take care of ourselves.
  3. We will be able to say yes to the really important things. Think about it. If a person’s schedule is too full, they won’t be able to commit to things they really need time for. This would mean less time for family, friends, school work and social engagements, to name a few. When your schedule is piled up, there won’t be time to dedicate towards these things. By saying no, a person’s schedule is more cleared up to say yes to more important things!

By saying no now, this can mean a better yes later! If anyone is having trouble saying no, consider thinking about, or using these tips before thinking about what your “yes” is needed for. 

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Story by:
Autumn Vilches-Cruz, junior psychology major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

Michael Hyatt. “5 Reasons Why You Need to Get Better at Saying ‘No.’” Michael Hyatt, 29 Nov. 2019 

Jehu’s Home Away From Home: Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship [VIDEO]

Exterior shot of Rowan Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1IHUltuWrI

Sophomore computer science major Jehu Ananoria feels most at home at Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship. As a resident of Sussex County, NJ, Jehu moved nearly three hours away from home to come to Rowan.

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Video by:
Peter Planamente & Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism majors

Learn How This Transfer Student Graduated Debt Free

The top of Bunce Hall on a sunny day.

Rowan alumna and transfer student Natalia P. graduated debt free.Meet Natalia Panfilova, a 2017 graduate from the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts. Natalia earned her bachelor’s in Public Relations without paying a single dollar for her degree.

According to Marketplace, roughly 70% of American students end up taking out loans to go to college. It was estimated that the average student leaves school with around $30,000 in debt. Not Natalia, though, and today she will share with us how this transfer student managed to graduate debt free.

Community College

Before coming to Rowan, Natalia went to Camden County College. She chose to attend community college because she knew she would save up more money that way. According to Saving for College, “Students can save as much as $30,000 or more by attending a community college instead of a private four-year college.” During community college, Natalia worked in full-time jobs that were taking care of her tuition payments. Also, during community college, one of Natalia’s friends told her to work with her at one of the Wyndham hotel chains in Atlantic City because the hotel chain would cover a part of her tuition. This opportunity was one of the reasons she managed to graduate debt free.

Tuition Reimbursement Jobs

Wyndham is one of many organizations that offer tuition reimbursements. Tuition reimbursement is when a company agrees to help pay for an employee to further his or her education. “All you have to do is prove that you can somehow apply your career skills to your job,” Natalia says. Natalia also received financial aid, but whatever was not covered by her job took care of it. “They would cover up my books and they would cover up to $4,000 per year. So, I actually didn’t pay anything out of pocket. I got to keep my salary, because I was a commuter,” Natalia says.

Natalia in front of the ccca sign.Commuter

When Natalia was at Rowan, she chose not to stay on campus and decided to commute from Brigantine, NJ (Atlantic County). She commuted an hour each day, but because she commuted and was able to schedule her classes in two days, she was able to work full time at the hotel.

She recommends students learn about finances: “Educate yourself in all things financial, the more you know the better. Just in life in general, if you know how debt works, how banks work, your life is going to be so much easier.”  

What is Natalia Doing Now?

Rowan alum Natalia visiting a friend in Minsk, Belarus.
Natalia visiting a friend in Minsk, Belarus

Natalia recently moved to New York City for her new position as a program marketing manager for WebMD. By being savvy with her spending, she was able to graduate debt free and become a homeowner. Graduating debt free allowed Natalia to travel worry-free and so far, she has visited 13 countries.

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

Photos courtesy of:
Natalia Panfilova

Women’s Ice Hockey Team Invites Us to Practice [VIDEO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2UJ_eiBArI

Danielle Felicioli, a junior from Glen Rock, NJ (Bergen County) and Erin Campbell, a sophomore from Jackson, NJ (Ocean County) give us an inside look into the Rowan women’s ice hockey team during their practice.

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Video by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Music by:
Donald DeWitt, junior music industry major

#PROFspective: Radio/TV/Film Major Adam Clark

Adam looks into the distance, while wearing a crisp white button down shirt and fall colored trees behind him.

Adam Clark, a senior from Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County), is a Radio/TV/Film (RTF) major. Today, we will talk with Adam about his experience with filmmaking and how Rowan has prepared him for his future goals. Year: SeniorMajor: Radio/TV/Film (production focus)Town/County: Bridgeton, NJCommuter: YesJob on campus: No, jobs elsewhereClubs/Activities: Cinema Workshop What inspired you to choose […]

A First-Gen Radio/TV/Film Major Starts Up Company, Joins Town Government

Jamal sitting in the library with a green beanie on.

Meet Jamal McPherson from Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County), a junior majoring in Radio/TV/ Film (RTF) at the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts. Jamal is a first-generation college student who loves to get involved in the community and try new things. Last year, he was appointed to the town board committee in Swedesboro. Today, he will share with us his journey to getting appointed and his experience so far at Rowan University.

Before coming to Rowan, Jamal first attended Salisbury University in Maryland, where he was a political science major and football player. Jamal has always had a passion for video production, so at Salisbury he joined their sports media production team, but eventually decided to transfer.

RTF student sitting outside the library “What I was looking for was not at Salisbury, Maryland. Don’t get me wrong — I had a great time, but sometimes having a great time doesn’t mean you’re being productive,” Jamal says.

When Jamal decided to transfer to Rowan, he also switched majors. “My dad used to wrestle professionally in his day, that is why I’ve always had an interest in sports entertainment,” he adds.

While being back in his hometown, he saw a few vacancies in the board committee. He decided to apply, and he got the job. He is currently a member of the Parks & Recreation Committee and Economic Development Committee.

“I looked at the requirements and I emailed them saying I had great ideas. I joined last year, and I took an oath of office … They are a great group of mentors and they understand that school is first.”

Being a part of the committee is a four-year commitment; after Jamal’s contract is over, he isn’t sure if he will continue pursuing government committee positions. He recently started his own company called Aniville, where he plans concerts and festivals.Getting ready for the show

“Right now, I do concerts for my company Aniville, that’s what I’ve been working on lately.  I had a show in the Pfleeger Concert Hall in October, called ‘Aniville Jam’ and I had a show in Philadelphia over the summer too, it went pretty well. After the show it opened a few doors for me.”        

Jamal thinks Rowan does a great job in making sure everyone brings their A-game wherever they go, and he thinks the staff at Rowan University are exceptional.

“I love Rowan,” Jamal says.

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

From ‘Sister of Justice’ to Court Service Supervisor

concrete facade of Mercer County Court House with flag in background

The daughter of a welder/steamfitter father and a mother who did a little bit of everything, Kristen Cunningham knew she wanted to continue her education after high school, but wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. She also wanted to make her parents proud and be the first person in her family to go to college. Initially drawn to education and journalism, she shied away from those options when her hearing began to deteriorate as a young adult and she felt her hearing loss may hinder her in those areas. 

She completed her associate degree at Mercer County College, while working full-time as a cook in a restaurant. Her colleague there, Cheryl Buono, a waitress, told her about then-Glassboro State College and said, “You’ve got to come to this awesome school with me.” Kristen checked out a few options, including other state schools and an art school, but ultimately decided, “If Cheryl’s there, sure. That will make the transition to campus life much easier. I didn’t want to risk not getting a degree.”

Kristen Cunningham smiles outdoors, wearing a purple shirt while leaning against a concrete building.Once at Rowan, something just clicked with Kristen with criminology. “It blew my mind. I could still do the writing and the research that I enjoyed, but also focus on justice.” The law and justice studies alumna graduated in 1998, saying that the advice of her professors “saved” her. “I had one professor, Salerno, who asked me, ‘What do you want to do?’ We talked about it for a bit and he said, ‘I can see with your personality you’d be better at this, you’d be better at that.’ And he was right. He definitely geared me toward something that was a fit for me. He cared.”

Another professor taught her the importance of observation. “People never look up and that’s what criminals take advantage of. There’s a lot happening outside of your eyesight. To this day, when I’m walking down the street I always have eyes up. Those little nuggets, those were real-life experiences in that department. It was amazing and I loved it. We had people with years of experience in the field, being investigators, police officers and they were teaching these classes.”

Kristen also considers her involvement in Greek life to be paramount to her success at Rowan. “You went to classes and learned, but after class it was like family. Greek life made me feel like a part of the school.” Kristen affectionately earned the nickname “Sister of Justice” (something she is still sometimes called to this day) and led her sorority, Alpha Delta Epsilon, as president. 

Kristen Cunningham stands outside the concrete building of the Mercer County Courthouse on a sunny dayToday, Kristen is a 20-year employee of the judiciary within Mercer County. She started as an investigator, moving up to a probation officer after a year. She was voted Probation Worker of the Year in 2003. Two years later she was promoted to supervisor, a position she still holds today. As a court service supervisor in Probation/Child Support, she manages a team of six probation officers. “You get a lot of complaints. But as a civil servant you take the good with the bad. It’s rewarding because once in awhile I’ll get a letter that says that their lives changed for the better. That’s better than a bonus, when you hear that someone’s life has been bettered by an action you did – you go to bed that night feeling pretty good about yourself.”

As for her friend and waitress Cheryl? Successful in her own right as a leader in the marketing industry, she and Kristen are still dear friends 20+ years later.

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It’s OK to be Scared

cassidy stands in front of a brick wall.

Moving away from home is scary. I’m not going to sit here and lie Cassidy posing for a portrait on train tracksand say that the transition from high school to college was easy for me. I’m sure other people had smooth transitions and would love to share their stories, but for the people who are scared to move away, I want to let you know that you’re not alone.

The longest I had been away from my parents before moving to college was on a school trip to Europe that was a week long, and by the end of the week, I called my parents crying.

Believe it or not, I was excited to move into college. Buying all the things I needed for my dorm was exciting, but there was always a voice in the back of my mind that said, “What if I’m making a mistake?” My boyfriend who lived close to me was commuting, so why was I going to live on campus? I pushed those thoughts out of my head and told myself I wanted the “full college experience.”

Cassidy holding a sunflower umbrella by red foliage.I moved in a day before move-in day because I had a late orientation date. I had talked to my roommate before I moved in and we decided to live together because we were both Theatre majors. My family moved me in, we had dinner, and then they left. Then I was alone in a place I was not familiar with. I had no idea where anything was and I felt alone. I decided to reach out to my friends from home and we hung out all night. I felt a little more comfortable. The next night, my roommate Faith invited me to hang out with some people from the department. Little did I know that I would make a ton of friends that would help me through this rough transition.

Cassidy and her sister on her first move in day.During my first week of classes, I met professors who made sure I was comfortable and taking care of myself. I quickly learned that everyone cared about me and I wasn’t alone. I joined clubs, performed in shows and made friends along the way who have changed my life for the better.

If you are scared or anxious about moving away from home, I want to let you know that it’s OK. Once you get to college, you will quickly realize that everyone here wants to help you and they want to see you succeed. So don’t be afraid, call your parents every day, and don’t forget that if you’re having a really tough time, just reach out.

Story by:
Cassidy Anderson, sophomore public relations and theatre major

Photos by:
Scott Anderson

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Body Positivity: A Beginner’s Guide

Rowan Healthy Campus Initiatives contributor My’yonna Boyd on Rowan Boulevard

This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Rowan Healthy Campus Initiatives contributor My’yonna Boyd on Rowan BoulevardMeet My’yonna Boyd, freshmen Biology major from Camden, NJ. My’yonna hopes, “Students will become aware you can make positive changes in your life and learn to accept themselves for who they are as a person. With a little a motivation and research, a body-positive lifestyle can be suitable for anyone.”  

Body positivity has become a movement in our society. For those who are unfamiliar with the newly-coined termed, it means to help individuals embrace their image and learn to love the parts of themselves that makes one unique. Many concerned people have begun pushing the agenda that advertising companies need to be more inclusive, but still it does not seem our voices are being heard. 

However, since we can’t go protest every company that doesn’t have someone who looks like us, we can set up steps that will help us achieve our own body positivity goals. Remember the end goal is to be more mindful how we perceive ourselves and gaining confidence in our appearance. The steps listed below will give an idea of where to start and do not have to be followed in any specific order.

Step one: Consider a social media detox. We consume so much in one day, and sometimes we do not notice how impactful it is in our lives. Yes, social media helps us explore the world around us, but it also leaves us in a pool of pity when we begin comparing ourselves to others. Start with getting off the phone by a certain hour. This gives time to reflect the day and increases productivity, which makes us feel good. 

Step two: Set up SMART goals. “SMART is an effective tool that provides the clarity, focus and motivation you need to achieve your goals” (MindTools 2020). SMART is an acronym that stands for: Specific (simple), Measurable (motivating), Achievable (attainable), Relevant or Responsible (result-based) and Time-bound (time/cost limit). Ensuring your goal fits the criteria will allow it to be more effective.

Follow this example to structure your own goals.

Specific: I want to have more positive thoughts about myself than negative ones.
Measurable: I will compliment myself more frequently throughout the day.
Achievable: I will say two positive things about myself for each bad thought I had.
Responsible: I will acknowledge when I am being too negative and reevaluate.
Time-Based: I will have weekly journals to record my journey to being more positive and kinder to myself.

Being more body positive is definitely a journey, and the steps listed above can give guidance in the right direction. Each step we take is progress, so celebrate your small victories and note that we are all on the path to love ourselves more each day. 

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Story by:
My’yonna Boyd, freshmen biology major, Wellness Center intern

Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major

References: 

Michele, et al. “SMART Goals: – How to Make Your Goals Achievable.” Mind Tools, 4 Feb. 2020, www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm.

Iridian Shares 3 Ways She’s Gotten Involved as a Transfer

After completing two years at Atlantic Cape Community College, I decided to transfer over to Rowan University to get my bachelor’s in Journalism. Transferring over to a new school can be both exciting and intimidating. You’ll get to create new memories, meet new people and experience new opportunities.Student portrait of Journalism major Iridian outside on Rowan's campus

At community college I was involved in many extracurricular activities, like being part of the communication club and assistant editor for the Atlantic Cape Review. For me, getting involved has always been important. It improves leadership and interpersonal skills, but most importantly, it gives students practical experience.

When I first transferred to Rowan, I did not know anyone, but I immediately felt welcomed by all my professors and classmates. I knew I wanted to get involved and create new memories, just like I did at my community college.

I started asking other students what they were involved in, and I checked Rowan’s Student Organization Services page, where I found clubs and organizations that caught my attention. There are many ways to get involved — you’ve just got to be open to new experiences and opportunities.

Here are three ways I’ve gotten involved as a transfer student and commuter.Copies of The Whit, Rowan's student newspaper where Journalism major Iridian works as a copy editor

  1. Joined The Whit,The Campus Newspaper: As mentioned earlier, I am majoring in Journalism; for me, getting outside the classroom experience is extremely important. By joining The Whit, I got to meet the most amazing group of people. I created new friendships that I know will last forever and help each other out even after college. Aside from making friends, this past fall I got elected to become one of the copy editors for the paper. It’s all about being open to new opportunities.A screenshot of Rowan Blog's main page featuring one of Journalism major Iridian's stories
  2. Became a content writer for Rowan’s blog: By becoming a writer and working for the Admissions office, I have gotten the chance not only to work on my craft, but meet so many people, from students, to faculty and alumni. Now I walk through campus seeing familiar faces all the time, from interviewing so many people, and that feels amazing.
  3. Attended campus events: One thing I really like about Rowan is that there are always events going on. I like to say that there is an event for everyone here at Rowan. If you are interested in art there are events at the Art Gallery in 301 High St. There are many lectures you can attend, and many special guests are brought in as well. One way I check to see for upcoming events is by checking an email announcer we all get in the morning.

Journalism major Iridian sits outside on Rowan's campusThese are just three ways how I have gotten involved here at Rowan, but there are so many other ways to get involved. It’s all about being open to new experiences and being OK with getting out of your comfort zone.

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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major

Ed.D. Program Paves the Path to Success for Educational Leader

Exterior shot of Sussex County Community College, where Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan Gandhi works

Ketan Gandhi, from Asbury Park (Monmouth County), is well-versed in higher education, so his standards were high when considering the universities he could potentially earn his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. After completing his undergraduate studies at Bombay University in India, and earning an MBA in general administration at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he still wanted to learn more about the world of education.

Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan Gandhi meets with students as CFO of Sussex County Community College His experience in leadership positions at Burlington County College, Rutgers University and Sussex County Community College (where he is currently the CFO and EVP of Administrative Services) inspired him to explore the differences in leadership styles between private educational institutes and higher education.

“What motivates people in higher education is different than in a private business scenario,” Ketan says. “Understanding the type of leadership required to govern a higher institution could set me up for a more successful career in education.”

Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan sits at a desk with his laptop open, smiling.He came across the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at Rowan University through recommendations from colleagues who had had a positive experience in it.

“I also looked at a few other institutions, but what I liked about Rowan’s program is that it is led by faculty members with higher levels of experience and education. The faculty are actual presidents or provosts at universities, and can give me direct, relevant advice based on their experience.” 

The quality that secured Ketan’s decision to attend the Rowan Ed.D. program was its concentration in Community College Leadership Initiative (CCLI), which pertains directly to his professional experience and interests.

Though he has not been in school since 1986, Ketan was concerned about the transition back to intense learning. Luckily, “faculty members are open to allowing me to adjust, and I have support from my boss, my wife and my family,” he says.

“Each member of my cohort works at a different college or university, which allows us to share different experiences and perspectives,” he says. “It makes for better discussions and more learning opportunities.”

Leadership Theory, the first course he is taking for the program, has already ignited his passion for education and leadership. “This course has allowed me to truly understand the way I come across as a leader and who I want to be. I’ve already learned a lot about myself,” he reflects. A book that he has read during the course, “Discover Your True North” by Bill George, has also been an inspiration to him on this educational journey.

Rowan Ed.D. student Ketan Gandhi meets with students as CFO of Sussex County Community College

Ketan’s ultimate goal throughout Rowan’s Ed.D. program is to change and adapt to a new leadership style.

“I was very much a task-oriented leader,” he says. “In just a few weeks, I am already starting to see myself transforming into more of an entrepreneurial leader. It’s all about breaking habits that I’ve already established and improving them, really honing my skills.”

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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major

Photos courtesy of:
Ketan Gandhi and Sussex County Community College

ROWAN RESET | Morning Plant Care [VIDEO]

A cat sitting in plants

Rowan Reset is our Self-Care Sunday series of laid-back videos you can view as you go about your day — play as you study, nap, practice self-care or just veg out. Choose. Play. Reset. 

https://youtu.be/Y75aYz4CjlU

Noel deep cleans her plants every January, but this time she is helped by a cat!

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Video by:
Noel Waldron, senior advertising major

Music by:
Gabe Georges, music industry alumnus 

ROWAN RESET | Winter Hike [VIDEO]

Rain the dog with Gabe the human walking down a path

Rowan Reset is our Self-Care Sunday series of laid-back videos you can view as you go about your day — play as you study, nap, practice self-care or just veg out. Choose. Play. Reset.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I66eubiMrFo

Noel and Gabe go for a winter hike with the very good boy, Rain. 

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Video by:
Noel Waldron, senior advertising major

ROWAN RESET | Dog Park [VIDEO]

a dog lying on the ground wearing a harness

Rowan Reset is our Self-Care Sunday series of laid-back videos you can view as you go about your day — play as you study, nap, practice self-care or just veg out. Choose. Play. Reset.

https://youtu.be/fIBz_G6gNF8

Just some good boys hangin’ out in the good boy park!

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Video by:
Noel Waldron, senior advertising major

Music by:
Joseph Murphy, senior music industry major