Today we speak to Tiana Howard, a senior Communication Studies major with concentrations in Rhetorical Criticism and Honors. A first-generation college student from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County), Tiana is president of her sorority, Mu Sigma Upsilon, and a member of Rowan’s EOF program. Tiana works as an Ambassador Coordinator for Rowan Admissions, and she also works at Playa Bowls on Rowan Boulevard.
What inspired you to choose your major?
I chose my major because it centers on human interaction and it delves deeper into understanding humans and the way we assign value and meaning to the world. My future career goals include working with students as a counselor and eventually becoming a superintendent. I want to change the school system for minorities going to college from impoverished backgrounds from first-gen families because they need the most support. As one myself, I wish I had someone who understood the resources I needed in these situations, so I hope I can be that person for someone in the future. That’s why I believe that to serve the students the best involves understanding how I can best communicate with them to help them succeed. I would like to implement these teachings into my future career and also in the world in general, as I grow and expand personally and professionally.
Tell us something interesting that you’ve learned in a class this semester.
This semester’s classes seem back to normal, or at least as much as they could be! Online was definitely a hard trial for me, but getting over that hurdle taught me growth and development. I learned in class this semester a lot about the mind and how humans manage the things going on in their life. In my Honors Essentials of Psychology class, I learned how people can stress very easily and about the body’s response system while dealing with stressful situations. But I also learned how we are not wired to deal with chronic stress and how that is impacting the way we function in society today.
Take us through one typical Rowan day for you.
I get up every morning around 6:30 a.m., and I am in class or at work at 8 a.m. I usually have classes all morning in the Edelman College of Communication and Creative Arts until 11:30 a.m., and then I’m working in the Admissions Office for Rowan Admissions Ambassadors, serving as one of four coordinators until 4:30! While at work, I am sending out tours for prospective students, managing and completing office work, assisting the admissions ambassadors, or completing projects with my other fellow coordinators. After work, I am usually at the Rec Center doing either Body Pump or Cycle 45. The group fitness classes are my way to stay active and healthy with a busy schedule, especially since they’re free this year! After my group fitness class, I am doing homework for a couple of hours and then handling sorority business for the rest of the day! Our chapter meetings are on Thursday nights, so we are constantly scheduling events, creating projects, and holding programs all week until then. On the weekends, you can find me serving fruit bowls to the Rowan community at Playa Bowls right on the Boulevard!
Tell us about one club, organization, or group of friends that makes you feel like Rowan is home.
My Admissions family makes me feel like Rowan is home. I was a tour guide since the fall semester of my sophomore year, and I just became a coordinator this past summer, so they have been with me for the entire journey, basically. They were there when I didn’t feel like I had anyone. I came to college as a first-gen student, as a minority attending a predominantly white institution. Those categories can make you feel alone and isolated. But when I joined Admissions, I was allowed to be myself and express who I was freely without holding back part of my identity for anyone. This group brings a smile to my face every time I’m with them.
Working in Admissions during my time at Rowan has allowed me to understand that work shouldn’t be a boring 9-5 that you dread going to, but a fun-filled environment filled with bright, sunny personalities and amazing individuals not afraid to be their selves and share that experience with others as well!
Like what you see?
Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, junior communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, junior music industry major