Eid is the most exciting time of the year after fasting for the month of Ramadan. Here’s how Rowan Blog Contributor Nene Diallo, a senior Public Relations major, celebrates Eid with her family.
First things first? The night before Eid, we break our last fast for the month of Ramadan feeling extremely joyful. We wake up early in the morning, around 6 a.m., to get prepared for prayer at the mosque.
What do we wear? Women wear traditional attire, whether it’s the Kaftan or pretty African-made dresses. The men also wear similar attire styled for men, ex. pants and long-sleeved shirt.
Kaftan and hijab attires
Prayer at the mosque? Prayer usually starts at 8 or 8:30 a.m. We arrive 30 minutes before to get settled and greet people. Usually the Imam do greetings over the microphone to enlighten and set the mood for Eid.
After prayers everyone hugs and embraces each other while saying “Eid Mubarak,” meaning happy Eid, as a form of joy, respect and union. The mosque we go to usually provides breakfast like donuts, coffee and juice for after prayers.
Prayer at a mosque
After the prayer? We go back home and take lot of pictures. We call other family members, greeting them Eid Mubarak. Then we eat some good food, usually chicken with plantains or some fried rice with sauce and vegetables.
After eating? We usually change outfits or some of us keep the same ones from the morning. We go visit other family members. They always have a lot more food prepared and ready for us to join. The food is probably the second best part of Eid.
The first best part? The treats you get from older family members. Traditionally, older folks gift the younger ones money, and it can add up to a very large amount after you receive it from a couple of family members. I remember once I received such a great amount that I went out to dinner three times that week without worrying about my other expenses because those were also taken care of from my Eid cash.
More food and more treats!
Last thing? After eating a lot, having a great time with family and getting a good amount of cash, we go back home and call it a joyful day.
Story by: Nene Diallo, senior public relations major
Let’s celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day by attending some Rowan activities. Down the list are few fun things you can do on Rowan’s campus — it’s worth a shot on a lovely day.
Valentine’s Candy Grams and Bake Sale: Nothing sweeter than candy and treats, right? The Students Save organization is holding a Valentine’s Day bake sale Feb. 14 in the Science Hall atrium. They’re selling homemade goodies, and you can send adorable notes to your loved ones. It gets even better: the funds go towards the Saving Mothers organization. Not only will you get treats, you will also get to support a great service.
Grab a baked good at Science Hall this Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day for Me: Nexus Apartments is providing a fun valentine activity for its residents on Valentine’s Day. You get the chance to create a positive self-reflection collage from old magazines. Specifically, you get to make a gift for yourself. How exciting is that?
Gift yourself at 230 Victoria Street.
Rowan Moves: Every Monday, Campus Recreation promotes a movement challenge like jogging, biking, swimming etc. For each completed movement, you win a cool prize. Get active this Valentine’s Day by joining Rowan Moves. Simply RSVP on ProfLink, download the Strava app, join Rowan Campus Rec, then wait for some challenges to be sent to you.
Join the Campus Rec movement challenge.
Yoga Flow: What about some breathing and stretches? The Campus Recreation Center never fails to engage us with some motions. Yoga lessons are free for students, and you’re welcome to drop in. Disclaimer: spots run out quickly, it’s better to pre-register on the Campus Recreation Center site. Don’t forget your mask!
Check out a Yoga Flow class at the Rec Center (spaces are limited).
There’s much more to do on campus for Valentine’s Day. You can find more events by visiting ProfLink, including volunteering work, virtual sessions and even games.
Story by: Nene Diallo, senior public relations major
We are getting closer to the new year. It’s pretty exciting and unbelievable how time flies. Here are ideas worth trying in 2022.
Gym
Yes, the basic goal of all time! Try working out consistently. The results are more than just physical appearance, it improves health conditions and also plays a big role in mental health as it may decrease anxiety and boost confidence. Take at least three days of the week to work out. It doesn’t necessarily have to be at the gym; exercising from home is also effective.
Travel
If you’re an adventurous person, you probably already do this. Traveling is one of the greatest ways to learn about different environments and possibly learning more about yourself. It could also open new opportunities and relationships for you. Whether you choose to travel in states or overseas, use that moment to expand your knowledge, relax and have fun.
Budget
Very ironic to mention traveling just to bring up budgeting afterwards. Well, maybe you have important things coming up that require a lot of funds, or you may have big purchases in mind. Take this time to save up if you haven’t started already. It’s challenging to budget and spend at the same time, but when you finally get what you always wanted, you feel so accomplished and grateful.
Try new things
Take this new year as the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone. Do things you’ve never done before — maybe skydive, try new restaurants, build new friendships, move to a new place, get a new job, launch your own business, meditate, go camping, attend grad school, go to a concert and so much more to do. Getting out of your comfort zone is a great way to respond to unexpected things.
Vision board
Maybe you’re passionate about many goals you want to accomplish in 2022. Make a vision board of those goals and go after each of them. It keeps you motivated and sets you for things to look forward to. If you want to challenge yourself, set a deadline date for each goal and observe how ambitious you truly are.
Today we feature first year Rowan students Destinee Hines, Jake Brandenburg, Abbie Ealer and Sam Skripko — each with a unique sense of style, sharing their experiences and ambitions for the school year.
Notice Destinee’s TLC shirt? She enjoys listening to 90s music.
“My year’s been good, had a couple ups and downs, but it’s getting better. I went to pop-up shops and I hope to get into more activities on campus. Rowan’s been good to me and I like the people here. I definitely want to get engaged and have more fun.” – Destinee Hines, Radio/Television/Film major from Camden, NJ (Camden County)
Jake Brandenburg recommended the crossed arm and sunglasses pose.
“My freshman year so far has been unexpected, but I mean how could you expect college life if you never experienced it right? Anyways, I did a couple things like going to Bingo Night. I didn’t get any matches but it was really fun. By the end of this year, I’m looking forward to having a solid group of friends. I do have a few people right now but I want to build more friendships. So far I like it here, I’m having a great time.” – Jake Brandenburg, Management major and first-generation college student from Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County)
Abbie Ealer enjoys bringing Hoot the owl around campus.
“I’m trying to get used to my class schedule and navigating college especially being a commuter; therefore I’m not here often. The most interesting thing is that my best friend from childhood goes here all well, so I get to spend so much more time with her. Since I’m in the honors college, I’m really excited to explore all the opportunities the program offers like the Think Thrive events. I’ll have more time in the spring semester, so I’m looking forward to engaging myself more on campus.” – Abbie Ealer, History major, commuter from Turnersville, NJ (Gloucester County)
Sam Skripko is fluent in Russian.
“I love the campus, although I felt a little down and catching up was challenging because of missing work, but now I’m all caught up. I’m thinking of joining Rowan’s hockey team since I already play the sport and I’m a referee. By the end of my freshman year, I hope to learn more about my major.” – Sam Skripko, Computer Science major from Fair Lawn, NJ (Bergen County).
Today we feature senior Nene Diallo, a Public Relations major and commuter from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County). She shares her experience after commuting for four years at Rowan including getting out of her shell to involve herself on campus.
We’re so close to the beginning of the new semester, let’s kick it off with a college bucket list by sharing some students’ ambitions.
“I’m looking forward to everyone moving in and meeting more new people since my freshman year got cut short. One of my must do’s when I get back on campus this fall is to attend more basketball and football games. Also I can’t wait to go to the engineering building and go to the pond, I find it very relaxing.” – Anais Holguin, junior Marketing major from Perth Amboy, NJ (Middlesex County)
Anais Holguin
“My friend and I are on a mission to find the best lunch specials for $15 or under around campus. So far Alaura Kitchen or Family Mediterranean (both located in Pitman) are the winners! There are so many different places to explore around campus and it is so much fun to do it with friends. Also thrifting is a hoot. The lunch spot I’m excited to visit again is Au Bon Pain, it’s opening back up and I NEED their croissants.” – Meena Young, senior Biological Sciences major from Sickerville, NJ (Camden County)
Au Bon Pain
“I am extremely excited to be student teaching this year and to finally have in-person classes again. I miss interacting with my peers and being on campus. I miss studying at James Hall, the education building and the library and those are spots I look forward to visiting again.” – London Raikes, senior Inclusive and Elementary Education major from Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County)
London Raikes
“I am involved in quite a few organizations on campus. I’m most looking forward to continuing my role as the Blood Services Undergraduate Coordinator for the Office of Volunteerism. There are many things on my bucket list this year and that includes living in an on-campus apartment, seeing my South Jersey friends, walking near Town Square, taking most of my core Finance and MIS courses and exploring campus with my friends.” Sasmita Prabu, junior Finance major from Somerset County, NJ
Town Square
“I’m looking forward to finally being in person again. Looking at a screen for 18 months has been really sad, it feels like so much of the college experience was lost. At least I’ll be less tempted to fall asleep during class. I am going to be an RA this year, so I am excited to meet new people and help others have a great return to Rowan. I have many things on my bucket list and that includes: going to the Fitness Center and working out with my friends, having movie nights with my friends in their apartments, going to Cookie Munchers and eating more calories in 10 minutes than you’re supposed to eat in two days, riding the shuttles to the movie theater, having an advisor meeting in person, taking free electives to pursue other passions rather than fulfilling requirements, plus eating at Smoked again.” – RJ Wentzell, senior Exercise Science major of Pilesgrove, NJ (Salem County)
RJ Wentzell
“A couple of things I look forward to this school year are my campus event Emo Night, planning concerts, writing music and finishing my junior year. I haven’t seen Dennis Diblasio [since before COVID], I’m looking forward to seeing him.” – junior Malachi Prillerman of Palmyra, NJ (Burlington County), Music Industry major and transfer student from Hampton University
Malachi Prillerman
“This year, I hope to get accepted as a transfer ambassador. A must do is to visit a restaurant during a social hour. Academically, I look forward to receiving high grades, building connections with my professors and receiving a letter of recommendation.” – De’Ja Morris of Woodbury, NJ (Gloucester County), senior Finance major and transfer student from Salem Community College
De’ja Morris
“This September, I look forward to going back to regular class, walking around and seeing new faces. A few things I would like to do again this semester are seeing all my friends from freshman year, visiting the Rec Center, eating at the Student Center and playing sports.” – Hualsy Paredes, junior Construction Management major from Fort Lee, NJ (Bergen County) and transfer student from Utica College
Rec Center
“I am really excited to graduate. I’ve been working really hard since COVID to maintain my grades just for this moment. I really like the club fair every fall. I’m excited for that! I’m also really excited to study in the library again. I am most looking forward to in-person classes.” – Alexa Wentworth, senior Psychology major from West Windsor, NJ (Mercer County)
Alexa Wentworth
“Being able to go to clubs, meeting up at the Student Center and getting food together, being able to see my professors in person, and visiting Science Hall again.” – Andrew Pinto, junior Physics major from Hammonton, NJ (Atlantic County)
Science Hall
“I came into Rowan as a transfer so I haven’t tried anything yet. I’m sad because I lost a year so I want to be as involved as possible. This year, I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow peers, raising my GPA and attending football games.” – seniorTara Preston of Camden County, NJ, Economics major and transfer student from Delaware County Community College
Rowan Football
“A must do with my friends is going to RoBo and getting pizza. Academically, I look forward to staying busy with classes and making new friends in class.” –Maria Espejo, junior Psychology major from River Edge, NJ (Bergen County)
Rowan Boulevard
“I’m most looking forward to seeing Discovery Hall this year and to go to football, basketball and hockey games with my friends.” – Lauren Blaze of Branchburg, NJ (Somerset County), senior Civil and Environmental Engineering major
Lauren Blaze
“Being able to socialize with new classmates and professors! I haven’t seen Dr. Bhatia in person since before COVID, I am very much looking forward to seeing him on campus this fall. Looking forward to social events, clubs and projects.” – senior Hayley Lomas of Woodbury, NJ (Gloucester County), a Mechanical Engineering major with a CUG in Aerospace Engineering and transfer student from Rowan College of South Jersey
Hayley looks forward to going to Campbell Library again this fall.
Today we feature senior Bianca Gray, an English major with a concentration in Shakespeare Studies. Bianca is a commuter student from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County). Bianca shares her experience at Rowan after transferring from a private college in Spring 2019.
Do you commute or live on campus?
“I used to live on campus, but because of personal reasons, I will commute next school year.”
What are some likes and dislikes of your major?
“I enjoy reading, writing, and studying English. The professors in the English department aren’t only supportive in class, but they also help students get jobs in the department. One of my professors recommended me to the Academic Integrity Board after I showed my interest. I got the position instantly, and that wasn’t something she had to do. She placed me in a position where I can interact with higher ups from Rowan and have better recommendations when I apply to grad school. So far, I don’t have any dislikes about my major.”
Why did you transfer to Rowan?
“I transferred from a private college in New York. The school was very expensive, I had complications with the staff and the problem with small colleges is they run it like a boarding school. The college felt just like high school and I didn’t really like that you could be labeled for something you did your [first] year. Rowan is the opposite, it’s a public university, I feel free here, and it’s been very convenient for me.”
What has your experience at Rowan been like so far?
“At first, Rowan seemed culture shocked because it didn’t feel as diverse as I imagined it for a public university. As for friendship, I reached back to high school friends and most could connect since they live close tocampus. Overall, I am having a good experience. People at Rowan show they care about the Rowan community, especially my RA.”
What do you like to do for fun?
“I enjoy writing short stories and hanging out with friends. I also like watching old TV shows such as ‘Gossip Girl’ or ‘Pretty Little Liars.’ The older TV shows are just blunt, whereas newer TV shows show faux diversity.”
Do you have any jobs on campus?
“I work at the Writing Center, assist professors with writing, and I intern at the Rowan Blog as a Digital Content Contributor.”
What do you look forward to after graduation?
“My goal is to attend graduate school. There’s a competitive program that offers not just your master’s but your doctorate as well. After that, I would like to work in the higher education field. I would like to become a resident director, vice president or even a dean. I also want to be involved in academia, self publish, and hopefully write novels.”
What is one piece of life advice for current Rowan students?
“Honestly, live your life to the fullest. Do what makes you happy.”
“I live off campus in a house across from the football field.”
What are some likes and dislikes of your major?
“I was originally a Communication Studies major, but it was too broad for me. I enjoy writing because it forces me to come out of my shell. Since I just started in this field, I don’t have any dislikes yet.”
How is your experience at Rowan so far?
“All of my professors, especially Professor Cristin Kastner Farney, Professor Sherry Hicks and my coaches are genuinely caring and are very helpful. As a student-athlete, I started off as a defender even though I wanted to be a midfielder. Because of Covid, I could not play from September to February. Eventually, I progressed my way back to playing lacrosse, but it’s been inconsistent and challenging. I hope to start back up in fall 2021. Overall, I have had a good experience at Rowan so far.”
Why Rowan?
“I first looked into Rowan because my brother attended the school as a basketball athlete. I live pretty close, which makes it convenient as well. In my junior year of high school, I played lacrosse and wanted to play it at Rowan. Everything Rowan offered was convenient. I ended up liking the school after visiting.”
Do you have a job?
“I’m a server at PJ Whelihan’s in Medford, and so far the job’s been cool.”
What do you like to do for fun?
“I enjoy hanging out with friends, spending time with my dog, playing lacrosse and working out. I also like writing and singing my own songs, just not in front of people.”
What is one interesting fact about yourself?
“I have a twin brother, but we don’t share the same birthdays. I was born at midnight and he was born the hour before. I also have two older twin brothers.”
What is your dream job?
“My dream job is to travel, meet people, hear and write their stories.”
Do you have any life advice for Rowan students?
“You are capable of more than you think you are. Challenge yourself.”
It’s the yummiest holiday of the year! Here are 3 cheesecake bakeries worth a try that are less than 20-minutes away from campus.
Yhanne’s House of Cheesecake: Located in Clayton, NJ, 7 minutes from campus, is a family-oriented cheesecake business best known for the cheesecakes that are “handcrafted and made from scratch.” Yhanne’s House of Cheesecake provides more than 50 flavors such as pumpkin, coconut, s’mores, strawberry, and even sweet potato, all at an affordable price. Specialties include sugar-free, gluten-free, heart-shaped cheesecakes, cupcakes, and even wedding cakes. The business is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google, and many consumers claim they have the best cheesecakes with so many varieties and must give it a try. Yhanne’s House of Cheesecake’s goal is to provide a cheesecake suitable for anyone’s pop, and based on consumer reviews, it seems that they surpassed this goal. They’re open from Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am-5 pm.
Chloe’s Creme Puffs: Muffins, jumbo cookies, creme puffs, cannolis, scones, and the ultimate caramel apple cheesecake bar layered with seasoned apples, streusel topping, and homemade caramel sauce are just some of what Chloe’s offers. A family-run establishment just 6 minutes from campus, in Pitman, NJ, customers reviewed the shop as welcoming, friendly, and adorable. Chloe’s is open from Thursday through Saturday 10 am-5 pm.
Liscio’s Italian Bakery: Across town from Rowan is Liscio’s Italian Bakery, a family-run business for over 20 years, just 4 minutes from campus. Filled with amazing flavors, the company provides various cheesecakes such as chocolate chip, caramel apple, and plain. For customer convenience, Liscio’s Italian Bakery allows you to pre-order to avoid waiting in line. The bakery is open every day from 6 am-7 pm. With over 500 reviews, the shop is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customer reviews claim that Liscio’s staff are very welcoming as they pour their passion into the delicious cheesecake.
As we approach the end of Pride month, senior Ayanna Johnson shares her experience attending this year’s New York City Pride Parade.
Describe the feeling of being at this event.
“It is hard to describe the joy of pride but if I had to choose I would say magical, warm and accepted.”
Anything that stood out to you the most during this event?
“How many older people were still out supporting, they had to live through so much for us queer people to have the freedom to live.”
Did this event have a positive impact on you? Why or why not?
“Yes, it definitely made me feel like I belonged somewhere special, around people who are like me and it felt nice to not have to be anxious about what if they find such a big part of you offensive.”
What if anything did you dislike about this event?
“There were so many people littering.”
You mentioned this was your favorite day of the year? Why is that?
“The day of the pride parade is like a second birthday for a lot of queer people, it is a time completely dedicated to loving who you want and it feels so special and awesome. Overall, the environment is amazing.”
Would you recommend others to attend this event in the future? Why or why not?
“Everyone enjoys different environments, if you like being around people then it’s perfect but you don’t have to go to the parade to have pride in who you are.”
One special thought?
“It feels good to lift up the chain of pretending to be something you’re not.”
