There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home! While many people like Dorothy want to venture off to a place far away, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. There are a lot of benefits of staying close to home for college. I’ve learned this myself […]
Month: April 2020
Coping with Grief as a College Student
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.
Meet Allison Niemiec, a first year graduate student in the Higher Education Administrative Track program, from Cedar Grove, NJ (Essex County). She shares, “I wanted to write about coping with grief in response to a lot of the current events that surround mental health in higher education. There was a lot of conversation about these topics in my graduate classes, and I was able to see the impact that these events have on college students.”
Death is a sensitive topic and unexpected event that can cause an individual to experience a variety of different emotions and reactions. The emotions or reactions an individual has in response to loss is often referred to as grief (Thai and Moore, 2018). In college, students already deal with multiple stresses such as with academics, finances, friendships, adjusting to campus, and many more, which can be amplified when dealing with loss and grief.
A Residential Assistant named Meghan Auer (2019) explains her experience of coping with grief after receiving the shocking news of the death of a dormitory resident that she used to work with. Meghan provides some insight as to what potential steps are toward coping with grief as a college student and student leader. For one, Meghan discusses the importance of processing and taking time to breathe immediately after hearing the news about death (Auer, 2019). She suggests that at this moment an individual will be faced with a variety of emotions at once such as frustration, denial, or feeling overwhelmed. Taking deep breaths helps to clear your mind from feeling these emotions as intensely and calling a close friend can provide positive support (Auer, 2019).
Second, it will be important to let employers or professors know about your loss so that they are aware of the situation and can provide accommodations (Auer, 2019). For example, informing a professor about your loss may be important in the event that you need to travel for services or need an extension on an assignment.
Third, the most important part of the healing process is engaging in self-care. Self-care can appear in a variety of different ways, but can include activities such as creating a routine that provides structure to your day, surrounding yourself with positive people, participating in hobbies that bring forth joy, exercising, and many more (Auer, 2019). In some cases, wellness resources such as group or individual counseling can also help an individual have another environment to talk about their experience with loss and learn more tips on how to cope with grief (Auer, 2019).
Overall, dealing with loss can cause a range of different emotions and reactions in an individual and is most commonly referred to as grief. As a college student the feeling of grief can seem overwhelming especially when dealing with other stressors such as finances, relationships, academics, and getting used to the college environment. Giving yourself time to process the news of the death, informing professors and employers about your loss, and participating in self-care are all beneficial steps towards coping with grief as a college student.
Like what you see, learn more about our healthy-campus iniatives!
Story by:
Allison Niemiec, first year graduate student in the Higher Education Administrative Track program, Wellness Center intern
Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
References
Auer, M. (2019, November 8). Coping with Grief and Loss as a College Student. Retrieved from
https://psychcentral.com/lib/coping-with-grief-and-loss-as-a-college-student/
Thai, C. L., & Moore, J. F. (2018). Grief and bereavement in young adult college students: A review of the literature and implications for practice and research. Communication Research Trends, 37(4), 4-29. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.rowan.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/2167696443?accountid=13605
Take a Look Inside Rowan’s Anime Club [VIDEO]
Rowan Blog produced this video pre-quarantine.
Join us as we visit a meeting of the student-run Rowan University Anime Club.
You don’t even have to watch anime to join Anime Club, which its members describe as “inclusive,” “open” and “accepting.” Students with little to advanced anime knowledge will find a community here.
Anime Club meets in Robinson Hall.
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Video by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Tom Copsetta, senior radio/TV/film major
Music by:
Bianca Torres, junior music industry major
Biology Alum Thanks Professors for Guiding Him Toward Medical School
Today we speak with Nick San Juan, a former transfer student and biological sciences major who graduated in 2019. Nick commuted to Rowan for his undergraduate studies from his home in Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County), and is working his way toward medical school to continue his education.
You mentioned you were a transfer student and a commuter. Where did you transfer from, and why did you choose Rowan?
I went to Rowan College at Gloucester County originally, then transferred to Rutgers New Brunswick for a year and realized that it didn’t fit me personally. I wanted a school closer to home in South Jersey that was smaller and more personal, and so that’s why I chose Rowan.
My first class at Rowan was with Dr. Gregory Eaton. On the first day of classes, most professors like to get to know students, so we did one of those ice breaker activities. I told the class that I was a transfer and this was my first day at Rowan and that I was a little nervous. He took the time to ask me questions about where I transferred from. He shared that he also transferred to Rowan from RCGC, and said that if I had any questions about campus or the biology department to ask him. I really appreciate the time he took to make me feel comfortable.
How did you meet new people and stay involved on campus as a commuter?
I went to several club meetings and tried my hand in a few different clubs I was interested in. Because Rowan is a smaller campus, you get to see certain faces regularly and recognize them, and eventually build relationships with some of these people.
Do you have any advice for future transfer students or commuters?
I definitely recommend going to events and trying to be more involved. It can be lonely as a commuter and a transfer student because you don’t really know too many people right away and don’t stay on campus, so you have the mindset that you’re just here for class and not to make friends. But I think that’s a negative outlook, and I’d recommend getting out of your comfort zone and building up the courage to make new friends. College is a unique experience for everyone, and the way to get the most out of that experience is to meet new and different kinds of people.
How did you get involved in your major?
I didn’t have a linear path to biology or a conventional desire to pursue it out of high school. I initially studied math and engineering, until I realized that particular branch of science wasn’t for me. I decided to take a look into biology, and once I considered the potential careers [I could pursue], I decided that this was the major for me.
What has your career path looked like since you finished your undergrad?
I am applying to medical school this summer. I will be pursuing medicine, and aim to become a physician at some point. It’s still up in the air for me, which branch of medicine I want to practice, but I know I’ll have plenty of time to explore the different branches of medicine. The two institutions I’m primarily considering are Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
[On the day these photos were captured], I [am] actually on campus to ask Dr. Gregory Hecht for a letter of recommendation. He’s very approachable and personable. My experience in his class was very positive. I’d go to his office hours every week and ask him questions. I think we definitely built a relationship to the point that I felt I could approach him to ask for a recommendation, because we got to know each other over the course of the semester I was in his class, and I think he was someone who took note of my work ethic.
What are your goals for the future? How do you feel that Rowan has prepared you?
I really enjoyed my time in the science courses at Rowan. My professors really developed me professionally and taught the material in ways that just made sense. Almost everything I was able to learn really stuck with me, and I think I can use that background and the things I have learned here in the medical education I will be fortunate enough to receive in the future.
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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Gaining Professional Skills Through On-Campus Experience
One of the biggest decisions that a student has to make when they come to college is what path they wish to take career wise. The classes and the extra curricular activities that students can join on Rowan’s campus can help boost them towards the overall goal of starting a career.
The University offers countless amounts of clubs and internship opportunities that span across all majors and interests a student may have.
These organizations give students the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge for the fields that they might want to go into such as the Advertising Club, Writing Arts Club, and the Athletic Training Club. As we all know experience can mean everything when it comes to the end of your college career and the job search begins.
This year I was given the opportunity to be an intern for Rowan University’s Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact. My job entailed with making graphics and promotional material for our social media pages and editing the website for the center. The center is a part of the Sports Communication major and the newly named Ric Edelman College of Communications & Creative Arts.
Internships through the school can be very rewarding to students. I gained experience in an office setting working with a team of students and university faculty. For someone working in graphic design such as myself, having to stick within the guidelines of an institution such as Rowan University gave me an experience I never had before. I never had to follow the rules of a company while designing; this would have been something I would learn the hard way if it wasn’t for the experience I gained through the internship.
Though most of the internships at Rowan are not paid like a job on campus would be, a student can recieve class credits. This helped me make sure that each semester I had enough credits to reach the graduating goal of 120 credits while gaining extra knowledge outside of class time.
Internships and club experiences can be very valuable to students. They can give students unforgettable memories for their college experience and give them something to pad their impressive resumes for the future. My internship is something I am very thankful for and every student should take the chance to experience it for themselves. You never know what it might give you in return.
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Story and photos by:
Mark Baugh, senior radio/tv/film major
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: History Major Peter Macrina
Today’s TRANSFERmation Tuesday features Peter Macrina, a junior transfer from Camden County College. Peter is a first-generation History major whose hometown is Philadelphia. He commutes to Rowan from Bellmawr, NJ (Camden County).
Could you share with us one moment that made you feel inspired or confident that you’re in the right field for you?
One moment that made me feel that my field was meant for me was when I was accepted into the Phi Alpha Theta International History Honor Society conference to be a speaker, which was unfortunately canceled, but it still means something to me nonetheless!
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
The most interesting thing I’ve learned pertaining to my major this year is an enormous amount about Woodrow Wilson’s time as governor of New Jersey.
Why did you choose Rowan?
I chose Rowan because I heard about its History program as being one of the best in the state, my mentor being an alum, and it being close by!
What are you most looking forward to at Rowan next year?
I’m looking forward to being back in the classroom and on campus. I miss my second home, the library!
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Story by:
Peter Macrina, junior history major
Pandemic Profs: Barn Hand Alli Pontano
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 coronavirus. Today’s story features Alli Pontano, a freshman Sports Communication and Media major social distancing from her home in Camden County, NJ.
Alli Pontano is a barn hand at Home on God’s Range Stables in 
Sicklerville, NJ. Her job is to muck out the horse stalls, ride the horses, take care of the horses if they are hurt and feed the horses. She still goes to work at the stables five times a week to check on and take care of the horses. She says that although the Coronavirus has made things a little bit different, she maintains her normal duties. “The virus mainly affected our airsoft field in the back. We would have airsoft every weekend, but now we don’t [Airsoft is a game where you shoot plastic bbs. The game is very similar to paintball. The farm has a field in the woods where players can play]. Instead of working 6 days a week, I have been working 5 days a week due to the virus. I continue to do my normal routine and pay attention to the 15 horses.”
Alli feels a connection to the horses because of her family background. 
“It’s in my DNA. I come from a horse family, and my aunts are 4H royalty. My one aunt was the Appaloosa Queen and the other was the Barrel Racing Queen. My family used to have racehorses, and I work at the same farm my family used to keep our racehorses at. In my family, you have to know about horses because it is in our DNA. Since I was seven, I have been working on farms. To many, farm work is stressful because there is so much to do in such little time. Personally, I find farm work to be the best work. It is relaxing to be with the horses because they are majestic creatures and it brings me so much joy to be with them.” She finds working with the horses to be relaxing during this time of uncertainty.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Alli Pontano, freshman sports communication major
Photography by:
Alli Pontano, freshman sports communication major
Student Worker for Financial Aid Department Provides Tips for Filing the FAFSA
Courtney Colletti, a senior communication studies major from Pennsville, NJ (Salem County), is a student worker for the Financial Aid department. Today she shares with us a glimpse into her job, and the importance of filing your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming school year.
What are your responsibilities as a student worker for the Financial Aid department?
My official title is Creative Assistant, and I manage the Financial Aid social media accounts and help out with marketing efforts within the department. I get to create content for Twitter and Instagram, brainstorm contest ideas for social media and help my bosses organize financial aid events.
I really wanted to expand from just social management into more marketing experience. This job presents opportunities for me to run events and host classes about financial aid and plan PR campaigns for getting students to file their FAFSA. I am also part of the initiative for the FAFSA Finisher contest, which encourages students to fill out their FAFSA for a chance to win Rowan gear and technology prizes.
How did you get the job as a student?
I actually came across this job on ProfsJobs. I love ProfsJobs! All of my past positions have been found on there. When I interviewed for this job, the atmosphere was so great, and I realized the importance of making sure I am happy in what I do and having a good environment. It’s such a collaborative team effort, and we still have fun and get creative. The whole office is focused on helping students and making sure they get the money they need. Financial Aid may have a reputation for being “boring,” but my bosses are so funny, outgoing and happy.
From your experience at work, how does the FAFSA help students? Why is it important to complete?
Students have to fill out the FAFSA if they want any kind of financial assistance from the government. When it comes to grants and scholarships through the government, the information you provide in your FAFSA determines how much aid you qualify for. It also sets you up so the federal government can determine how much in subsidized and unsubsidized loans you’re able to receive.
We try to encourage students to file the FAFSA as early as they can, because you can lose potential aid money by not filing as early as possible. The more aid you are able to receive from the government, the less money you have to borrow from private lenders, which could come with higher interest rates. We want to prevent students from losing money that they are entitled to.
Because of COVID-19, the deadlines for filing have changed. Instead of April 15, returning students have to file by June 1 the very latest. Brand new students have until Sept. 15 to file for the Fall 2020 semester.
Any suggestions for students who are looking to fill out the FAFSA?
Ask your parents to sit down with you to do this, or find someone you trust who is good with money to advise you. Make sure you have all the information you need ahead of time so you’re not scrambling for it last minute. And if you have to fill it out on your own or need help, the Financial Aid department is here for you. You can email us to set up a phone or Zoom call where our staff can walk you through the process. It’s not as scary or intimidating as students think it is. You’re just plugging in a few numbers, and they keep it pretty simple.
The Office of Financial Aid wants you to know that they are still here for you as a resource. Follow @rowanfinaid on Instagram and Twitter to participate in contests and win prizes just for filling out your FAFSA!
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LEARN MORE
Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Pandemic Profs: Helping out at the Family’s Coffee Business
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 practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of coronavirus. Today’s story is from Sarah, a junior isolating from her home in Pennsylvania.
Hi! My name is Sarah Niles.
I am a junior Leadership & Social Innovation major, with a concentration in Access, Success and Equity in Education Innovation, Dance minor, and Adventure Education Leadership Certificate of Undergraduate Study (CUGS).
My hometown was Haddonfield, NJ in Camden County, although I currently live in Havertown, PA in Delaware County.
I am working at my dad’s coffee roasting company, House Cup Coffee Roasters, while on break. He roasts and sells coffee direct to customers in the town we live in (right outside of Philadelphia), and he also serves as a wholesale coffee distributor for restaurants.
He recently just opened a cafe called House Cup Cafe, although it is currently closed due to the pandemic.
I’ve been bagging, grinding and delivering coffee and it’s a lot of fun (plus it smells great!).
He has lots of different kinds of coffee. He sources beans from different countries all over the world wherever coffee is grown.
“Somewhere” is the house blend, which is a secret mix of different beans, and is by far the most popular.
The kinds range from lightest to darkest roasts, like Ethiopia, Columbia, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Sumatra, which coincidentally, are named from where the beans of that roast are from.
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Story and photos by:
Sarah Niles, junior leadership & social innovation major
Pandemic Profs: Netflix Edition
Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Devon Graf, a senior Communication Studies major isolating from her home in Gloucester County, NJ.
Currently with too much time on some of our hands at home, we may not know where to begin. I’m here to give you some top Netflix shows around. While being at home, this can be a great time to sit around with family and start a new series! Let’s get to it!!
1. Dexter
- Oldie, but a goodie? Am I right? Expect to see graphic close-ups of severed arms, legs and heads. And running a close second to the bloody visuals is the psychological mayhem that comes with taking a peek inside the twisted mind of a killer. The real catch is Dexter Morgan’s day job: He’s a blood-splatter expert for the Miami Police Department, which further assists him in his clean technique of taking care of his own victims. This eight-season show will have you in for a thrill. One question you can take away is, Why do we sometimes root for the bad guys? Is Dexter a “bad guy”?
2. Black Mirror
- With all of this chaotic pandemic craziness going on, what better way to take your mind off with some sick, twisted Black Mirror episodes? One thing I love about this show is that every episode is different. You have five seasons and 22 episodes of dark, British social commentary. There are lots of violent (and often scary) events, sexual themes and cursing. There are references to social media like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, as well as similar but futuristic technological concepts, like a Tinder app that helps people find their true love by using computer simulations. Definitely a show that can mess with your mind! Take this away: Can you think of examples where technological advances seem to have gone too far in real life?
3. When They See Us
- Looking for something more in depth and real? When They See Us is a dramatization of the Central Park Five case, in which five teenagers were wrongly convicted of the violent rape of a 28-year-old woman. The 1990 trial was widely publicized at the time and has become an example of institutional racism within the police and the American justice system. The complex subject matter makes this brutal but often powerful series is a harsh reality that is very compelling, although violent. If you watch maybe with a younger sibling, there is some strong language and the content is mature, so I would recommend this for those who are 14+ and able to handle content involving racism, violence, sexual content, etc.
4. Dead To Me
- This quirky dark comedy is about a widowed woman who makes a mysterious new friend in a support group. This unusual show combines both a suspenseful mystery and a narrative about a woman becoming a stronger and more complete person after a terrible blow through a supportive (if fraught) friendship and therapy. This show stars Christina Applegate as Jen, a recently widowed woman whose overwhelming grief leads her to a support group where she meets Judy (Linda Cardellini), who’s going through her own grief process. When the two spark a friendship, Jen quickly learns that there’s more to Judy than meets the eye — but just how much more will take longer to unravel!!!! You can also talk about this with family while watching and ask about what type of show this is. Is it a crime drama? A fantasy? A family drama?
5. The Umbrella Academy
- Looking for a dark comic? This show is a series about a group of adopted siblings with superpowers who team up to try to prevent a fiery future apocalypse. Characters, usually depicted as villains, bad guys or faceless “hench” people, are dispatched bloodily by the so-called heroes. They’re shot, stabbed and torn apart, with spurting blood and gore — in piles of dead bodies. Action packed? I think so. Here are some questions you could pass around the table with your family: What makes stories about humans with extraordinary powers especially appealing? Why would people want to have superpowers, particularly at this moment in time? If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
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Story by:
Devon Graf, senior communication studies major
Header photo courtesy of:
Pixabay
First Year Voices: Theatre Major Lydia Riddell
Today’s (FRESH)man Voices features Lydia Riddell, a theatre major from Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County) who lived in Holly Pointe Commons until COVID-19 shut down the campus.
What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan?
What I enjoyed most about my freshman year was all of the welcome events in the beginning of the year. With all of the food truck festivals and little events at Holly Pointe, I was able to meet some great people really fast!
Could you share with one happy moment you had with friends, professors or other members of the Rowan community that made you realize Rowan felt like “home”?
One of the happiest moments this year was when I decided to switch my major to theatre. I was nervous, but everyone in the department was super welcoming and really helped me feel like Rowan was my home.
What advice do you have for future freshmen looking at colleges right now?
Advice I have for future freshmen is: be yourself and stay optimistic. Go in to college with a positive view, it makes it much easier to enjoy the transition and make friends.
What are you most looking forward to next year at Rowan?
Even though my first year was cut short, I’m looking forward to seeing all of my friends again and having even more fun at Rowan next year!
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Growing up in Glassboro: Why I Chose Rowan
Today’s story is from Maria Mancini, a senior public relations major self-distancing from her house in Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County). Maria joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Nexus Properties was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business.
For many of you, Glassboro, NJ is just a town where Rowan University is located; but for me, it’s home and has been my entire life. I went through Glassboro’s public schools, played sports here and graduated from Glassboro High School. I lived here as Glassboro transitioned from a small town to a big college destination. So if I have been here my whole life, why would I want to stay here for college, too?
Here are three main reasons why I chose Rowan University.
1. Family is Here
I grew up in a very big Italian family. I have two older sisters and a younger brother, 15+ older cousins, many aunts and uncles. Growing up, my Nonna would watch my siblings, my cousins and me while our parents went to work. As we got older, we were only there after school. Being able to grow up with all my cousins and siblings around created a bond with my family that is truly irreplaceable. I do everything with my family. We cook together, play sports together and pretty much everything else together. When the opportunity came to go to college, I honestly didn’t think twice about leaving my family. I knew that I belonged right here in Glassboro where I could stay close to them.
2. Financially Smart
Picking Rowan meant I got to live at home, eat my mom’s food and not pay any bills. I wanted to go to college after high school, but I didn’t want to be in debt. Rowan University is reasonably priced per semester, and not having to live on campus or needing a meal plan made that price go down even more. Choosing Rowan also meant that I would be able to find a job and work part time. Rowan was the choice for me because I was able to save money while also making money.
3. Opportunities
Because I grew up in Glassboro, I have seen the progression of Rowan University. I have watched as Rowan started to take over Glassboro. I could see that Rowan was growing and not at a slow pace. I watched as houses in my neighborhood turned into rentals for college students. I watched as buildings started to go up all over Glassboro and on Rowan’s campus. For me, this only meant one thing — opportunities. I could see that Rowan was turning into a highly recognizable university. I would research Rowan and see all of their programs and degrees that they had to offer. I saw all the awards Rowan was getting. I knew that if I went to Rowan, I would succeed, not only academically, but also after college. Rowan University was an opportunity for me to further my education with amazing professors and staff along to help me.
I might have lived in Glassboro my entire life, but choosing Rowan University was a no brainer for me. I don’t miss out on any moments with my family, I get to graduate college debt free and I am given endless opportunities. If you live in Glassboro, or even in the surrounding towns, go to Rowan University. You won’t regret it.
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Story by:
Maria Mancini, senior public relations major
Pandemic Profs: Staying Entertained at Home with Animal Crossing
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 Tom Copsetta, a senior isolating from his house in Gloucester County, NJ. Tom is a Radio/TV/Film major.
With coronavirus taking the world by storm, especially the state of New Jersey, we’ve all been stuck inside for almost a month now and will continue to be until further notice. With the case numbers rapidly growing at an exponential rate, no one knows for sure when we will be able to safely return back to our normal schedules.
For many students, their normal hobbies and day to day activities are no longer an option during the lockdown. So, without being able to work or partake in those hobbies, many of us are bored. Very bored. However, with the convenient release of Nintendo’s newest installment in the Animal Crossing series, “Animal Crossing – New Horizons,” millions of players across the globe are staying entertained and keeping their minds busy while at home.
New Horizons, only available on the Nintendo Switch, has been the saving grace for many of us (including myself), as the game takes you out of our world and places you in your very own, where you team up with the infamous Tom Nook to turn a deserted island into a resident’s paradise. Up to 10 computer residents get to embark on the journey with you to create the perfect island with your own creative taste.
Animal Crossing is the type of game you can get lost in all day long. As soon as you start, you are presented with just a few of the many past times the game has to offer: fishing, bug-catching and crafting. This is only scratching the surface of what you can spend hours upon hours enjoying in Animal Crossing. It’s almost like a second life, where everyone has hobbies. You can create custom designs and share them with the world, design your island any way you like, create the perfect interior to your home, or even my personal favorite, breeding flowers. There are so many ways to get lost while playing and have a great time.
This is the first release of an Animal Crossing game since New Leaf back in 2012, which lead to many fans becoming beyond eager to play this new release. With Coronavirus taking over, what better time is there than now to kick back and develop your island.
A great feature Animal Crossing has to offer is the 8-person online multiplayer functionality. You can have up to 7 other friends join your island to show them around, play games, trade items and much more. Because of this, thousands of players have set up huge trading forums online and have established what we call the “Animal Crossing Black Market,” which has been around since multiplayer began in Animal Crossing Wild World for the original Nintendo DS. More alive than ever, this fanbase-established market has been the source of many players creating beautiful islands very quickly.
Animal Crossing is a game meant to provide players with an outlet, a tool for relaxation/stress-relief, and especially meant to be played at your own pace. Now we are already a month into the release, and it’s already given players a lot more than just a fun game to play. Animal Crossing is a way to stay connected with your friends, hang out with them, or even make new friends during this rough time we are all going through. I have personally been working on video guides and posting them to YouTube to try and help the community, and have already made countless friends doing so. It’s also given me plenty of things to do to keep myself busy, such as creating my own animated intro for the guide videos with a special Animal Crossing theme to it. If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend investing in this game to supply yourself with endless hours of fun during this long period of time we’re all stuck inside.
Like what you see?
Story and images by:
Tom Copsetta, senior radio/TV/film major
Volunteer for Your Well-being
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.
Meet Roxy Urso, junior Biology major from Barnegat, NJ (Ocean County). Roxy felt inspired by her love of volunteering to write this article. She shares: “There is more to it than just getting hours for school or to look good on applications. It can be very beneficial for a person’s mental health as well. I hope this article will involve more people in the programs Rowan has to offer that are centered around volunteering after they see the value it can have.”
Giving a small piece of a day to help someone — whether it is a friend or someone new — can make a huge difference in how people view themselves. There is something about giving time to others that gives a sense of love and appreciation that is hard to find through any other means.
Being college students, we often get lost in the dizzying cycle of school, friends, and oftentimes work. It feels like there is often not much else out there besides the college campus we reside in, however there is a huge community of people surrounding the local campus, as well as the area.
A great way college students can refocus their sense of purpose and learn more about who they are is through volunteering. By volunteering with true intentions to genuinely help someone, studies have shown that people who chose to volunteer have less stress and anxiety, helps fight depressions, and stay more physically healthy (Segal 2019).
Volunteering allows people to make meaningful connections with people, either bonding while volunteering, or making connections with the people being helped. There has even been multiple studies to show that volunteering will help lower blood pressure as people age (Segal 2019).
There are so many resources to find volunteering sites, on campus and in the community. A great resource is the Office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement and Commuter Services. They offer multiple trips and events weekly that can allow a student to volunteer, even if it’s just for an hour during the week.
Any opportunity to volunteer will prove tremendous benefits for mental, as well as physical, health. There are multiple opportunities around campus, as well as in the community, that will help reap those benefits.
Like what you see, learn more about our healthy campus initiatives!
Story by:
Roxy Urso, junior biology major, Wellness Center intern
Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
References
Segal, J., & Robinson, L. (2019, November 26). Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits.
The Perks of Completing Multiple Internships
Starting your first internship can be stressful. I was so nervous on the first day of my first internship! But after long summers and semesters at various companies, I learned to embrace the once-in-a-lifetime role of being an intern and make the most of every experience I was lucky to have.
Here are some of the benefits I’ve discovered while juggling multiple internships throughout college.
- It’ll help you narrow down your career choice
Internships are like a test-drive for your potential career. With each new role as an intern comes an opportunity to learn something you didn’t already know about your field. Your responsibilities and tasks will differ with each internship, and experiencing a little bit of everything will help you determine what you enjoy doing (and maybe what you don’t like doing, which is also helpful). When I started my first one, I wasn’t sure if it would be the perfect fit for what I wanted to do.
The next summer, I began another internship and learned that this one was more my speed. Noting the similarities and differences between each opportunity made me realize what was important to me in a future job. No two internships are the same, and getting a taste of what life is like at different companies will help you focus on what you are looking for in a future career.
- The more experience, the better
Employers like to see a range of experience showcased on your resume. Having a handful of internships to talk about will not only show them that you are a hard worker, but it will portray how well-rounded you are. Every company operates in its own way, and showing how you adapted to each new atmosphere is a chance to impress. Having at least some background knowledge in different software, strategies and skills that you’ve learned at each internship shows how flexible you are as a worker. This experience can qualify you for more opportunities in the future and make you feel more prepared to enter a new professional environment. For example, one company I interned for used a certain software to schedule their posts, while the next company used a different one. I was able to put both softwares on my resume, which diversifies my skills.
- You can make mistakes and learn from them
The best advice I’ve received as an intern? You’re allowed to make mistakes — in fact, it’s almost expected of you. Your bosses know that you aren’t an expert in your field yet, and that’s why you’re here to learn as much as you can. Don’t panic if your work isn’t perfect; instead, ask about how you can improve it next time. Take advantage of the proximity you have to professionals in your field, and ask to be a part of any projects that interest you. Internships are a lot less structured than salaried jobs, and you’re allowed to be hands-on in different areas of the company that you want to learn more about. Even just observing others or asking questions can open the door to new knowledge or skills that can help you in the future.
- You’ll gain confidence
It can be intimidating to start at a new workplace, especially as an intern. But remember that you were hired for a reason, and your employer sees potential in you! Building up your portfolio and playing a role in new projects is invaluable experience that makes you all the more appealing as a job candidate. At first, I felt embarrassed about being the youngest, least experienced person in the room. But I quickly learned how empowering it can be to learn how a company operates before graduating college! Overcoming the challenges that your work may present, and learning to interact in a professional manner, are skills that benefit you in any role. Plus, you can carry the skills you’ve acquired to new opportunities and feel a lot more prepared to handle any challenges that come your way.
- It can open doors for new experiences
If you hit it off with your colleagues or supervisors, stay in contact with them! They can endorse you for skills on LinkedIn, write you recommendation letters and serve as references for your next internship or job applications. At my internship this past summer, my boss worked one-on-one with me a lot, and we still keep in touch. When the company needs some extra help, she’s presented me with several freelance opportunities that look great on my resume and provide some extra cash on the side. You never know when the connections you make at your internship will come in handy to help you navigate your future career.
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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Pandemic Profs: Reconnecting with Family & Nature
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 Bianca Torres, a junior isolating from her house in Morris County, NJ. Bianca is a Music Industry major with a minor in Marketing who normally lives in the Whitney Center on Rowan Boulevard.
I’m a very social and extroverted person, so when I realized that I really couldn’t go anywhere or see my friends, I was really upset. However, this whole experience has taught me something important and something that I’ve forgotten about — the importance of family and nature.
I have never been one to go on runs or walks outside. Whenever I wanted to get exercise into my day, I would just go to the gym. Now that the gyms are temporarily closed, I don’t have that option anymore. I’ll admit, I started to panic at first because I didn’t know what I would do to pass my time. I’m not a homebody either, so I really did not want to be stuck in my house for so long.
So, my immediate thought was that I would start to go outside more often. I’m very glad I made that decision because it has completely changed my perspective.
Luckily, I live in a pretty rural area of NJ so there are a lot of open spaces, trails and parks to go to. I make it a point to go outside at least once a day, weather permitting, and go for a walk or run. Now that we have some nice weather, the flowers and trees are starting to bloom and it makes everything so pretty!
These walks have also helped me reconnect with my family. Both of my parents work long days and usually, I would be working too. We were all never on the same schedule or had much time to spend a lot of quality time together. However, my whole family is in the house now and we only have each other. Now my family will come on these walks with me too!
Being in isolation has made me appreciate being lucky enough to be with my family during these crazy times. Being in nature has made me appreciate the environment and how good it feels to be outside.
This whole experience has really made me come back to the idea that the world keeps turning even though our lives change.
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Story and photography by:
Bianca Torres, junior music industry major
First Year Voices: Football & Friendship
“We’ve been playing football together since we were 6,” says freshman Jared Armitage, a business management major from Estell Manor, NJ (Atlantic County) of his Magnolia Hall roommate, Chris Doughty of Buena, NJ (Atlantic County).
“We both played for Rowan this year,” Jared continues. It was fun living with someone he’s known since childhood, he says. “It was never boring. We just goof around with everyone in the dorm, playing poker. My favorite memory from this year is goofing off in the dorms. Our whole floor in Magnolia – and someone brought water guns. We started spraying each other, and getting water bottles and throwing them at each other. (We cleaned it up, of course.)”
At orientation, Jared’s randomly assigned roommate was Pavneet Singh, a freshman entrepreneurship major from Carteret, NJ (Middlesex County.)
Jared shares, “We didn’t really talk much to each other at first. But, then we were both sitting there bored at 1:00 in the morning and said, ‘Hey, do you want to do something funny?’ and we ran around the hallways.”
Along the way, the friends met Jeron, known as Smooth (on left). Jared says, “Chris met him here, but he lives close to us at home. Pretty sure we played football against him in school, but we didn’t know it. “
Next year Jared and Chris will commute from home, instead of living on campus. “I’m going to carpool with Chris,” says Jared, “because I’ll drive past Chris to get to school.”
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Celebrating Earth Day | 10 Ways to Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Today’s story is from Dominique Fiorentino, a junior public relations major from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County) who rents a house off-campus with friends.
Living a greener lifestyle is something everyone should aspire to become better at. Reducing your carbon impact, creating less waste, and focusing on sustainability – all of this is much easier than you may think. That is why I am here to provide 10 simple ways to reduce your environmental impact in your everyday lifestyle.
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Use a reusable water bottle.
The cost of the average reusable water bottle is about the same price as three cases of water. Imagine all of the money you save and plastic waste you avoid from this simple change. Rowan provides water bottle refilling stations in each of their buildings to keep your bottle full. You can take the extra step and purchase a water filter for your dorm to ensure you always have clean water!
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Find alternative ways of travel.
Rather than always driving to class, find an alternative! You can soak in the fresh air and get moving by walking or biking to class. Not only are these environmentally friendly alternatives, but they are also good for your own well being. If these aren’t an option, you could take the Rowan Shuttle or carpool with friends! Any of these options allows you to help reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to a cleaner planet.
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Refuse plastic utensils and straws.
Single-use plastic utensils take an average of 1,000 years to decompose. That means every plastic fork, knife, straw that has been used in our lifetimes is still polluting the planet. When dining at home, stick to reusable silverware. You can take it a step further by refusing plastic utensils and straws when ordering take out food. This simple switch will go a long way.
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Take shorter showers.
The average shower head uses about 2 gallons of water per minute. By making a conscious effort to shorten your showers, not only will you be saving water but also energy used to heat the water.
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Shop with reusable bags.
Don’t contribute to the billions of plastic bags used worldwide each year. Most of these bags end up polluting our waterways and harming sea life. Think of all the waste we could reduce by simply switching to reusable bags every time we shop. If you have difficulty remembering your plastic bags when shopping, try keeping them in your car!
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Thrift or borrow clothing.
Believe it or not, the fashion industry contributes 10% of the global carbon emissions. Rather than buying a new outfit for every occasion, borrow something from a friend or visit your local thrift store. And trust me, your wallet will thank you later!
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Support companies with sustainable business practices.
If possible, buy from companies who are certified B corporations. Companies who use renewable energy and recycled products, and strive to reduce their environmental impact. The more green companies are supported, the more likely other companies will soon follow.
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Turn off and unplug.
When not in use, unplug and turn off your chargers, fans, lamps, etc. Although these objects may seem like they’re “off”, they are still using plenty of energy. The planet and your wallet will thank you later.
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Limit your meat and dairy.
It can be difficult to completely cut out animal products. This is why I suggest choosing vegan/ vegetarian options when possible. Items such as almond milk, dairy-free yogurt, vegan snacks, and meat alternatives. If you would like to take it a step further, dedicate your Mondays to Meatless Mondays! This way you can ensure that you are truly making an effort to limit your animal product intake.
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Educate others about what they can do!
Spread the word to those around you on how they can do their part! The more of us practicing environmentally friendly habits, the more of a positive impact we will make.
Although these are just a few minor adjustments in your everyday lifestyle, they can go a long way. Imagine the positive impact we would make if we all made the effort and did our part to help keep our planet clean. Whether you decide to implement just a few or all of these mindful tips is up to you. It is all about being consistent with these habits that will make a difference.
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Pandemic Profs: Bike Rides [VIDEO]
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 video is from Adam Clark, a senior Radio/TV/Film major isolating from his home in Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County). Read more about Adam in this #PROFspective.
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Story by:
Adam Clark, senior radio/tv/film major
Header image courtesy of:
Pixabay
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Haddonfield Native Marybeth Coyne
Today we speak with Marybeth Coyne, a senior Exercise Science major from Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County) who rents off campus. She transferred from Stockton University her junior year.
How did you end up at Rowan?
“I attended Stockton for my first two years of college, and I wasn’t getting the college experience that I had originally hoped for. My three older brothers all attended Rowan and had great experiences, so my mom really encouraged to transfer. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”
What made Rowan feel like home?
“When I first transferred to Rowan, I knew that the best way to be successful and to meet people was to get involved. I was a swimmer my whole life, so I joined the Swim Club and made a bunch of friends there.”
How has Rowan helped your professional development?
“I am the treasurer of the Exercise is Medicine Club. This position has given me leadership skills and other learning experiences for me to be successful in my field. I have also attended many conferences needed for professional development hours that have taught me a lot along the way.”
You are about to graduate. Do you have plans for after graduation?
“I want to be a physical therapist and am currently applying to physical therapy schools in the Philadelphia area.”
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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major
Pandemic Profs: Working at a Pizza Place in Bergen County During COVID-19
Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Jess Squilanti, a sophomore advertising major who is spending the rest of her semester at home in Riverdale, NJ. (Bergen County.) While on campus, Jess lived in 114 Victoria.
I live in Bergen County which has become the most populated area in NJ with the COVID-19 virus in a very short amount of time. Personally, my town has about 40 cases and that keeps increasing every single day. It is crazy but life still needs to go on, so I started doing what I would be doing while I’m home normally: working.
I have two jobs; one I acquired this past summer at TJ Maxx, which is currently closed due to the virus, and the other a job I’ve had since high school at a local pizza place. The restaurant and pizza parlor, Della Cucina in Hillsdale, NJ, is still open for takeout and delivery, with the restaurant side closed. I enjoy working there and have made relationships with all my coworkers that make it not even feel like work.
Since the virus has started to spread more rapidly, a state curfew has been issued and lockdown put in place, altering our hours. Now, we need to be very cautious; I am always washing my hands when leaving to take a delivery or even after a customer comes in to pick up food.
We get new customers every day which is great, and we are also doing things to help the community. We are preparing meals such as our special family dinner deal for people who cannot leave the house to even go to the grocery store because they are at risk. A minister from our local church has helped us with delivering these to families, and even to hospitals in our area. It’s been really nice to be involved in something that is helping my community during this insane time period.
Since this is a time that local businesses may not be not be doing well, last week at work I took public relations and advertising photography of the dinners packed up and sitting on the counter in the pizza area for my boss to upload to the website to promote business.
My experience recently at Della Cucina has also opened my eyes to how serious and scary this is right now, from seeing people come in with gloves and masks on to doing no-contact deliveries and curbside pickup. It has changed everything as far as how we do things at the pizza place.
It is obviously crazy to be living in this situation, but working at my job and getting this experience is making me grow as a person. I’m always looking at it in a positive light.
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Journalism Student Reduces the Negative Stigma of the Word “Homelessness” Through Her Blog
“It’s important not to judge someone before listening to them,” says Lauren Purnell, a first-generation college senior majoring in journalism and minoring in new media from Florence, NJ (Burlington County).
Lauren used her passion for storytelling and giving a voice to the voiceless to create a blog called Naming the Homeless, where her mission is about reducing “the stigma and the negative connotations attached to the word homelessness,” by interviewing homeless individuals to share their stories.
Lauren’s effort has led her to gain lots of support from her community, fundraising more than $1,000. Today, Lauren will share with us why she started the blog and what she has learned through the process of interviewing homeless individuals.
The idea of creating the Naming the Homeless blog came to Lauren when her Intro to Journalistic Writing professor at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) explained to her class the importance in having outside work experience.
“I took that into heart and said, ‘OK, let me do a blog.’ I didn’t really know what to write about and … I didn’t want to write about myself. I was thinking about different issues that were important to me, and one of them is homelessness,” she says.
Lauren chose to venture to Philadelphia to find people to interview (Philadelphia has become a city with one of the highest poverty ratings in the nation). Each time Lauren went she took a couple of care packages that she put together with the help of her mother (who has supported Lauren from the very beginning) going with her to Philly each week.
The first time Lauren went to Philly, it took her a while to build up the courage to ask someone for an interview. “It’s kind of uncomfortable at first because you are just asking these searching questions. You never know what they are going to say and that is the best part, because you don’t know what they are going to tell you,” she says.
Lauren recalls one of the sweetest moments she has encountered:
“I had done my interview already for the day, but we passed an older lady and I asked her if she wanted a sandwich. She looked at me and my mom and was like ‘Thank you so much, I was having such a rough day, and this was a sign that I needed. Everything will be okay; this is my kids up in heaven telling me that it’s going to be alright and thank you so much, it really means a lot to me.”
In the beginning, Lauren made care packages that were paid out of her pocket, but as her blog grew and more people knew about her project, she started getting support and recognition. Lauren was interviewed by Fox 29 — “that got a lot of attention and I ended up having a GoFundMe, the biggest donation I got was from an organization who gave $250. Each of my care packages are like $20 so that really helped make an impact.”
Burlington County Times, Lauren’s hometown newspaper, interviewed her and gave her an internship opportunity over the summer. South Jersey Magazine did a feature of her as well. Lauren also won two awards. “At RCBC I got an award for journalism and I also got their Civility Award,” she says.
Lauren’s blog currently has over 1,200 subscriptions and over 500 likes on the Naming the Homeless Facebook page. “When I first started it, I was just doing it for personal reasons and then it took off. It was really because of my community [because] without their support I wouldn’t have been able to do it.
“Every time I leave an interview, I just want to take them home. You obviously want to see them again, but you really hope you don’t see them again because if you run into them again it means that they are probably in the same situation when you first saw them.”
After graduating, Lauren would like to continue writing community stories and continue giving a voice to the voiceless and working her way up to investigative reporting.
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Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
Photos courtesy of:
Lauren Purnell/Naming the Homeless
Pharmaceutical Sciences Grad Student Discusses Her Research
A passionate graduate student who works on computer-aided drug and molecular dynamic simulations, Holli-Joi Sullivan’s research primarily focuses on different cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. First drawn into this field after taking a course with Dr. Chun Wu, Holli-Joi has been in love with the work that she does every day since. A graduate student in […]
Pandemic Profs: Clinical Internship Teaching Spanish Remotely
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 Maria Rosalba Trejo-Mendiola, a student in the master of science in teaching program. She is isolating from her home in Vineland, NJ (Cumberland County.)
My name is Maria Rosalba Trejo-Mendiola. I was born in Querétaro, Mexico. I moved to the United States at the age of 11. At an early age, I discovered my biggest passion in life was helping others. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to work with people. Of all the possible careers that I could have pursued, I fell in love with the one profession that makes all other professions possible: teaching. I attended Cumberland County College, now known as Rowan College of South Jersey, where I completed my associate degree in Liberal Arts. I then transferred to Rowan University where I completed my bachelor’s in Spanish. Then, I started working as a Career Placement Developer for Pathstone, a non-profit organization.
Currently, I am earning my master of science in teaching and completing a full-year clinical internship as a Spanish teacher at Vineland High School. My student teaching experience has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I have learned many strategies that I plan on incorporating in my own future Spanish classroom. From my professors, I have learned that to serve all students, it is very important to implement a Universal Design for Learning and that developing meaningful lesson plans goes a long way.
My classes at Rowan University have allowed me to go into my field placement and put into practice what I have learned in class. This year, as part of World Language’s methods sequence: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment I: World Languages and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment II: World Languages, I learned about High Leverage Teaching Practices (HLTP) for World Languages (Glisan & Donato, 2017). One of the biggest takeaways from these classes was learning about these practices and being able to incorporate it into my lessons. This also allowed me to learn about my own strengths and weaknesses. 
From my classmates, I have learned that it is very important to be supportive of each other; to give each other feedback and to be willing to share ideas. From my Cooperating Teacher, Sra. DeJesús, I have learned that it is important to develop positive relationships with the students. I have also learned different methods of teaching. One of my favorites methods of teaching is learning centers. Through Sra. DeJesus, I have become a strong believer that learning centers offer students the opportunity to be responsible for their own learning. If learning centers are well-designed, students will be able to walk away with valuable information. I am very thankful that my cooperating teacher has been very supportive throughout this learning experience. Sra. DeJesús allowed me to be involved in the classroom since day one of my field experience, allowing me to have as much practice as possible. I have developed strong bonds with the students, confirming for me that I have chosen the correct field to pursue a career in, teaching. From my field supervisor, I have learned about lesson planning. I have learned to reflect on what worked well and what can use improvement.
I am very thankful to everyone that has helped me grow as a professional in one capacity or another. I also want to thank my family for always supporting my daughter and myself, throughout this learning process.
As far as my remote work, the transition has been really smooth. My cooperating teacher has been using Google classroom for a long time now. We have been collaborating together to teach remotely. We have incorporated Zoom meetings and Google meets on a weekly basis. Other technological applications that have been useful are Quizlet, Kahoot, and FlipGrid. Through this transition we have been maintaining communication with students and parents.
We understand that the transition is not easy for students, therefore we continue to be available to support our students. I am currently working part time from home with Pathstone, completing my field hours at Vineland High School via virtual communications, and spending quality and instructional time with my four year old, Suheily Carrasco.
Although it can be challenging at times, I love what I do. I learned that in this profession it is very important to love what you do and the rest comes with hard work and determination. In May 2020, I will complete my master’s of science of teaching. Although I never imagined that my last year of graduate school would be the one that forced us to practice social distancing to protect us from the spread of COVID-19, I want to remain focused and positive that it will end soon.
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Pandemic Profs: New Routines and Calming Views
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 Lauren Repmann, a sophomore relocated to her house in Middlesex County, NJ, for the rest of the semester.
Hello! My name is Lauren, and I am a sophomore biomedical engineering student at Rowan.
Since coming home, I’ve spent lots of time with my 2-year-old cat, Buddy. He is very cute, but quite the handful.
For the past week, I’ve been eating chopped salads for lunch. While I eat, Buddy sits next to me and begs for little pieces of chicken and cheese. He even puts his nose right up to my bowl!
When I am not at Rowan, I live in Laurence Harbor, a little New Jersey shore town directly across from New York City.
I enjoy waking up early in the mornings to take walks on the boardwalk and watch the sun rise. I use these morning walks as opportunities to improve my photography skills!
I’ve been taking pictures of the Laurence Harbor waterfront since I was about 10 years old, and each morning I get to add new pictures to my collection. These pictures make up the slide show home screen on my laptop. When I’m away at Rowan, I look back at these pictures for a little taste of home.
In addition to photography, I also enjoy playing piano! Now that I have more time on my hands, I plan to learn many new songs. I learned to play two songs over spring break, Dancing in the Moonlight and Bless the Broken Road.
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Story and photos by:
Lauren Repmann, biomedical engineering sophomore
First Year Voices: Anjeliah Chiodo
Our spotlight (FRESH)man Voices this week is Anjeliah Chiodo. I had the wonderful opportunity to write a story about her. She is an iconic Instagram influencer with 25.1k followers.
This first-generation college student let us have the amazing chance to get some insight on herself, her lifestyle and her opinions on some topics. Her major is Entrepreneurship. An entrepreneur is person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so. So cool, what a great goal!
Her hometown is Pine Hill, NJ (Camden County) … which is not too far from Glassboro! Anjeliah is also 18 years old.
She chose to live on campus. She lived in Evergreen Hall before they shut the campus down due to coronavirus.
Sometimes freshmen have a hard time transitioning into college, but not Anjeliah! She went through a six-week program in the summer before starting her first fall semester called the Pre-College Institute (PCI), a program to help students financially and academically. In this program, a student can be considered an EOF student or a RISE student, and she was considered a RISE student. She stated how this program gave her a lot of structure, it taught her how to prioritize, manage her time with a full schedule (with classes, study sessions, meals, meetings, extra activities), how to become organized, and also helped her get used to the campus life. She also met a lot of people — people who she is still friends with to this day and also very important people that helped build her network … how awesome? During these six weeks, they took everyone’s phones, which many students were mad about, but she didn’t mind at all because it forced her to talk to other people (which built genuine relationships without the social media). This brought her out of her shell, and helped her look elsewhere for fun activities rather than social media!
Anjeliah’s goal is to be a successful serial entrepreneur, she wants to own several different businesses, like a coffee shop, tattoo shop, nail salon, restaurant, and most importantly a retail store (clothing brand), while also modeling for her very own clothing brand. She has decided to take a step forward, start small by taking baby steps, and start her own lip gloss line, called Anjel Allure, (right now it is under construction). So please, stay tuned!!! I’d love to try it myself. For her short term goals, right now she is working as a bank teller at TD Bank, and she also hope to get promoted as much as possible before she started her own future business.
Anjeliah has many hobbies such as shopping, having photoshoots, exercising/lifting, eating, taking pictures to post on Instagram/promoting brands as an ambassador, making lip gloss, coming up with creative ideas for a future business, drawing self portraits with charcoal and chalk, playing the piano, saxophone, and clarinet, working on hair/skin care, playing tennis. Talk about well rounded!!! A successful student, and someone who loves her hobbies. 
Rowan was always her third choice when picking where to go for college, but it turned out to be the best decision she’s ever made because of the great people that she’s met, the opportunities she has come across, and the events that she has got involved in that exposed me to a lot of publicity. The reason she came to Rowan was because they offered her more money than the other universities, especially when she became a RISE student. At first, she was told that she was not eligible to be an EOF student (when grants are given to low-income students, and their grades are high enough, so they can attend school), she realized that because of that, she won’t be able to afford to go to Rowan…and she felt lost, like the only other option she had was community college. However, ONE very important person at Rowan went above and beyond to help her become a RISE student (when a scholarship is given to students whose household income is too low, but too high to meet the requirements of an EOF student, and their grades are superior and exceptional). Therefore, she made it into the ASCEND program for the summer, and was able to afford to go to Rowan. This showed her how one person can make a great impact on her life, and it showed her how much they cared for her to do that. How wonderful!
She is also involved in the Beauty in Distress Club, CEO Club: Collegiate Entrepreneur Organization, Society for the Advancement of Management club, Student University Programmers, MOCA: Men of Color Alliance Organization, Keep the Code Organization (she is the Event Coordinator), Harley Flack Mentoring Program, and the Bronze Leadership Program. These clubs are definitely something for any one at Rowan looking to gain some more opportunities with campus.
I also wanted to ask Anjeliah about her opinions on this pandemic going on in the world right now. She honestly feels like people want to get sick because no one is staying home. Working at TD Bank, she is constantly being exposed to people all time, and it is not helping when people like to be out of their homes and endanger their health & safety and her own. She also believes that people should take advantage of this time of staying at home and pick up a hobby, eat healthy, exercise, start a new routine, read a book, etc. People can be doing anything else besides leaving their home. They do not realize that this virus spreads fast, and by being out, they are also threatening the health & safety of others. And for the people that are sick, she is sorry for their struggles and for their pain, and she hopes they are fighting with all of their strength to stay strong. As far as for the people who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19, she is very sorry for their loss and she cannot imagine what they are going through. And for the people that are still living healthy, she hopes they are appreciating that, she wishes for them to recognize that they are helping prevent the virus by staying home, and that we are all alone in this together. #alonetogether
Anjeliah, you are amazing! Keep up with your hard work and dedication to success. You have given us a story that holds leadership, dedication, talent and enterprise. For all you readers, check out Anjeliah’s Instagram and give her a follow.
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Story organized by:
Devon Graf, senior Communication Studies major
Photography and story contributed by: Anjeliah Chiodo
How Construction Management Major Jeremiah Cason Earned a Degree From Across the Country
Name: Jeremiah Ryan Cason
Class of: 2019
Degree: B.A. in Construction Management
Hometown and county: I live in Beaumont, CA with my wife and 3 kids.
First-generation college student? Yes, I am the first student in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree.
What inspired you to choose Construction Management?
Honestly, it was the need to provide for my family that caused me to enter the field. Money as a union tradesman was good, and I knew I was good at building things and putting things together with my hands. It felt natural and I have excelled at the field of construction. I now work for the 4th largest general construction management firm in the U.S. I love seeing the final result of a project and knowing I was a part of the greater picture. I feel like a conductor of a concert hall music symphony, and I love knowing I made this group of people come together to make a beautiful sounds (or building).
What would you share with a future student interested in Construction Management?
This program is a great way to get your feet and mind into this line of work. The teachers are great, and they have amazing experience in the line of work that they can offer great advice and even suggestions on paths toward future employment. However, don’t go into construction management unless you understand it is challenging, stressful, and you work a lot of hours. There are a lot of times where you are going to struggle to and even fail, but that is how you learn and become better and grow.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
I never had any uncertainty, I was and am fully invested in this line of work. I have poured myself into this career. I did not go to college like most at a young age, I went back to school in my 30s to finish my degree after I had already started my path in construction. I knew I wanted to advance and I knew I was going to need a degree to do it, so I had to go back to school.
Did you feel supported throughout your college career by the Rowan community?
I took a study abroad class and got to meet some Rowan students face-to-face for the first time. I live in Beaumont, CA and I never got to meet anyone or even any teachers at Rowan until this study abroad class. Not only did the students and teachers from the study abroad class embrace me and help me, they have all been there for me after the class and given me help and advice after in other classes as well. If fact, Dr. Hague from the WWII Study abroad class and I have stayed in touch since my graduation and we still text back and forth. My fellow students (Dan Cirino) even came to graduation and gave me a personal tour of the campus during my trip out to Rowan [for] graduation.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?
I think my line of work (and what I do) is the cornerstone of building America’s infrastructure. I am proud of what I do, and I look forward to being a part of my line of work in the years to come because I think methods for construction are going to get very high tech and demanding for new, “greener,” methods to improve building life cycles and reducing waste in the industry.
What is your biggest career accomplishment so far?
Aside from providing for my family (because that was my whole motivation and drive when I started my line of work), I think it was, and is, earning my degree. I think that it’s going to open doors to finally get to the next step and place in my career. Not only that, but I also felt so blessed and proud that my family (especially my children) got to see me earn my degree. My kids now know that you can never be too old to go back to school and better yourself and your chances at advancing your career.
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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
Photos courtesy of Jeremiah Cason
Pandemic Profs: Pizza from Scratch!
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, for the rest of the semester. Rachel is a dual major in communication studies and public relations who normally lives in Mimosa Hall.
As an extrovert, I thrive in situations where I get to talk to people and have human interaction. I love doing activities and keeping busy outside my house. During this time, where there is a need for social distancing, I’m not thriving so much. To make up for that, I have been doing a lot of cooking and baking to keep my mind off things. One recipe I have been making often is Sicilian pizza from scratch. Most of my recipes are made from scratch, and I have often been called a food snob because of this. I believe that anything from scratch is better and more fun.
Here is my recipe for pizza from scratch! While I make it as a Sicilian pie, you can make it as a round pie if you have the proper pan. In this post, I will use a pizza stone, but a cookie sheet works well, too. I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 cups of flour
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 cup of warm water
2 envelopes of yeast
olive oil
red sauce
mozzarella cheese
toppings of choice
cooking spray
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve 2 envelopes of yeast in 1 cup of warm water. Mix batter until firm, but not sticky. 
- Move batter to a floured surface. Cover hands with flour and knead into a ball. Add a dab of olive oil to the top.
- Cover with a dish cloth until the dough rises, about 15-20 minutes.
- On desired pan or pizza stone covered with olive oil or cooking spray, form dough into a pizza shape.
- Add sauce, cheese, and desired toppings.
- Cook pizza at 400 degrees until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Slice and serve!
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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Pandemic Profs: Keeping My Skills Sharp
Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Mark Baugh, a senior radio/TV/film major isolating from his off-campus house in Gloucester County, NJ. Mark has a specific interest in graphics and production.
Being a Radio, TV, Film student I heard a lot of different worries through the halls the week leading up to spring break. “How will we be able to use the equipment?” “Will we just not learn how to use anything?” Instead of doing nothing while seemingly locked in my house, I am taking this time to spread my wings a bit and open up my creative skills to other elements of art and creation through creative projects.
My girlfriend Julia Lewis, a junior marketing major from Washington Township, NJ was looking for a way to make money on the side while she was taking a full slate of classes. One of her hobbies is “thrifting” where she buys trendy clothing from thrift stores and makes slight changes to them. She took this hobby and made it into a business by selling these clothes on social media platforms such as Instagram (@juliascloset).
I thought helping Julia would be a nice project for me to keep my skills sharp even while classes are online. After talking to Julia she said that she wanted a new logo for her page and graphics for when she is running a giveaway or when new clothes are going to be posted. Being a big fan of the beach and spending most of her time down the shore that was the theme that she was going for. We were able to sit down and pick out a color scheme and typography that she believed fit her the best. It was a win-win for both of us. She got some new content for her page and I had the opportunity to try new things that I have never tried before on some of my projects.
I think that this is something that everyone should try to take advantage of, whether creative or not. Try to find yourself a project along the lines of your major or try something that you have never tried before. It is a good way to keep your brain active during this time where everything seems repetitive and boring. You never know you might find yourself a new hobby or a skill where you can excel.
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Story and Designs by: Mark Baugh, Radio, TV, Film (RTF) major
Grit & Greatness
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.
Meet Jessica Hassell, a second-year Higher Education Administration graduate student from Owings Mills, Md. Jess wrote this article to help the Rowan community. She shares: “Fear can be paralyzing. I was inspired to write this article because I was so worried about success that it was stopping me from being my best self. I hope that this article will help other Rowan University students not be afraid to fail and to persevere.”
Failure is a scary word. In the collegiate environment, failure is associated with under-achievement, incompetence or a lack of trying. As college students, there is a tendency to get stuck in the dichotomy of success or failure. This manner of thinking can result in every nonsuccess: raising stress levels, being demotivating, or even debilitating (Shelton, 2017). Therefore, students must reorient their thinking to understand each “failure” as a growth experience.
When success is determined by grades, deadlines, expectations and a long list of involvements, it is difficult for college students to manage coursework, jobs, clubs and a social life with health and emotional well-being. If an individual finds themselves incapacitated by a nonsuccess, employing mindfulness can help manage the stresses being experienced (Shelton, 2017). Having an awareness of oneself, challenges and support systems can cultivate an internal shift wherein growth from failure is acceptable.
That being said, there exists no person who sets out to undertake a task and enjoys it when their efforts lead to a lack of success. The result of an unexpected outcome can leave individuals questioning their abilities, but this should not be the case. Mistakes or unexpected outcomes are necessary for experimentation, problem-solving and increasing efficiency (Driscoll, 1989; Shelton, 2017). As such, it can be helpful to remember that success is only the expected or desired outcome. Understanding what does not work can only help when developing strategies to inform future courses of action. Without unexpected results, there is no push for innovation, so the opportunity to fail should be embraced (Driscoll, 1989).
Grit is a better word. To have grit means to have the courage and ability to overcome obstacles and challenges. Recognizing one’s capacity for psychological grit, wherein an individual has the passion and perseverance to achieve their long-term goals, can ease the stress of a failure (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007; Vonderheyde, 2017). Moreover, each nonsuccess and subsequent attempt to continue teach us a greater lesson about our capacity to persevere.
Like what you see, learn more about our healthy campus initiatives!
Story by:
Jessica Hassell, second-year higher education administration graduate student, Wellness Center intern
Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
References
Driscoll, D. (1989). The Benefits Of Failure. Sales and Marketing Management, 141(5), 46. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/211806229/
Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.6.1087
Muenks, K., Wigfield, A., Yang, J. S., & O’Neal, C. R. (2017). How true is grit? assessing its relations to high school and college students’ personality characteristics, self-regulation, engagement, and achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 109(5), 599-620. doi: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.rowan.edu/10.1037/edu0000153
Shelton, I. G., Jr. (2017). A generic qualitative investigation of academic stress in college students in the 21st century (Order No. 10608475). Available from ProQuest Central; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global; Social Science Premium Collection. (1947584353). Retrieved from http://ezproxy.rowan.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.rowan.edu/docview/1947584353?accountid=13605
Vonderheyde, E. (2017). The relationship between mindfulness and stress among college students.
Pandemic Profs: Podcasts I’ve Been Listening To
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 public relations major isolating in her house in Bergen County, NJ.
While spending so much time inside, it’s super tempting to waste my day on Twitter or YouTube … which I definitely did during spring break. I quickly realized how it lessened my productivity (obviously) and my motivation for the next day.
Podcasts have grown popular over the past few years, so I asked some of my friends for their favorites and made a list of some I could get behind. I enjoy listening to podcasts while I drive, cook or clean up the house.
- Collegehood Advice
Collegehood Advice provides listeners exactly with what you’d expect: college advice. With topics ranging from building your personal brand, exploring potential careers, and even more relevant, adjusting to school online, it’s a great tool to navigate a successful college life.
https://collegehoodadvice.com/podcast - Janson & Hunt: Talking Points
One of my peers recommended this podcast. The two hosts discuss relevant trends in the communications, business, sports marketing and social media industries. It helps me maintain information relevant to my career path, but I think would benefit any major looking to explore mainstream media.
http://www.thetalkingpointspodcast.com/episodes - FoundMyFitness
FoundMyFitness with Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D. discusses health topics and provides listeners with ways to boost their well-being through a better understanding of biology. Some episodes are definitely information heavy if you don’t already have a general knowledge of science concepts, but it’s worth it. I’ve given more attention to my sleep cycle and active lifestyle after listening.
https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes - TED Talks Daily
TED Talks Daily is the podcast version of the TED Talks YouTube channel. It’s an easy way to listen to an inspirational and thought-provoking presentation, which we could all benefit from right now.
https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/ted-talks/ted-talks-daily
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Story and photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
Living Close to Rowan
Today’s story is from Mark Baugh, a senior radio/TV/film major with a specific interest in graphics and production. Mark is from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County) and rents a home off-campus.
Many students when looking at college might think “that’s way too close to home. I wanna go further.” I would say there is nothing too close to home. Choose the school that you believe fits you best whether it is on the other side of town or the other side of the country and make the most of whatever that school is offering – because in the long run it will make your college experience that much better. 
In my case I chose the school right down the road from me. I am from Washington Township, which borders Glassboro. When it came time for me to pick a school I had a few options to choose from, the furthest being a little over two hours away. So you may be asking what made me choose Rowan with it being only about 10 minutes from my house, when I had other options further from home.
There are a few things that went into it, much like other decisions in life. I read about Rowan’s amazing programs and the opportunities that students can take part in within their major. I was familiar with the campus as I have been going to Rowan since I was 6 years old as a part of their Kidz Rule summer camp. Rowan also has a rather large number of Greek life organizations, which was something I really wanted.
Thankfully I was able to live on/off campus all four years of my college career, instead of at home with my family. Some people may wonder why I would do that when I already lived close enough to commute. I wanted that “college experience” that everyone talks about. I think it can be rewarding for someone to live on their own or with friends while going to Rowan. It gives you that opportunity to meet more people and get involved in more on campus activities. I was also able to stop home from time to time if I needed that little break away from the craziness that can pop up during a college school year.
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20 Minute Radius: Super Smash Bros. Tournament [VIDEO]
Rowan Blog produced this video pre-quarantine.
Join us as we visit a local, student-run Super Smash Brothers tournament.
Super Smash Bros is a fighting game made by Nintendo featuring a plethora of classic Nintendo characters that can be fun for everyone. Although it isn’t a school event, the tournament takes place every Friday afternoon in James Hall, Room 2096.
Like what you see, come visit us!
Video by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/TV/film major
Noel Waldron, senior advertising major
Music by:
Tommy Bell, senior music industry major
Interning Remotely as a Business Management Major
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 senior Alyssa Marroccoli, who transferred to Rowan after beginning her college career at the University of Rhode Island. Alyssa is a business management major who rents a home off campus and is originally from Newton, NJ (Sussex County).
When looking to complete a second internship before graduating with my bachelor’s of science in Business Management in May, I decided it was the perfect time to get involved in my family’s business. My father is the President and CEO of National Forensic Consultants, a forensic investigation firm that provides expert investigation services for the legal, insurance, product manufacturing and construction industries. I am currently positioned in the South Jersey office in Pennsauken, NJ as a Business Development and Sales Intern for the spring semester, where I have been learning about the company’s structure and how to successfully manage a business.
I have been working under my supervisor, Vice President of Business Development and Sales, Dean Gentner, where I have been developing a business plan to increase messaging between our clients and experts, as well as maintaining our partnerships and client relations.
Our goal has been to grow our bridge of communication via email and through phone conversations, where we inform our clients about our newly added experts, as well as educate them about our other wide range of services that we offer.
Several duties I have as an intern at NFC consist of selecting clients to receive the appropriate messages and put forth content relating toward those receiving them, developing a variety of scripts to appease the particular company or law firm I am offering services to, following up with clients and providing requested information about our experts and services, and working with management to develop different approaches in their business development strategies.
As National Forensic Consultants’ first intern, two major takeaways I have gotten from this program are how to professionally connect with people and get an internal perspective of how a business and its employees are managed.
I was lucky enough to be given the responsibility in assisting with the development of the internship program itself when working with my supervisor throughout my time at NFC.
It has been both challenging, as well as rewarding, to have the opportunity to see my plan for the program be considered so seriously. It is a great privilege to be respected so highly, even as an intern, at such an established company.
I truly enjoy my work at NFC, and love to see the results of adding new clients and regaining previous one’s attention, yield such positive effects for the company. I really like the corporate aspect of my job that I didn’t get to experience as much of in my previous internship. My coworkers also made my experience so welcoming and fun.
Working remotely has had its challenges in terms of getting accustomed to such a different routine. I miss being in the office and going to classes during the week, which I always seemed to take for granted when I felt so busy and consumed with responsibilities. I’m very grateful to be in a position where my work can be adapted to being completed remotely, and to not have my program be discontinued, where others are not so lucky. Personally, I like to get ready and dressed as if I was going to the office to feel more motivated to complete my work day. Another aspect I appreciate when working from home is the opportunity to work with my dad each day that I’m ‘in office.’ Where I usually only got to see him once every couple of weeks while working in South Jersey, I now get in-person advice, opinions and assistance during my work day that many cannot.
National Forensic Consultants offers a service in a range of industries with incidents that do not stop occurring, even during a pandemic. It is truly amazing to see this organization come together so quickly to make themselves available for their customers under these trying circumstances. I believe how a business responds and adapts to a changing environment says a lot about a company’s stability and value it holds. While no one could have predicted such a rapid interruption in our daily lives, one of which most of us have never seen in this lifetime, it really is a privilege to be a part of a company who puts forth the best business practices, while still keeping their employees safe and working, when most cannot be.
I am so appreciative of the opportunities National Forensic Consultants has given me, and look forward to apply all that I have learned in this internship program when I begin my full-time job post-graduation as a Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car!
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Pandemic Profs: Being Productive When Working from Home
Welcome to our new series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of coronavirus. Today’s story is from Don DeWitt, a senior isolating from his house in Gloucester County, NJ. Don, a Music Industry major, lives off campus.
With the official stay-at-home order from Governor Murphy, all Rowan students are adjusting to online class instruction and the unique challenges that come with it. Additionally, some students who have never worked from home before are continuing jobs and internships at home.
Suddenly working from home is the new standard for many Rowan students and staff alike, and some members of the Rowan community may be quickly realizing the challenges of working entirely from home. I am one of those students who finds myself not only taking all my courses online, but also working two jobs remotely. It is also likely for many Rowan students and staff that their family members are either working or taking classes online from home as well.
Because of this unprecedented time, I made the following guide of simple tips and advice for staying productive, focused and sane when transitioning to working from home. Please be aware that these tips come from my own experience working from home with my family in the past few weeks and may not work for everyone; however, if you are having difficulty taking care of business at home, then this advice is worth a shot!
- Get dressed. Yes, I mean what we have all been fearing the most after this is all over with: Put on pants! If you have trouble focusing and working as efficiently as you would in the classroom or office, try putting on some jeans and a T-shirt in the morning (or whatever your normal, everyday, going out in public outfit is). This could put you in a more awake, alert, ready-to-get-things-done mood.
- Keep a schedule. Try to make a schedule that keeps you on track to take care of your responsibilities and meet the goals you had before the lockdown as closely as possible. I get up at 8 a.m. on weekdays to start working for my remote IT job at 8. I don’t prefer eating breakfast as soon as I wake up, so a benefit of working from home is having access to my kitchen around 10 when my stomach realizes I am actually hungry! The flexibility of working from home allows us to set times to take care of specific responsibilities while also doing things on our own time. After I stop working at noon I work through my list of responsibilities and make sure I have time to do everything that needs to be done during the day. It is also important to go sleep around the same time every night so your body gets used to waking up at the same time in the morning.
- Make lists. Lists can be used to organize and prioritize your goals, assignments and projects, while making it easy to keep track of what you have already completed and what still needs to be done. Lists are flexible and can be as specific or general as you want. Every few days I make a list of what assignments, projects and chores I have for the days ahead. I combine my responsibilities for work, school and home all on the same list because it helps me see what is more important to work on and where I can fit each responsibility into my schedule. Before the lockdown, my lists were more separate and only pertained to specific topics like work or school, but my schedule has become more fluid except for planned Zoom and WebEx meetings. I use old-fashioned pen-and-paper, but you could use an app to keep track of your lists. It is all about what best helps keep track of the ever-growing pile of responsibilities during this chaotic time in our lives.
- Take breaks. With almost all work being done on a computer, it is important to step away from the screen once in a while. If you find yourself clicking through tabs in circles (the modern-day equivalent to reading the same paragraph in a book three times), it may be time for a quick 5 to 15 minute break. During this short break you can go on a walk (social distance!), eat a snack or have a conversation or phone call with friends or family (again, social distance!). You will come back to the computer screen with a refreshed mind, ready to get things done.
- Have fun! Working at home can be just as stressful as working in a classroom or office but now we have the freedom to do the things we like to do while we work without bothering others, like listening to music. Put on the radio or make a playlist of your favorite uplifting tunes. If you are looking for a motivating work song I recommend Taking Care of Business by Bachmann Turner Overdrive. Additionally you can make your video conferences just a bit more fun using a cool program called ChromaCam. ChromaCam takes your video during web calls and replaces the background with any image you want. You can also use this to hide a messy room with a faux office to appear more professional!
Hopefully you will find some of the ideas in this article useful and can adapt them to your routine. If you have any useful ideas for being productive while working at home please share them in a comment. We will get through the lockdown by coming together while in isolation.
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Story by:
Don DeWitt, music industry senior
Studio Art Major Helps Heal with Sensory Paintings
Jessica Hedum, a senior studio art major from Cape May, NJ (Cape May County), has always been fascinated with art.
In high school, Jessica spent most of her time in the art studio, learning the fundamentals of painting and developing her love for it. Her teacher was a mentor, opening her eyes to many careers in art and ultimately, suggesting she look into art therapy based on her experience and values.
When her dad and sister — both Rowan alumni — recommended she transfer to the art program at Rowan after community college, she took their suggestion to heart. “I checked out Rutgers and Temple too, but everything seemed big and overwhelming, and nothing really felt like home to me,” she says. “But I walked into the painting studio [in Westby Hall at Rowan] and just felt at ease. That was the moment when I thought, ‘Okay, I want to keep this family tradition going.’”
Based on a suggestion from her high school art teacher and mentor, Jessica is working toward a career as an art therapist at a nearby hospital or cancer center. “[Art therapy is] really important for me to pursue. My sister had cancer, so it’s something that definitely hits home for me. And the possibility of working with little kids or anyone on the spectrum is something that’s so rewarding for everyone,” she says. “Art doesn’t have to be perfect; it doesn’t have to come out like you expected it to. Just the act of physically [making art] is so much more impactful than people might realize.”
Jessica reflects these values of helping people through art in her own work, too. A mixture of glass beads and modeling paste, applied to the canvas, dries hard and allows her to sculpt shapes onto the flat surface of her paintings. Her paintings contain 3D sensory details that viewers can touch, and she invites them to do so, because of the soothing effects of feeling the different textures in her art.
“I started doing this because I heard how successful and engaging the Please Touch Museum is in Philadelphia. Giving people a sensory experience is my goal. Especially for people that have learning disabilities or are on the spectrum, they have something to feel and touch that engages and connects them with the painting more. As a child, you are always yelled at in museums “Do not touch the art!” but my pieces invite children to explore and feel the art. Physically feeling the art can be very appealing to those that struggle to understand art; maybe they do not grasp the concept of the visual but they are pleased by the experience they get from running their fingers along the shape. It’s kind of like Braille for the blind, but in shapes for recognizing the texture and objects in paintings for children or adults that may struggle to understand fine art concepts and subject matter.”
When it comes to dealing with the personal hardships and mental health challenges that many college students face in some form, Jessica turns to art for healing and relief. “I’ve just been painting through it and believing in art therapy. Even just physically getting out of bed, and being in the [art] building and absorbing the environment helps. It’s been a dramatic shift in my life, but I feel like my artwork speaks for it in a way.”
“It’s a really powerful thing, to be able to touch people through art, with PTSD, Alzheimers or anyone on the spectrum. It’s really a premise to how art has helped me through a lot of personal struggles,” Jessica explains. “Whenever anything was going on that gave me trouble, I found so much peace and relief in painting, so that’s where I started to really get involved with art therapy. I just want to help people through art the same way it’s helped me.”
Jessica expresses her love for art on her Instagram page through behind-the-scenes looks at her painting process and personal captions about her adventures in Westby. “A lot of people like when I post art videos of me physically painting. It’s very therapeutic and I’m just trying to imitate that calming feeling you see in YouTube videos where people play with sand or cut soap. I feel like recording myself painting gives people a more personal look into the layering process of painting with oils.”
She also runs Women of Westby with her colleagues in the art building, to draw attention to underrepresented artists. To learn more about Women of Westby, and how you can get involved, follow @WomenOfWestby. Everyone of all genders and majors is welcome!
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Story and photos by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Pandemic Profs: 5 Movies to Binge Watch
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (R) Portrait of a Lady on Fire is truly one of the most stunningly beautiful films that I have ever seen. This film teleports you to 17th century France with the artwork and beautiful views throughout the movie. The film is about a painter named Marianne who travels to […]
Alumni Success: Psychology Major Natalie Torres
Today, we speak to Natalie Torres, from Morris County, NJ, who is a Rowan alumna. She graduated with a Psychology undergraduate degree in May 2016 and then earned her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in August 2018.
We speak to Natalie about why she originally chose Rowan and how Rowan has prepared her for her success as a child psychologist and her current pursuit in becoming a board-certified behavior analyst.
“I originally chose Rowan because I felt like I would not be just another number. The size of campus and the size of the classes were perfect for me. I didn’t have to take a packed bus to different locations just to get to class, and everything was close by.”
Natalie also had heard that Rowan had a great Psychology program. She instantly knew that with the distance, size, affordability and the great reputation, that this was the school for her.
“I always knew from a young age that I had wanted to go into psychology. So many people would come up to me asking me for advice, I enjoyed helping them and working through their problems. I find psychology to be extremely fascinating and helpful! When it came time to start thinking about college and what route I wanted to take, I discussed the possibilities with a teacher of mine. I told her I wanted to go into psychology but more specifically, I wanted to work with children who have autism.”
Natalie feels passionate about helping the education, growth and development of children with disabilities and behavioral disorders.
“Autism hits close to home for me and my family. So when she told me that Rowan had an applied behavior analysis concentration and a master’s program as well, I knew that Rowan was where I needed to be!”
When Natalie wasn’t studying Psychology in her classes, she was pushing her education even further with her on-campus job.
“I first worked for the payroll services at Rowan, then the Rowan mailroom for two more years after that. Then, I finally began working as a research assistant for my professors in the ABA program. During my master’s, I worked for the ABA center as well.”
However, Natalie admits, she has had her fair share of obstacles during her time as a college student.
“The biggest thing I had to overcome was my time management skills. Once I knew that I had successfully gotten into the master’s program, I knew that I had to juggle doing hours of research, staying on top of my classes and doing my assignments on time. Time management was essential for me!”
Natalie has achieved so much during her time at Rowan, so we had to ask, did the future seem bright?
“Throughout my time at Rowan, I was fortunate enough to have amazing professors who were willing to help me at any time. My professors were extremely credible and well-known in the field, so that gave my classmates and I the advantage of receiving great advice and mentoring. I not only felt prepared, but extremely confident that I would succeed!”
Natalie was not only successful in finding a great education at Rowan, but she also made an amazing connection and relationship too.
“I believe Rowan has not only prepared me, but also my boyfriend of seven years, Gene.”
Natalie’s boyfriend, Gene Maier, is also a Rowan alumnus with two degrees in accounting and finance. He now works for the accounting firm Baker Tilly in Philadelphia.
Natalie shares: “Rowan has really helped us both in building our careers. Currently, I’m working for a specialized school for children with disabilities in their autism campus. There, I work with children from various locations ranging from toddlers to adolescents. We bought our first house a year and a half ago here in Cherry Hill. We also got our first dog together too, Carsen!”
While Natalie has so much success around her currently, we still wanted to know what she has planned for the future.
“I’m currently working on taking the test to get my BCBA certification. Once I become a board-certified behavioral analyst, I can continue to help and support so many more families and children.”
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Story and photography by:
Bianca Torres, junior music industry major
Student Athlete Shares His On-Campus Experience
As I’m in the spring semester of my junior year, I wanted to take a look back on my Rowan experience over the previous two and a half years. I came in as freshman from Middletown, NJ (Monmouth County) not knowing what to expect when going to college. I moved in early in August as […]
Pandemic Profs: Relax with Drawing
Today’s story is from Melanie Sbaraglio, a senior public relations and advertising major social-distancing from her house in Nutley, NJ (Essex County). Melanie joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro was cut short due to COVID-19 affecting business.
If you are looking for something to do while sitting at home, it’s always a good time to pick up a pencil and a blank piece of paper.
I find that sometimes sitting down, clearing my head, and just sketching the first thing that comes to mind can be a great way to pass the time.
Over the years drawing has become one of my favorite hobbies. It doesn’t matter if you’re artistic or not because anyone can do it. I have also found that the less you focus on trying to make something look perfect, the better it comes out. So don’t stress because eventually you will start to notice yourself getting better over time — practice can only improve your skills. 
Turning on some music and sitting down with a pencil and a sketch pad is a great way to turn off your brain and tune out everything that is going on in the world. Even for just 45 minutes a day I find that drawing is a great way to relax.
In the past my friends also asked me to draw things for them, and my one friend even asked me to draw him a tattoo that he wants to get in the future. You might surprise yourself and end up creating a few tattoos along the way as well.
Drawing can also be a good way to calm your mind before going to sleep at night. Instead of going on your phone or watching TV before bed, try lighting a candle, playing some music, and just letting yourself be creative.
Even if you aren’t someone who considers themselves to be artistic you might just enjoy the feeling of being able relax your mind for a while.
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Story and images by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, senior public relations and advertising major
Rowan Women in Leadership: Arielle Gedeon
Along with being Student Government Association (SGA) president, Arielle Gedeon is a junior Radio/TV/Film (RTF) major with double minors in political science and new media. The Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County) native lives on campus and, in addition to her role as SGA president, serves as president of the Lambda Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha […]
Pre-Quarantine 20 Questions with Cam Hadley [VIDEO]
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 Camryn Hadley, a junior isolating in her house in Somerset County, NJ. As we walk through the Student Center into the Student Government Association office, Camryn answers questions about her major, jobs on-campus, and leadership positions. Rowan Blog captured this footage pre-quarantine.
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Video by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
Degree in 3 Success Story: Amanda Devers, Radio/Television/Film
“Rowan was always in the back of my mind, since my mom went here for her undergrad and master’s,” says senior radio/television/film major Amanda Devers, from Gibbstown, NJ (Gloucester County). “We drove through campus all the time, so I was able to see it from a younger age.”
Amanda discovered at GCIT (Gloucester County Institute of Technology) vocational high school that she enjoyed working with film and audio, and kept that in mind as she began her college application process. She kept RTF in mind as she considered the universities she wanted to apply to, and discovered that Rowan met her needs.
“Rowan has a quality RTF program, and going [here] would allow me to mix that closeness to home with my passion for RTF,” she reflects.
Amanda’s acceptance letter to Rowan came with an option to participate in the Degree in 3 program, and RTF was one of the majors offered. “I talked it over with my parents, and we decided [Degree in 3] was a great idea. I wouldn’t have to pay for tuition, room and board, or dining for a whole additional year. I’d be saving a lot of money, and I could even live on campus,” she says, as a current resident of the Whitney Center apartments.
Upon entering campus as a freshman, Amanda was interested right away in becoming a part of Rowan’s radio station, WGLS-FM.
“I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t get involved immediately, so I could have the longest time to be [at the radio station] throughout college,” she recalls, “this time last year, i applied to be operations manager, the highest position for students, and I got it!
My responsibilities included helping the station manager and faculty-run Rowan Radio. It was such a professional environment, and I was surrounded by a lot of cool people who really love what they do. Rowan Radio was like my second dorm.”
Amanda, who has a minor in audio recording and an honors concentration, knew that an accelerated program such as Degree in 3 would be challenging, but she felt that the workload was worth the money and time she’d save in the long run.
“For the program, we’re encouraged to take six classes per semester, instead of the typical five for traditional four-year students. As the years went on, I got a job and became more involved with the radio station, and had to learn to balance everything in my life,” she says. “Time management was definitely something I struggled with during my busiest semesters, but support from friends and my parents helped get me through the challenges.”
To stay organized, Amanda started keeping a bullet journal her freshman year, where she wrote to-do lists to prioritize and keep track of her assignments.
“Being an RTF major, I had a lot of hands-on projects to do, so it helped to block off steps of each project for one day at a time. I would do a certain step one day, and another step the next. I looked at each part of the process as a separate task, instead of looking at the whole picture, to help me feel less overwhelmed.”
As Amanda wraps up her last year at Rowan, she recommends the Degree in 3 program for those who are interested. “It definitely has shaped the way I view my workload,” she says. “My whole mentality has changed when it comes to work, and I’m able to balance a lot of tasks and manage my time better. I feel like I work harder now and when it comes to my workload, I don’t have the same mindset anymore.”
And as for her future career plans? “I would like to continue work in RTF, especially radio and broadcasting. I’ve learned this past year that I like to manage people and projects, and would like a similar position at a radio station. I feel like I’m well-prepared for that now.”
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Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Photos submitted by:
Amanda Devers, senior RTF major
Pandemic Profs: Maintaining Normalcy
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 4+1 biological sciences education major Mia Fondaro, a junior who also has minors in environmental science and psychology. Mia is isolating from her home in Pequannock, NJ (Morris County).
There’s not one person whose life hasn’t been changed by the COVID-19 virus. Personally, my life got turned upside down. I have a very strict and fully packed weekly schedule that now is suddenly full of free time. My days would start at 6 a.m. and wouldn’t end till about 10 p.m.
What is a positive in this situation is all the sleep I’m getting, but I’ll trade that in for all the on-campus experiences that I’m now missing.
How I’m trying to cope with it all is by staying positive and keeping as much of a routine as possible. I continue to wake up at a reasonable hour, make breakfast, do homework, and work out. Whole life may not be “normal” right now; what’s important to remember is to be thankful for your health and continue doing things that keep you sane.
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Why It’s Okay To Be Emotionally Vulnerable
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.
Meet Marco Imperiale, freshman psychology major, from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County). He hopes his article, “Encourages the Rowan community to know it’s okay to be vulnerable. Everyone at one stage in life was placed in a situation that they had felt vulnerable and it may seem uncomfortable to let your guard down, but if you do so there is the only chance for growth
in one’s self or in a relationship.”
According to Google, “vulnerability is the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed emotionally”. For as long as we know it, the stigma of emotional vulnerability has been associated with unprotectedness, defenselessness, or essentially anything that can make a person seem weak. However, research says otherwise, In Brené Brown’s TedTalk “The power of vulnerability” she goes onto explain how being vulnerable actually leads to a life of “meaningful human experiences”. Then goes on to say “It opens us up to love, joy, creativity, and empathy.”
It is acknowledged that to become emotionally vulnerable one must let down their guard, which can be mortifying due to the consequence of no guarantee, but the act of being emotionally vulnerable is more than just spilling out feelings. It allows us to say “ I love you” with the chance for someone to say it back, it allows a child to come out as gay to their parents with the opportunity for acceptance, and it allows the ability to liberate one’s self from a toxic relationship. What these situations have in common is the ability to portray strength, courage, and fortitude, all characteristics that encourage growth.
In a sense, vulnerability is the essence of emotions, a passageway to a more intrinsic way of life because “to feel is to be vulnerable” – Brené Brown.
Like what you see? Learn more about our healthy campus initiatives!
Story by:
Marco Imperiale, freshmen psychology major, Wellness Center intern
Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
Reference Page
Tartakovsky, M. (2018, July 8). 3 Myths about Vulnerability. Retrieved from
https://psychcentral.com/blog/3-myths-about-vulnerability/
Brown, B. (n.d.). Transcript of “The power of vulnerability”. Retrieved from
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability/transcript?language=en
Pandemic Profs: Passing the Time with Puzzles
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. Today’s story is from Olivia Scattergood, a junior psychology major whose season with women’s track and field was cut short due to COVID-19. She is now home in South Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County). Check out Olivia’s track and field stats.
This spring break, I was supposed to be heading to Atlanta with my team to compete, but unfortunately things didn’t go exactly as we planned! This left me with a lot of free time on my hands, which is something that I’m definitely not used to.
So, whenever I wasn’t at work, I used my free time to do something I haven’t been able to do for a long time! I completed a few puzzles over the last couple of weeks, which doesn’t sound like the most exciting activity, but it’s been something I’ve really enjoyed doing. They relax me, keep me occupied for hours on end, and stimulate my brain.
I used to do puzzles with my mom all the time when I was a kid, and I think she is a big reason that I’ve loved them all my life. Although she is no longer with me, I think of this as a way of spending time with her and honoring her memory. In recent months, I haven’t had a ton of time to relax and do things I enjoy, so I’m glad I was able to take this time for myself to do something that I like to do.
My cats also like to partake in this activity with me, as you can see.
Unfortunately, they end up being quite destructive rather than helping me. I also did these puzzles over the course of several days, so despite my best efforts to keep the pieces intact, my lovely cats had other plans.
So unfortunately, they hauled away a few pieces for themselves (and I’ve yet to find them). It’s incredibly unsatisfying to finish a puzzle and still be missing a piece or two, but I’ve accepted my fate as a cat owner!
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#PROFspective: Dietetics Major Hannah Holzhauer
Meet Hannah Holzhauer, a sophomore dietetics major from Sussex County, NJ who lives on-campus in the Rowan Boulevard Apartments. Hannah is on track for a 5 year master’s program to support her future career in nutrition.
Name: Hannah Holzhauer
Year: Sophomore
Major: Dietetics major (5 year master’s program)
Hometown: Green Township, NJ (Sussex County)
On campus resident or commuter: On-Campus resident in Rowan Boulevard Apartments.
Academic or social clubs you are a part of: I am a member of the Exercise is Medicine Club, Nutrition Care Club, and the Culture in Green Club. I am also in the National Honor Society fraternity Phi Sigma Pi as the scholarship chair.
Why did you choose Rowan University?
“I chose Rowan because it is the perfect fit for me. It is the right distance away from my home; far but not too far. It has a big campus with lots going on, but at the same time, it feels safe and inviting. It is reasonably priced for in-staters like me. The biggest deciding factor, however, was that it offers the field I so badly wanted to study … Nutrition.”
What inspired you to choose your major?
“I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at 7 years old. For most of my life, my body had been at war with itself. I was tired of being a victim to my condition and accepting that my pain, frustration and sadness were inevitable. I knew there had to be some way that I could help myself, but never did I imagine ending up where I am today. After doing extensive research on the impact diet has over disease, I decided to try it out myself. I changed my diet overnight and stuck with it out of hope and pure desperation that it would do some good. It not only did some good, it put me in full remission. This is something no pill, injection, or procedure has ever been able to do for me. I knew from this point on that I had found my purpose; to help others heal their bodies and regain control of their lives.”
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?
“The field of nutrition is ever-expanding, with new discoveries and research coming out every single day. I am living proof that food is medicine and that what you put into your body matters. If we shift our perception and start treating food more like fuel, we have the potential to improve the wellbeing of our nation and change the way health care is looked at for good.”
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a Rowan professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field.
“One of the best people I have had the pleasure of knowing at Rowan has to be Dr. Leslie Spencer. She teaches the Health Behavior Theory and Counseling class that I am in this semester. Never have I met an educator so dedicated to her work, her students, and the university as her. She is incredibly smart and passionate about health and wellness, which makes being in class with her such a joy. The life skills and personal growth I have attained from her class has turned me into a better human being with a greater understanding of those around me. I have no doubt that the things I have learned from Dr. Spencer will stay with me forever and benefit me in my professional career. I honestly believe that everyone, regardless of what you are studying, should take this course with her. She has so much to teach you.”
Any advice for students interested in Dietetics or any advice in general?
“Nutrition is an exciting field to study with endless career opportunities. The biggest thing when choosing a career path, whether it be Dietetics or something else, is to establish your “why”. If you can’t effortlessly answer why you are studying what you are, then maybe you are not where you are meant to be. Find your why.”
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Story by: Bianca Torres, junior Music Industry major
Pandemic Profs: Isolating On Campus
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 international student Marko Minic, a senior sports communication and media major isolating while living on campus. Photos included in this story were taken before COVID-19.
My name is Marko Minic and I am an international student from Belgrade, Serbia. During these unpredicted times, I was unable to travel back home and I am actually one of the few students staying on campus during this pandemic crisis.
The whole Rowan campus is currently a ghost town. I live in Mimosa Hall which is in the center of campus, and apart from seeing someone pass by every now and then, it has pretty much been empty to its last inch. Serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) in Mimosa, I have personally seen every last soul move out of the building, with just me and my Resident Director remaining.
The good news which I was very happy to hear was that the food services, although limited, remained open for the few of us still here. I am able to go to the Student Center (SC) and choose from our Breakfast & Co. Freshens, and Pizza Crust stations as well as get some additional food and supplies from The SHOP. With the rotation of these stations in the SC, I am able to have three well-balanced meals a day while getting some snacks in between from The SHOP. Overall, while the things are not ideal right now, I am very grateful for the resources and support that I have from the Rowan community and having them be there for me during these rough times.
Although my spring break (and the rest of the semester) is not what I have expected, I am trying my best to stay productive and not fall into a routine of slacking back. I have made a promise to myself that I will come out of this better, stronger (both mentally and physically), and more improved. Because I am normally jammed with three on-campus jobs and taking 18 credits in school during the academic year, my usual week is pretty hectic and my days can be overwhelming.
I am taking advantage of this unique situation by having more “me time” and focusing on improving myself in as many areas as I can. With more free time on my hands, I am also on the phone with my family and friends back home more often. Being a first generation student in my family who came to study in America certainly comes with its challenges and benefits. While it is hard being on my own and far away from home, the constant support and love I get from my closest ones keeps me going. As a first gen. here, I am trying to pave the way for the rest of my family to succeed and give them a better life they deserve.
As I will be graduating in about a month or so and will soon be out in the real world, I am using this time to prepare myself for a life after college; devoting my time to work on improving certain hard skills that employees look for, and searching for jobs that will help me get settled for a life in the U.S. upon the end of my college career.
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Dr. Rosetta Treece, Ed.D. ’16, Spearheads Mental Health Initiative [VIDEO]
Dr. Rosetta Treece, a 2016 graduate of Rowan’s doctorate of educational leadership (Ed.D.) program, serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Hopewell Valley School District in Pennington (Mercer County) in what she calls her “dream job.”
Dr. Treece is in charge of K-12 curricula, school technology and programming such as equity and basic skills.
However, her spearheading of the school district’s mental health initiatives is deeply personal, as she lost her son to suicide in early 2017.
Dr. Treece and her superintendent crafted policies and professional development to support suicide prevention throughout the Hopewell Valley School District.
She partnered with Attitudes in Reverse (AIR), an outreach program, to train therapy dogs — even her own — for the schools. “It’s amazing to see a student that’s completely shut down, not open to talking … and then the dog would come in, and they would just open up,” she says.
Dr. Treece says mental health is a challenging issue to take on with schools because there’s a stigma around it. She’s making it her mission to break the stigma.
“I put myself out there. I let people know what I’ve been through so that I can start tearing down those walls of the stigma of what mental health looks like,” Dr. Treece says. “This is a lifetime commitment for me.”
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Thrift Store Dorm Room Makeover Under $50 [VIDEO]
Bianca Torres, a junior Music Industry major from Morristown, NJ (Morris County), shows us how she transformed her room in the Whitney Center apartments, using items she had and items she purchased from a Glassboro thrift store and the shops near campus.
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Video edited by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Music by:
Bianca Torres, junior music industry major
Pandemic Profs: Prof Pups
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 Devon Graf, a senior communications studies major self-distancing from her house in Camden County, NJ. Devon joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Enchanted Celebrations was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business.
Looking for something to liven up your day? I’m here to introduce you to our very special celebs of the week, Prof Pets! During these hard times it may be difficult to find a little positivity … these pets will be sure to brighten your day up.
- Athena – Athena is a two year old mixed pit bull. She was rescued from a shelter in Camden, after she was abused by her previous owners. She, along with her mother and father, brothers and sisters got separated at the pound. Athena found her “fur”ever home with Nikki Schaefer, a senior student at Rowan. Athena likes to play with her friends, cuddle and go for long walks, she is the most loving, gentle dog that just wants to be loved. We love you Athena!
Athena - Heidi – Our Heidi girl coming in famous here! Heidi is my own pup. I love her so much. Heidi is a two and a half year old rambunctious female lab. Boy, is this a crazy dog! I was surprised with Heidi on Christmas Eve by my mom and dad. They adopted her from Lancaster, PA. Heidi is the most fun loving dog around … and FULL of energy. Labs are a very smart breed, and she learns very quickly. Heidi loves to play ball in the backyard, and when you say “dog park” this dog jumps in joy. Heidi loves the dog park, she’s a super sociable dog that will play forever, I notice Heidi loves to steal fruit snacks, eat your left over cereal, and steal your socks.
Heidi - Bella – Bella babe is a super favorite over here. She was rescued from a neighbor back home in Freehold, NJ, by Madelyn. Bella is about two years old and she loves to cuddle and be around people.
Bella - Molly & Carson – Molly is a 9 year old loving dog who love was a rescue. Jenna Broadbent (a Rowan education major) loves to hangout with Molly all the time. Molly has a brother, Carson, who is another rescue who is 3 years old.
Molly and Carson - Next up we have Madelyn Buckingham’s rescue pups! They are both puppy mill rescues and survivors. The furry brown one is the youngest and her favorite thing to do is be held and rocked. The older lab mix has an adorable obsession with gummy bears… (Me too).
- Sophie – Sophie was born on December 29, 2018 in Alabama. She’s just over one year old. She enjoys playing fetch and loves healthy snacks like spinach and green beans … (I wish I loved them as much as Sophie!). She also loves the beach and to snuggle. Sophie has her own Instagram for you to follow! @Sophiethebmd
Sophie - Korona – A big shout out to Syndie Kinsler on her cute six year old cattle dog chow mix. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, swimming and being out in the woods with horses. She is a very loyal and loving dog who loves to cuddle!
Korona - Gabriella Snookie – Brandon Clement and his mother chose Gabby from an Amish farm 10 years ago. She was completely black with a brown bottom. She stared at Brandon and his mother and completely fell in love! It was like they were all soulmates. She was the last pup out of the litter. When Gabby turned 8 months they got her to be a service dog and become licensed and fully trained with the state. Amazing! She can sense when Brandon’s mother is suffering from anxiety. She was a god send!
Gabby - Last up, we have Kourtey Clyde’s pup, Baxter. His birthday is April 4, and he was born in Tennessee. He loves carrots and to play fetch. He can’t sleep unless he is laying on his back.
Baxter
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Story and photography by:
Devon Graf, Senior Communication Studies Major
Photography submitted in by Rowan students
Degree in Three: Taylor Jachts, Law and Justice Major
Why did you choose Rowan University? “I actually chose Rowan University because of the Bantivoglio Honors Program and the Degree in Three Program. They are both things that look great on a resume!” What made you choose your major? “I chose to be a Law & Justice major because I wanted to go to law school. There are […]
Pandemic Profs: Isolating with Microwave Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
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 coronavirus. Today’s story is from Rachel Rumsby, a freshman isolating from her house in Bergen County, NJ. Rachel is a dual major in communication studies and public relations who normally lives in Mimosa Hall.
Ever since I was a young child, I have been in the kitchen in some capacity. When I was young, I used to “help” my mom bake. When I was 5 years old, my mom wrote me a cook book of all of her recipes that she makes so that 
someday I would be able to make them myself. A lot of the recipes that I make are from this book. Recently, I have added some of my own recipes into the book, in hopes that maybe someday this book will be passed on.
The recipe I will share with you today, as well as the Depression Cake that I have previously shared, are both recipes my mom wrote in this book. Each recipe has a little story of what my mom made the recipe for and what the recipe might be good for! Here is my own take on why I love Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is one of my favorite chocolate treats to make. It’s great for warm weather because it doesn’t require any baking in the oven. This treat is fast to make as well. It only requires a few minutes to prepare, 8 minutes to microwave, and 5 minutes to cool!
This dessert is decadent and rich, similar to an expensive hot chocolate that I tried in Paris a few years ago, although my mom has been making it since before I was born. The dessert will come out with some parts cake-like and some parts liquid and pudding-esque, so if the inside is liquidy, don’t think this means you didn’t cook it enough! It can be served with ice cream, or by itself.
I hope you enjoy this wonderful recipe! It brings me back to Paris every time I make it, which is great, especially in a time where we must isolate and definitely cannot travel! It also reminds me of family and my childhood.
Ingredients: 
- 3/4 of a cup of flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
To sprinkle on top:
- 3/4 of a cup of brown sugar (I prefer light brown sugar)
- 1/4 of a cup of cocoa
- 1 cup of HOT water
Directions:
- Mix flour, baking powder, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, salt, vegetable oil, and vanilla together in a microwave safe bowl.
- Sprinkle brown sugar on top of mixture.
- Sprinkle 1/4 of a cup of cocoa on top of brown sugar.
- Pour hot water on top. DO NOT MIX!
- Microwave uncovered for 8 minutes. Let cool in microwave for 5 minutes before serving. Inside may be liquidy.
- Can be served by itself or with ice cream on top. Bon Appétit!
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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Alumni Success: Chemical Engineering Major Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson is a Chemical Engineering alumnus from the Class of 2016, from Langhorne, PA (Bucks County). Brad was part of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society, University Orchestra, String Ensemble and Republican Club. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate for the Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.
What inspired you to choose Chemical Engineering?
“In high school I was interested in chemistry and, in particular, physics. I was drawn to engineering in general because of its hands-on nature and emphasis on applying scientific principles to improve the world.”
What would you share with a future student interested in Chemical Engineering?
“Chemical engineering unit operations and processes are pretty cool. There are so many inventive ways to transport, transform, separate and combine different materials.”
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?
“Chemical engineers have a hand in developing and producing almost anything you can imagine: energy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and advanced materials to name a few. We excel at process modeling, utilizing math, chemistry and physics to create products in a safe and economical fashion.
“My sub-field is process systems engineering. We develop and apply rigorous mathematical optimization and modeling methods to improve the design, operation and control of chemical engineering processes.”
Can you share a current research project you’re working on?
“I’m currently developing computationally efficient dynamic models for powder flow in pharmaceutical drug product continuous manufacturing. For example, one model leverages our knowledge of powder properties to predict how fast a powder can be fed through different screw feeders and under different process conditions. Predictive models can speed up a new drug’s time to market by reducing the need for experimental data to begin process development.”
What is your biggest academic/career accomplishment so far?
“Successfully proposing my thesis, ‘Theory and Application in Best Subset Selection and Constrained Regression,’ last September.”
Tell us about your transition into graduate school and how you pushed through any challenges.
“The biggest difference between undergraduate coursework and graduate research is the switch from solving curated, self-contained problems with well-tested methods to having to pose your own problems and solutions with no guarantee they will work. This difference, in part, made it challenging to transition my strong undergraduate work ethic into my graduate work. To combat this, I’ve scheduled a period of time each day to focus on meeting small research goals. This helps me keep momentum even when unexpected challenges arise.”
Do you have any plans after graduation?
“I don’t have firm plans for after graduation. In the future, I hope to continue developing technical software and algorithms. I’d also like to help teach the next generation of engineers.”
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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
First Year Voices: Dance Major Sabrina Vargas
Meet Sabrina Vargas, a freshman dance major from Atlantic County who lives on campus in Evergreen Hall. Sabrina joined Rowan through the Pre-College Institute Program and is involved with many clubs on campus.
Name: Sabrina Vargas
Year: Freshman
Major: Dance
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: Mays Landing, NJ (Atlantic County)
Where do you live? On campus, Evergreen Hall
First-generation college student? Yes
Academic and Social Clubs: I am the Student Government Association representative for the Atomik Legacy Dance Crew, and I am involved with MOCA, which is the Men of Color Alliance.
What inspired you to choose your major? Senior year of high school I applied to Rowan through the Common App. I had no clue what I wanted to do as a major. I looked through my options and saw that dance was an option for a major. I talked to my dance teacher, and my dance teacher said go for it. You should audition. So I did and I love going to school for what I love.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field? Not a lot of us dancers can truly express ourselves through words. We express ourselves through our body art. A lot of people can relate to not speaking on certain things. A dancer can give her entire life story through a show. For me, dance is my peace. Everyone in the world should find their peace in some way, and dancers give people the courage to do so. Dance is physically and emotionally draining, and we go for it every day.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college? It’s OK to stay close to home because you make your own life at college. You can make your home wherever you are. I’m 45 minutes away from home and I barely go home because my home is at Rowan.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges. I automatically connected to everyone at Pre-College Institute (PCI). I was nervous, but I knew everyone from PCI had my back. I knew I had mentors there and that I could ask for help if I needed it. In the mix of doing the hard academic bootcamp at PCI, you get a family. I live in Evergreen with my PCI family. I walk into the ASCEND office and I feel at home. I can’t imagine my college experience without it. We did a lot of self growth activities and it taught me how to be a good student.
I took an Elements of Dance class with Paule Turner, the theatre and dance department chair, during PCI, which helped me transition into the dance department at Rowan. Paule said that him having me as a student in the summer proved to him and showed him that I deserved to be here as a dance major. I knew the department and Paule so I felt a step ahead from the other freshmen dance majors when college started.
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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Jeff, President of Chestnut Hall Council, Shares What He Loves About Chestnut Hall
Meet Jeff Wheeler, a freshman double major in Radio, Television and Film within the Ric Edelman College of Communication and Creative 
Arts, and Computing and Informatics within the College of Science & Mathematics – School of Health Professions. He has minors in Computer Science, Math, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Jeff is a first-generation college student from Matawan, New Jersey (Monmouth County). He feels that Chestnut Hall is his home away from home. Today, he will share with us two things he loves about about living in Chestnut Hall, as well as his experience being President of Chestnut Hall’s Hall Council through the Residence Hall Association (RHA).
His floor community within Chestnut. Jeff thinks that Chestnut has a great community, especially within each floor. “Moving into Chestnut was scary for me, I didn’t know anyone. However, my RA brought our floor together as a family and they turned into my major friend group. “His floor has become his best friends, and he thinks that being in the Computer Science Living-Learning Community helped group him with people that think similarly to him. He has been coding websites since 7th grade and became a freelancer in 9th grade, so computer science is his passion.
The Chestnut Community as a whole. “Talking to the presidents of the other halls made me realize how lucky Chestnut is with our close community. I feel like everyone knows everyone and they’re always looking out for each other.” Every time he walks around, he sees someone he knows and he is greeted with a smile. It makes him happy to know there is such a great Chestnut community. He says that everyone is respectful and kind towards the Resident Assistants and their fellow residents.
“Being President of Chestnut was a big game changer for me.” Jeff says that programming events has been a lot of fun. He had the opportunity to network with a ton of great people involved in housing and created some mentor relationships that made his freshman year memorable. His role as Hall Council President of Chestnut involves event programming and discussing issues around the hall that the council can fix, such as social issues or study issues.
Like what you see? Learn more about housing!
Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
Three Things I Love About My Major
Hi! My name is Bianca Torres. I’m from Morris County, NJ (North Jersey). I am a junior Music Industry major with a minor in Marketing here at Rowan University and I love my major!
Back in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do in the future or where I wanted to go for school. I knew that I wanted to go in the direction of music because I love it so much but I didn’t know what I could do with that. Then through my choir class, I met a friend who was a senior in high school at the time who had told me they were going to school for Music Business. Once she told me more about it, I instantly knew that music industry is where I needed to be.
After looking at a couple options, I came to the conclusion that Rowan definitely had the best program for the affordable price I was looking for. When I found out that I had gotten into the Music Industry program, I was extremely excited! Now that I’m a junior in the major, I can definitely say that I have no regrets about the program and I’ve had so many opportunities as well.
- The faculty and students are amazing!
The professors are very down-to earth and are willing to help with anything you might need. They are also extremely highly regarded in their careers and have so many connections into the industry. They’re honest and very accepting of all the different areas and backgrounds of the music industry! The program offers students the option between two concentrations; the business side of the music industry, the tech side, or there is even the option of both! The professors, no matter what “side” they are on, are very knowledgeable of all aspects of the Music Industry and it clearly shows.
I’ve also made so many connections and close friends through this program. We can all bond over the love of music and the strengths we all have in different areas of music. Everyone is extremely talented. I’m so happy that I’ve found a community within my major.
2. The hands-on experiences.
Another great thing about the program is all of the hands-on experiences they offer to their students. Within our department, we have a student-run record label called Rowan Music Group (RMG). Through that label, we are able to sign, assist, and create Rowan student music and help them further their artistic careers.
Within our department, we also have our own studios in which students can create, produce, and mix their songs, whether it be for a class or project.
Through our Touring and Concert Promotion class, we find talented artists, book them, and then host our very own show. Most recently, my class has hosted one of the last shows at the legendary Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia.
Through these experiences, there are so many ways to network and connect to people in the industry that could be of great use to students in the future.
The program has also been able to send students and student-artists SXSW in Austin, TX.
3. They offer so many opportunities for Internships and jobs!
Lastly, one of the best things about my major is all of the internship and job opportunities the department notifies us about. Looking for an internship/job is already a hard and stressful task that many college students struggle with. I can proudly say because of the Rowan Music Industry program, I have already completed one internship and am currently working at another internship right now at the Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, PA! Whether it be for smaller labels, venues, or paid-sound engineering opportunities in the Philadelphia area or even bigger record labels and venues, all the way from New York to Nashville, TN, the Music Industry program will always help out and let their students know. This is a great help for any students looking for internships or paid-jobs once their time at Rowan comes to a close.
The Rowan Music Industry program has made me a more well-rounded and hardworking individual. I’ve met so many amazing, talented, and inspiring people through this program that have helped me through tough-times and have supported me through good times. In my opinion, music is a universal language that can bring different people from different cultures and backgrounds together through one shared experience.
For me to have the opportunity to be apart of that experience through Rowan’s program, is life changing!
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Written Story by: Bianca Torres, junior music industry major
Photography by: Nicole Cier and Jen Green
Pandemic Profs: Yoga at Home
Today’s story is from Melanie Sbaraglio, a senior public relations and advertising major social-distancing from her house in Nutley, NJ (Essex County). Melanie joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro was cut short due to COVID-19 affecting business.
Stuck inside, gyms are closed, and looking for some kind of physical activity that will also relieve stress and anxiety? I had the idea to get into yoga when I wanted to focus on something new during this unusual time in life.
I went in thinking about how it was something I never used to have an interest in even though I tried it a few times in the past. For a beginner like myself I recommend starting with an easy stretch routine.
I have been liking one by a social media fitness instructor named Maddie Lymburner. Her YouTube handle is MadFit and the video that I started out with is her 20-minute Yoga For Stress and Anxiety. This routine is 20 minutes of Stretch Yoga, which also focuses on breathing. It can be a great way to start or end the day because it is quick and relaxing.
Once I did this beginner routine I realized that even though I am not an expert on yoga by any means, it is a great way to release stress and any tension from the body. Throughout the video, the instructor wants you to focus on breathing and letting any tension go from the neck and shoulders through different positions.
After doing a stretch routine for a few days to ease yourself into it, there are many other forms of yoga to try that are beneficial in different ways. If you are interested in working up a sweat and getting a good workout through yoga, try out Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga. This became another favorite of mine after following along with a video from a YouTube channel called YogiApproved. Power Vinyasa Flow is more intense and requires you to move from one pose to the next all in one motion. I noticed that this kind of yoga is more of a full-body workout because it is fast paced and tests your strength.
So far I have only tried out these two forms of yoga myself, but there are tons of videos on YouTube for any kind of yoga that interests you. I have never had a real interest in yoga or its benefits until these past few weeks of being home and needing to find something to occupy my time. It’s something anyone can try and do in the comfort of their own home for free.
Now is as good of a time as any to challenge yourself to something new so give it a try and get to stretching!
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Story and photos by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, senior public relations and advertising major
Pre-Quarantine 20 Questions with Faith Diccion [VIDEO]
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 Faith Diccion, a sophomore isolating in her house in Atlantic County, NJ. A double major in Theatre and Radio/TV/Film Faith shares what it’s really like to be a Rowan Prof while answering 20 questions strolling on Rowan Boulevard. Rowan Blog captured this footage pre-quarantine.
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Video by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
Music Education Grad Shares His Insight & Advice
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 alumnus Sean Clancy, and was captured by senior Iridian Gonzalez, journalism, before quarantine.
Meet Sean Clancy, a 2014 graduate from the College of Performing Arts. Sean earned his bachelor’s in music education and a minor in dance studies. He teaches general music to elementary students, while singing professionally around the country as well. Today he will share with us his journey in becoming a music teacher and what he learned throughout the process.
How did you know you wanted to pursue a career in music and 
education?
“In high school I did New Jersey All-State and Regional chorus, it was just really inspiring. I was inspired by the people who conducted it and I always knew I wanted to get into education I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I noticed how it [music] affects your grade. It gives you a sense of responsibility and time management. And you’re always working in a team, it’s not a one-person thing, it’s about everyone succeeding.”
How did you like Rowan’s music and education departments?
“It was amazing, they have one of the best education departments in the country. I feel like we got so much experience with kids. From my freshman year we were working with kids and watching teachers. That’s what I like, the moment you are here you’re in the game.”
Sean said he liked how his first courses for music education all started at 8 a.m. because he said that if you can’t handle waking up that early to go to class then how are you going to wake up that early to teach.
“I have to be at work at 7:30, which means I’m up at 6. So, if you can’t handle getting to class by 8 you can’t handle being a teacher.”
What does a typical day at work look for you?
“Now with my elementary job my day starts at 10 and ends at 3. I have a one in a half hour lunch break and that’s it. I have duty at 8:20 and I am on duty until 8:50. Then from 8:50 to 10 I either have a meeting with my team or have prep time. Right now, we are in the spring concert mode, so we are learning the spring concert music and I love doing music from different languages, because that’s what I learned here [Rowan]. My third graders are doing a song in Japanese and my second graders are doing Nigerian. I find that kids are connecting. They might not like all the songs, but even if they like one part of one song then they will be in it for that.”
Any advice for students wanting to major in music education?
“They always tell you to take the job you get, if you get it just be grateful, 
but they don’t tell you get the job your supposed to be in. My first job I got it at the wrong place. I left it mid-year; I didn’t like it. It was my first interview after college, and I got the job. I was like ‘dream job amazing’ but I had no support and I was doing too much, I was 22 teaching high school. I took the job, but that job wasn’t right for me, but of course I don’t regret it because I learned a lot and learned about myself. Learned how to get right up when you hit rock bottom. A year later I started working a part-time job in Belmawr, my hometown, trying to revive their chorus program and through that process I learned that I am a good teacher and that I could make an impact in kids and that I was just in the wrong place. Since then I’ve been a full-time teacher.”
Sean said that when you’re a musician your teachers become like your parents; they guide you through on how to make your instrument the best it can be.
“There’s such a special connection.”
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story by:
Iridian Gonzalez, senior journalism major
Photos courtesy of:
Sean Clancy/Jamie Jung Photography
Rowan at Home: Glimpse into Biomedical Arts & Visualization with Emily Higgins [VIDEO]
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 Emily Higgins, a junior isolating in her house in Morris County, NJ. Emily is a Biomedical Art and Visualization major who normally spends a lot of time in Westby Hall, which is her home away from home at Rowan University.
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Video by: Peter Planamente, senior journalism major
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/TV/film major
Music by: Tommy Bell, junior music industry major
Pandemic Profs: Making Masks, Woodburning & More
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 Brittney Nickel, a junior mechanical engineering major self-distancing from her house in Pompton Plains, Morris County, NJ.
Hello! I’ve been keeping busy by cleaning out my childhood room to make it more conducive to online learning, sewing surgical masks for my sister’s and mom’s hospitals, and crafting.
I officially moved out of school and my monitor found a spot on my desk to help me be more productive. I had to bring home all my plants as well, and my favorite pothos found a spot right near my desk as well. 
For the surgical masks, both my parents and my sister work in hospitals that are being deeply impacted by COVID-19, so we broke out my sewing machine and went to work. So far we’ve made about 20 masks and we plan to make many more.
One of my favorite hobbies is woodburning, so I decided to make a sign to lift some spirits, hence the “quarantine sweet quarantine”.
I added the sunflowers because they’re a happy flower and a reminder to always look toward the sun. I also decided to paint my light switch cover because the old one had soccer balls on it, a sport I haven’t played since middle school.
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As We Evolve, So Does Our Music
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.
Meet Allegra Giannini, junior English major, from South Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County.) Allegra wrote this article to connect the Rowan community. She shares, “I wrote this piece on music because I feel that music is a universal thing that connects humans together. From the meme in Bee Movie where he asks, “Ya like jazz?” music never fails to be a talking point. I’ve met countless people who have said music has saved their lives or impacted them in an equally large way. Ask practically anyone who their favorite musical artist is, and you see their eyes light up. It’s one of my favorite things because it makes me happy to see people talk so passionately about something. My article talks about how normal it is to let music have an impact on you. How it’s been clinically proven that the right music can decrease anxiety and simultaneously elevate your mood. It’s an important, yet overlooked part of our lives. But it’s a discussion worth having.”
Music has been around since the dawn of time. It began most likely with a rhythmic beating of rocks against a hard surface, and humming, to downloading a music program and mixing sounds with a keyboard. One easy way to study societal evolution is by exploring the wide range of music. Most people on this planet have a type in music. The answers often heard range from rock, indie, rap, R&B, the list is endless. One interesting question though, is what makes people have a taste? Do people tend to enjoy music they’ve grown up on? Or is it scientifically speaking people’s neurological reactions to the aesthetic sounds created. Perhaps both answers are true, but maybe there is one more. The other answer would be where one is developmentally influences the kind of music they listen to. Not just because of rhythm or melody, but perhaps because of the lyrics.
What do people most remember about songs? Everyone has done that thing where they try to look up a song in Google, but can’t remember the title so they either type in the rhythm which looks something like, “that song that goes dum da dee dum.” Or they Google a snippet of the lyrics, they may Google, “Same as it ever was” and learn the song they were looking for is “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads. Whatever the case may be, they Google the lyrics that stuck out to them the most, the ones they resonate with. Maybe the lyric “same as it ever was” perfectly describes how they feel on the inside. Those lyrics hit home, they mean something to them.
If people correlate how their lives are going with songs, they may find that they gravitate towards artists, albums or songs they feel perfectly encapsulates how they are mentally feeling, or brings up a memory. An article written by Nancy Shute for NPR from September 2013 said, “Music is a powerful cue for retrieving strong personal memories — when you kissed that girl at summer camp; the blue polka-dot dress you wore to prom; how lonely you were freshman year.” (Shute, npr.org)
That article may be from 7 years ago, but the message still stands. Music is a lot more powerful than some give it credit. Hearing a song can change someone’s mood instantaneously. It is important that it’s power is embraced. So, when the going gets tough, it’s a good idea to put on a song. Make a “Happy Times” playlist, or even a “Rad and Sad” playlist. Sometimes listening to the songs that bring on the tears is just as healthy. What’s most important is embracing the effect music has on one’s personality.
Like what you see? Learn more about our healthy campus initiatives!
Story by:
Allegra Giannini, junior English major, Wellness Center intern
Photography by:
Alyssa Bauer, senior public relations major
Pandemic Profs: How to Take Better Photos as a College Student
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. Find Nicole’s photos for Rowan Blog here.
As college students, we are experiencing what most people reflect on as some of the best years of their lives. We have unlimited opportunities, live close to our friends, and find unique ways to have fun. The memories we make during these four (or so) years of our lives can last a lifetime — but why not take photos, just in case we forget? Whether you want to post these photos on social media, store them in an album, or hang them on your dorm room wall, here are some tips to up your photography game.
Make the most of natural light
Most of us don’t have the money as college students to invest in a fancy camera, but we can make the most of our phone cameras with a few lighting tricks. Natural light is going to be our best friend, so try to shoot during the day time when you can use minimal overhead lighting. Fluorescent lights usually don’t work well with photos, and can distort the exposure (brightness) or colors in your photos. Avoid shooting in direct sunlight, especially if there is a person in the shot, so they don’t have to squint. Typically, overcast or cloudier days are best, as they prevent overexposure of your image and distracting sun flares or glares. Wherever your light is coming from, it should illuminate the subject in your photo so that they stick out from the background. Have your subject face the light source, as opposed to having their back to the light, so they are clearly visible.
Consider your composition
To take the best photo, pay attention to your surroundings! The composition of a photo pertains to how the subject(s) in your image are arranged in relation to other objects nearby and the background. One of the biggest mistakes people make in photography is not noticing distractions in the background that could take away from their photo. Make sure that things such as telephone poles and trees are not “poking out of” your subject’s head in the photo, and make sure to remove any objects you don’t want in the frame. Sometimes even people in the background can distract from the main subject.
Use lines & symmetry as a guide
The Rule of Thirds is another important aspect to keep in mind while taking photos (here is a short YouTube clip explaining the Rule of Thirds). It ensures that your photo’s composition is “balanced,” so the viewer’s eye knows exactly where to look, and so your focal point — the part of the photo you want to draw attention to — is the star of the show. Symmetry and leading lines make your photo easier on the eyes, and pave a simple path for the eye to follow to the focal point. Turning on the gridlines in your phone or camera’s settings makes using leading lines and symmetry in your pictures much easier.
Shoot with intention
One of the biggest mistakes people make in photography is not thinking about what they want the photo to express. Take into consideration what your goal is for each photo, and strive to capture that. For example, if you want to portray someone as powerful or important, shoot them from a low angle, with your camera pointed slightly up towards them. If you want to take an “artsy” portrait of your friend, consider props or a particular scenery that will set the tone you have in mind. Having an idea of what you want a photo to look like, before you even take it, will help you get the best picture possible!
And as with any art form, don’t be afraid to try new techniques! Experiment with different lighting and composition options, and compare your photos. Looking at two photos side by side, that have the same subject matter but were shot differently, can teach you a lot about photography. Take as many photos as you can and find what style you like the most. Each photographer has a unique style in their pictures, and there is no “wrong” way to do it. Make the most of your college memories and preserve them, too, by snapping the best photos you can.
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Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
ROWAN RESET | Sleepy Cat Edition [VIDEO]
Rowan Reset is our self-care series of laid-back videos to view as you go about your day — play as you study, nap, practice self-care or just veg out.
Meet the adorable, sleepy cats of one Rowan Prof’s household.
Harrison (white/tabby), Simon (skinnier gray), Priya (fluffy), Jingle (not-so-skinny gray) and Gouda (jet black) enjoy their mid-day sunny nap. Interested in a furry companion? Local rescues are in need of fosters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reach out to your local organizations to temporarily take in a cat. Most rescues/shelters cover all expenses — food, litter, veterinary — you just supply the space and the love!
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