Today we feature Alyssa Putiri, a senior Biological Sciences major with a Pre-Med concentration from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County). She is a part of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS), Pre-Health Society, Leadership Rowan (LR) and Residential Learning and University Housing (RLUH).
Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home.
Alpha Phi Omega, my co-ed service fraternity. We did a lot of service and various charitable events around campus before COVID hit. We are like a little family and doing charitable things as a group really emphasized that community feel. We also held fellowships which basically are fun activities we do as a group like watching a movie together while eating snacks, or tie-dying shirts and socks together. It’s an inclusive organization and it makes me feel at home.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?
Honestly any event that’s been held in the Student Center. They always make it super inclusive and have the nicest people working these events. I guess a good example would be Hollybash; it’s an annual event that Rowan holds that is thrown by the student-run group Student University Programmers (SUP). They host a famous artist who performs at the end of the night, and have a bunch of fun activities during the day. There’s also food trucks and amazing vendors from all over South Jersey. I would say it’s a welcoming environment because everyone who helps run it is nice and always willing to lend a hand, even during an intense and chaotic event.
What’s your favorite thing about one typical day at Rowan for you?
As corny as this may sound, I really love to walk around on campus and seeing other people walk around as well. I sadly don’t see as many people anymore, but back when Rowan was in full swing pre-COVID you could walk to class or the Student Center and run into friends or classmates and I’d either wave and say “Hi” or have a short conversation with them. It really felt like a community, and while it does still feel like that, it has been lost a bit due to COVID.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you?
I would say the diversity of clubs. They are definitely working on adding new and even more diverse clubs, but for the most part I would say that there really is something for everyone here.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor or staff member in which you felt like they truly cared about your wellbeing.
My current Resident Director, Kenold Gosier, has really shown me so much compassion and he didn’t have to. We have one-on-one’s biweekly, and I rant to him about almost everything. He takes the time to really listen and understand where I’m coming from, even if he’s never experienced what I’m ranting about. He never tries to give me bland advice or interrupt me when I’m talking, so I truly appreciate all his efforts!
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Story and photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major