Today we feature incoming transfer students April Casey (she/her), an English major from Gloucester County and Emma Rodriguez (she/her), an Anthropology major from Ocean County. The two tell us about their majors, why they’re excited to start classes at Rowan, and give advice to future transfer students.
Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward to at Rowan University?
April: I am looking forward to being challenged academically and continuing to develop my writing skills.
Emma: I’m really looking forward to being surrounded by people who are passionate about the things they are pursuing. I can’t wait to make new connections and grow both as a student and a person.
Incoming transfer student Emma Rodriguez
What is one hobby, activity, sport or club that you’re involved in that you’d like to continue at Rowan?
Emma: I have been sewing a lot of my own clothes for the past few years and I would love to become involved in the costuming aspect of theater.
Is there anything you’re hoping to discover about yourself at Rowan? Grow a new skill? Try a new interest?
April: I’m hoping to develop my creative writing skills, as it is the aspect of English that most intimidates me.
Emma: There are so many clubs and activities at Rowan that it’s hard to pick only a few I’d like to learn more about; there’s Fencing, Archery, and Beekeeping even! I have a feeling I’m going to be very busy.
Please share an interest, hobby or like that you have!
April: I love basically any craft that I can do while listening to an audiobook.
Emma: I have an insane sweet-tooth so I really love experimenting with different baking recipes. I also love reading.
What major are you pursuing and why?
April: I am an English major, and my ultimate career goal is to teach English at the college level.
Emma: I’m majoring in Anthropology. The past to me just feels like the true stories of people’s lives, and people have always been crazy so there’s always something entertaining to learn about.
Incoming transfer student April Casey
Do you have advice for other transfers who haven’t committed to a school yet?
April: The process of transferring from RCSJ to Rowan was absolutely painless. If you’re thinking about transferring, just go for it.
Emma: Your time at any school is going to be what you make of it, but it helps to pick a school that actively tries to give you the resources you need to thrive.
Where are you going to live this upcoming year?
April: Commute from home.
Emma: On campus.
What is one thing about Rowan itself that you liked that encouraged you to enroll?
April: The biggest factor for me when enrolling at Rowan was location. Since I am not the typical college student, dorm living isn’t an option for me. I am a 34-year-old mother of four, and I own a home in South Jersey. I need a University that is within commuting distance, and Rowan fits that need perfectly.
Emma: Rowan was a really good school location wise for me. I like having access to a couple different cities without having to live in them.
Like what you see?
Story by:
Joseph Conte, junior community and environmental planning major
Photos courtesy of:
April Casey
Emma Rodriguez