Today we welcome incoming first year students from the College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Rowan University. Haley Hill (she/they) is from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County) and will be living on campus as an Education and History major. Gianna Burgio (she/her) is also from Williamstown, NJ and will be living on campus as an Education and History major. Jada Gonzalez (she/her) is from Sayreville, NJ (Middlesex County) and will be attending as an Elementary Education major. Bella Pilla (she/her) is from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County) and will live on campus enrolled as an Anthropology major.
Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward to in college?
Haley: Classes, I’m really excited about writing and history classes specifically.
Gianna: There are so many things I am looking forward to at Rowan! A couple of them include hanging out with my friends, being able to make great connections with professors, growing stronger academically and athletically, and last but not least, running as a Prof!
Jada: Learning independence.
Bella: Personally, I am looking forward to the community that Rowan has.
What clubs, intramural sports, student activities, etc. are you most looking forward to at Rowan?
Haley: I heard about a D&D club while at Accepted Students Day that I’d love to be a part of.
Gianna: I cannot wait to run as a Prof! I am on the Cross Country and Track Team and already made some connections with the team!
Bella: I am looking forward to learning more about Greek life at Rowan.
Please share a few likes or interests that you have!
Haley: Painting, reading (currently “Silk Roads”), cooking, hiking or nature walks, anime and poetry!
Gianna: A few of my interests and hobbies that I have include: singing, dancing, playing the ukulele and acting! I did theater in high school and performing will always be a big part of my life.
Jada: I like painting, working out, hanging out with friends and drinking coffee!
Bella: I enjoy reading, music and tacos.
Do you have advice for other high school seniors who haven’t committed to a school yet?
Haley: If you believe college is for you, go for it! Going to college is a great experience, but not everyone wants to.
Gianna: My biggest advice has to be to not stress. I know committing to any college is a stressful and confusing process, but if you find one that really clicks with you, stick with it. You don’t need to know what you want to do with the rest of your life — you’re only 18 years old — but if you find any type of connection with anything whatsoever, go for it!
Bella: Try to commit to a school not only because of how it looks, but also how well the studies and campus life are.
What is one thing about Rowan itself that you liked that encouraged you to enroll?
Haley: How close it is to my home and how well known it is for [producing] great teachers.
Gianna: One thing about Rowan that stood out was how kind everyone was, especially on the cross country team. I was going back and forth not knowing if I wanted to go here, but the people made all the difference in the world.
Jada: The campus is beautiful.
Bella: I liked knowing that most of the professors were/are in the field they teach.
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Story by:
Skyla Everwine, senior English and writing arts major