Author: Julia Mcaleavey

What It’s Like to Go to the Same College as Your Siblings

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
Julia McAleavey and her brother that attends Rowan with her.

Today’s story comes from frequent Rowan Blog contributor Julia McAleavey of Monmouth County, NJ. She recently graduated with a bachelor’s in advertising. Julia transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, from Eastern University in Pennsylvania. 

College is a time where, usually, you live away from your family. You get freedom from your parents, and of course, your brothers and sisters if you have them. Your siblings might be older and left for college before you, or maybe you’re the first one to leave the nest. Either way, I’m sure you’re thinking that being at the same school as them would be a complete nightmare. They would always be bothering you and finding ways to embarrass you in front of your friends. They’d be ratting to you on your parents about stupid stuff. It’s easy to think this way; however, it might not My brother and I at Rowan.be as bad as you’d think.

My brother and I are 15 months apart in age, and we both attended Rowan. Even though I’m older, he actually started at Rowan before me. I was at another four-year university that I didn’t like. I decided to transfer at the beginning of my sophomore year, and my mother persuaded me to look at Rowan because of how much my brother loved it. At first, I was hesitant. I thought it would be annoying to go to school with him, and I didn’t want to steal his life, but I went to an open house against my will. I ended up loving it and transferred in the spring. 

My brother and I when we were little.
When this photo was taken, we never would’ve thought that we’d end up at the same college.

Naturally, as a new Rowan student, I didn’t have a whole lot of friends at the beginning. I was glad I had my brother to hang out with and show me the ropes. I knew I never was alone, whether it was to go eat, walk to Walgreens or go work out. We swam competitively our whole lives, so he helped me join the Swim Club and introduced me to all of my best friends. Sometimes, I felt like a burden to him, but he didn’t mind at all.

Additionally, since we didn’t have cars on campus at first, it made it much easier for our parents to pick us up to go home on weekends and for breaks. They were very thankful to not have to drive in two completely different directions like many other parents do.

Once I got settled and began to make a life for myself at Rowan, my brother and I barely saw each other at all. We had our own friends, school work and activities that we were involved in separately. There were times where I’d even forget that we went to the same school. Rowan is not exactly small, so I wouldn’t just see him on my way to class. Even though we were busy, however, we still saw each other at swim practice and would usually get dinner once a week. 

My brother and I at a swim meet for the Rowan club team.
My brother and I at a swim meet for the Rowan Club Team

Going to the same college as your siblings may sound like a drag, but it really isn’t a bad gig. You may think you’re always going to see them and that they’re going to be up in your business, but that really isn’t the case at all. It’s like the best of both worlds: You don’t have to live in the same building as your sibling, but you can still easily hang out a few times a week without getting sick of each other. Our younger cousin ended up joining us at Rowan [my senior] year as well, so it became a whole family affair!

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.At the end of the day, when you go to college with your sibling, you’ll have a piece of home away from home right there with you. 

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Story and photos by:
Julia McAleavey, recent advertising graduate

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Julia’s Corner: How to Get the Most Out of College

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

College might just be some of the best four years of your life. You’re living on your own for the first time, you’re not stuck in one building for several hours, and your best friends are within walking distance from where you live.

Like anything, though, college is what you make of it. All of these great things aren’t just going to knock on your door. You have to put yourself out there and get them yourself. Here are some things you should do to make your experience at Rowan the absolute best it can be. 

Marketing professor with students in classroom.

Get to know the people in your classes: This goes for other students as well as professors. Even if you’re undecided at first (which I recommend), getting to know your classmates is important. You might just meet your best friend by doing so. One of the reasons why Rowan is so great is because of the small-to-medium class sizes, allowing you to get to know your classmates and professors. It is not uncommon for Rowan professors to know your name.

Professor leads a dance class.

I’ve had classes that have been like family, and professors that I look up to as role models. Plus, the professor with whom you make an effort to get to know may write you a letter of recommendation one day. Also, don’t be shy in the classroom. College is about coming out of your comfort zone. You’re probably not the only one to speak up in class, so why not take the first step?

Student speaks with a career representative in the student center.

Go to career fairs: Rowan offers several career fairs. There is one each semester for all majors, and usually each school holds one once per year. Even if you’re a freshman, it doesn’t hurt to put yourself out there. Often, professors give you extra credit for attending, which never hurts. This is how I went to my first one as a sophomore. It motivated me to go, and it was good practice and experience for interviews and networking events I attended as an upperclassman. You might make a great connection, so it’s definitely worth going. 

Member of the Equestrian Team.
Rowan Equestrian Club

Get Involved: I cannot say this enough! Obviously, you are at Rowan to get a degree, but that is not all college is about. In order to get the full experience, you have to get involved in something. Sitting in your room doing homework and going home every weekend is not making the most of it. Whether it’s an academic club for your major, a club sport, an on-campus job or Greek life, getting involved in something on campus will change your life. Between becoming an officer for the Swim Team and working in aquatics at the Rec Center, I not only kept myself busy at Rowan, but made some amazing friendships that will last a lifetime. Look out for dates for all of the organization and activities fairs held at the beginning of the semester. 

Rowan Motorsports team
Rowan Motorsports Club

It is no lie that getting good grades is a vital part of the college experience. However, although they’ll look at GPA, a future employer is not going to care about the A+ you got in English 101. Trust me, you don’t want to look back on college full of regret. That is one of the reasons why I transferred to Rowan, and I am so grateful that I did.

College of Business New Venture Expo.

Making connections with professors, other students and people at career fairs is an important part of the college experience. You might discover you have something in common with someone, like if you both played the same sport or were in the same fraternity or sorority. These things are part of what will make your experience at Rowan memorable. 

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Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate

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Julia’s Corner: Avoiding the Freshman 15

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

In high school, you probably could eat anything you wanted and not gain weight. However, you also had your parents cooking well-balanced meals for you every day, if you were lucky. Once you get to college, it’s all on you to manage your own nutrition. I gained the horrifying ‘freshman 15’, because I lost control of my nutrition. Thankfully, I began to practice good habits, and was able to lose it all. Here are some tips to avoid gaining the terrifying freshmen 15 so you won’t have to worry about losing it later.  

Explore your options: Between the Marketplace and the Holly Point Cafe, there are tons of healthy options for dining on campus. It’s not all fried Marketplacefoods and pizza. You can get a fresh salad or a whole wheat wrap and many other healthy options. 

Color your plate: This is a basic, elementary school health strategy, but it really works! Keeping your plate colorful with fruits and vegetables will help you to maintain a healthy diet. The Holly Pointe Cafe has a salad station, as well as fresh fruit, with tons of options to choose from. 

Protein>Carbs: Okay, it is important to have some carbohydrates in your diet, but try to stick to healthy carbs most of the time. That slice of pizza and mac n cheese is okay once a week, but try to keep your fruit and whole wheat breads and pastas as your main carb sources. Proteins are substantial and will help you to stay lean and healthy. Have yogurt instead of a bagel at breakfast, and chicken with veggies instead of pizza for dinner. Trust me, you won’t regret it. 

Keep away from the dessert table: I know, that dessert table is super tempting. It is just sitting there, staring at you, calling your name, but you are strong. Like I said, it’s okay to have it in moderation, but not every day. Assign yourself one day per week to take something from the dessert table. Your body will thank you later. 

Use the gym: Rowan has not one, but two gyms on campus with tons of equipment. It is true that abs are made in the kitchen, but working out regularly will still help you to stay healthy and fit. Keeping your body moving is so important to a healthy lifestyle. Fitness Center

Avoid snacking: When you move in, your parents will probably stock you up with snacks to keep in your dorm. This is all good fun, but try to keep it to healthy snacks. I usually keep one unhealthy snack that I treat myself to on the weekends. That way, I am only consuming it in moderation, and avoid gaining that weight again. 

Do not eat past 8 p.m. Try to keep it earlier if you can, but sometimes classes run late. Eating later makes it easier to gain weight, so it is best to avoid doing so as much as possible. The best thing to do is to not eat in bed. If you’re up late studying and need a pick-me-up, keep some trail mix in your room in Ziplock bags. That way, you’re not overindulging. Holly Point Cafe employee

While eating on campus, it is important to keep in mind that moderation is key to a balanced diet. Depriving yourself of your favorite junk foods will only lead to overindulging later. Giving yourself reward days during the week to avoid this. It’s all about balance, and if you practice these habits, you’ll have nothing to worry about. 

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Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate

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Julia’s Corner: How to Connect with your Professors

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

College professors. Some are great, some are not so great. Your relationship with professors will likely be different than it was with teachers growing up. Think of it this way, have you ever texted any of your teachers from high school? My guess is probably not. Believe it or not, texting professors, among other things, are pretty normal in a college environment. Some connections you build with your professors might last you a lifetime, and might get you that connection that lands you a job. Here are some ways to connect with the professors that you will have in college. student and professor

Speak up in class: As you likely already know, hiding in the back of the class, not saying a word the entire time, is not going to get you noticed by anybody. Participating in class is the first step to getting noticed by a professor. The good thing about Rowan is that since classes are somewhat small, professors will learn your name quickly. However, you have to speak up, or they will forget all about you. 

Ask for advice: This could be before or after class, or during their office hours (which I highly recommend taking advantage of). If you have questions on the lecture or an assignment, seeing the professor on extra hours is a given. However, you may even have questions about how to fix your resume, or how you should dress for a networking event. These are all things professors want to help you with, and ultimately, this is how you will build that relationship with them. Faculty and student laugh together.

Go to extra events they may have: Whether it be extra study sessions or club meetings they’re in charge of, they are more than likely to have some kind of extra meeting throughout the semester. Going to these events will help you to get to know the professor on a more professional level, rather than just as a student. You may learn about some real-world connections they have that might interest you. Plus, it is something to help build your resume up. Student puts his hand on his professor's shoulder.

College is a time where all kinds of connections and relationships are made. However, having a good relationship with a professor can go a long way. They might be the one to write you that letter of recommendation that lands you your dream job. Getting close with professors is definitely worth it, and Rowan makes it easy with smaller class sizes. Don’t be shy if you have a question about something. Staying after to talk to the professor might just be the start of that professional relationship. 

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Julia’s Corner: Finding the Right Major

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

College is that pathway to the career of your dreams. For many people the hardest part is figuring out what you want to study and what field you want to work in. There are few students who know what they want to study when they are first-year students, and many who think they know end up changing it later. Don’t stress, there are resources to help you find out what you want to do. education major standing in front of a powerpoint.

Do not worry about it freshman year: You may think it is now or never as an incoming freshman, but you actually have a lot of time to choose. I did not declare a major until the second half of sophomore year and I am scheduled to graduate on time. Plus, I got all of my general education requirements out of the way early on and since I took my time choosing a major, I ended up finding something I really like. Going in as undecided is nothing to be ashamed of. It will give you the chance to get the general requirements over with, as well as figure out what you’re truly passionate about. 

Eliminate what you do not like: General class requirements cover a variety of topics. As a result, you gain a better understanding of what you like and do not like. For example, after taking college level math and science, I knew those subjects were not for me. Therefore, I knew that majors that were heavy in those topics would probably not be a good fit for me. Figuring out what you don’t like is a great step to finding what you want to study. 

Make a list of what you do like: Once you eliminate what you don’t like, science majoryou should make a list of subjects you do like. Try to imagine yourself doing certain things with those subjects. I When I chose to major in advertising, it was because I knew I wanted a career where I could make a good living and be creative all in one. I knew I wanted something business-like too. Being that math is not my strong suit and advertising is instead part of the College of Communication & Creative Arts, I knew it was the right fit for me. Process of elimination really works, but you do not have to rush into it as a freshman. Take your time figuring it out and see everything Rowan has to offer. 

Talk to your advisor for guidance: Advisors are here to help you succeed! Use your resources around you. Academic advisors and professors can tell you about all of the programs Rowan has so you can pick the best major suited for you. Additionally, and I know this sounds cliche, but talk to your parents and peers. My dad advised me to go into advertising from the beginning of my college career. At first, I thought it was a stupid idea, but he ended up being right! 

Choosing what to study in college is a big decision. It will determine your career path for the rest of your life. Just remember that you have time! Only declare a major once you looked into it enough that you know it what you’re most passionate about.

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Julia’s Corner: Time Management: How to Stick to a Schedule in College

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

Adjusting to life as a college student is a big change. Unlike high school, you are not in the same building for seven hours of the day with a structured schedule laid out for you. It is much easier to break habits in college since your day is typically not as structured. Here are my tips for sticking to a schedule so you can be successful .

Go to class! It seems obvious, but it is much more tempting in college to skip class every now and then. First of all, your family aren’t here to wake you up and make you go, it’s all on you. It is going to be hard get up for that 8 a.m. you thought wouldn’t be so bad. Even later classes can be tempting to skip. However, it is  so important to go. You do not want to miss students working outside the students center.class material and miss out on networking opportunities. Professors have attendance policies, so it is best to save yourself the easy points there. I try to keep in mind that skipping a class is wasting my own tuition money. It is a good technique to get me to go when I really am not in the mood, so I highly recommend it. 

Do things at the same time daily: You won’t have classes at the same time every day, but classes usually match every other day. For example, if you have class at 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, you can use that to work around whatever else you have to do during the day. Have a times when you eat, exercise, do homework, and relax on those days, and A close up of one students calendar.do them at the same time every day. This practices good time management, and will get you into good habits for the rest of college. 

Have a planner! This is huge! Writing everything down in my planner is how I got through college. If you don’t like hard copies, set reminders in your phone. I always set mine up for the week so I have a plan of which assignments and what else I have going on each day. I also write what is due on certain dates as soon as I find out, that way, I won’t forget about it later.

Four years into college and I’m good at managing and prioritizing my time. I saw many of my peers struggle with time management and they were always going crazy trying to finish assignments at the last minute, pulling all-nighters on the regular. Take care of yourself, prioritize your time and too, will be successful. 

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Julia’s Corner: Taking Advantage of On-Campus Resources

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

New beginnings – you are starting at Rowan University. This is one of the biggest changes you will have in your life, either as a new freshman or a transfer student. You may think you are ready to be free and get away from home, and maybe you are. However, even if you are ready, you will probably still struggle with adjusting to your new life at Rowan. No matter what that struggle may be, Rowan wants you to succeed and be happy. That being said, there are several resources on campus to help with whatever you may be struggling.

Tutors: You may have been in the top ranks of your class in high school, but college is a whole different ball game. School might become more challenging for you. There is nothing wrong with that. Rowan offers free tutoring services to help you get out of that slump and be the best you can be. To sign up for a tutor, you can go to the Rowan website under Student Success Programs. You will matched with a tutor to help you in whatever class you need. 

freshmen on Bunce greenFinancial Aid: You may be paying for college on your own. Even if you aren’t you still may need some help. Have no fear, financial aid is here! They want to help make paying for college as stress-free as possible. Visit them in Savitz Hall so they can help set up a payment plan for you. 

The SHOP: Located in the Rowan Boulevard apartments near the Rowan Boulevard end of campus, The SHOP is a small food pantry that people make donations to. The donations consist of food and other necessities for students in need to take. It helps students with financial struggles to get things they need without them having to worry about paying for it. You just have to show your student ID to get inside. 

The Wellness Center: Whether you are physically ill or are having some mental health struggles, the Wellness Center is here to help you. I have gone for both of these, and they were super helpful. It is a great resource and being seen by someone is free, so I highly recommend it. Plus, everything you tell your counselor is confidential, so you won’t have to worry about being exposed. There are plenty of nurses and mental health counselors available that want to help you get better. You can make an appointment online or call them. 

Friends sit and chat in the cold, bundled up with jackets holding coffee. All in all, there are tons of resources on campus to help students live a healthy life. Take advantage of them. You’ll be glad you did in the long run. Just remember that there is nothing to be embarrassed about! It may be hard to take the step to get help, but you should be proud. Most likely, you are not the only one who needs it, and you will be a role model for those who are nervous about it. Everyone at Rowan wants you to be happy, and getting help from these resources will help with that. 

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Julia’s Corner: My Favorite Microwavable Foods

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

Rowan offers plenty of dining options for first-year students and beyond. Between all of the stations at the Holly Pointe Cafe, the eight or so restaurants in the Marketplace, and everywhere you can use your Rowan Bucks and Dining Dollars at, the options seem endless.

Soon, however, you will become tired of eating the same five things in the cafe, and you probably used all of your Rowan Bucks three weeks in. With all of the studying and activities you’re involved in, eating may even seem impossible. As a freshman, you unfortunately do not have your own kitchen, but as a new transfer you might. In either case, you have this magical device called a microwave that you can cook plenty of substantial foods in (I know, I couldn’t believe it either).

Here are some of my favorite foods that I made in my microwave freshman year.A double room set up in Willow Hall at Rowan University.

Kraft Easy Mac n Cheese: If you don’t make this in your microwave during college, did you even go? Kraft Mac n Cheese cups are the best microwavable dish. The best part about them is that they’re so easy to make, a toddler can do it. The directions are right on the cup and your food is ready in minutes! They are also inexpensive, come in bulk, and are easy to store in your room. (Editor note: remember to put water in your Easy Mac – not doing so is one of the leading causes of fire alarms in the dorms. Yes, really.)

Chicken Nuggets: Since you have the mini fridge right under your microwave, you can absolutely keep some chicken nuggets in there. They are quick, easy, and a classic that never gets old. Just make sure to read how long to cook them for so you don’t undercook them. 

Pizza rolls/Bagel Bites: Another classic, childhood favorite item. They can easily be stored in the mini fridge and are ready to eat in minutes. Pizza rolls and Bagel Bites make the perfect snack or light lunch when you need something fast. 

Duncan Hines Cake in a Mug: Perfect for when you need a little comfort food. It is like baking a fresh cake at home, but you have the convenience of making it in your microwave (just don’t forget to pack a mug!) They come in so many different flavors, it makes it almost impossible to choose! My favorite is the banana bread, just to make it a little easier for you. Duncan Hines Cake in a Mug

In all honesty, I highly suggest utilizing the cuisine Rowan provides for you most of the time. There are times though, where you are busy studying or need to rush around from work to class, and that just isn’t possible. These microwavable foods are great options and are super easy to make. Enjoy them!

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Julia’s Corner: My Favorite Healthy Snacks for Busy Students

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

College is an extremely busy time for all of us. Whether you are rushing from class to a job or up all night studying, you barely have time to breathe, let alone thinking about what to eat. Having a few quick, healthy snacks in your room and your backpack, is the best way to get you fueled up and going strong. Here are some of my favorite snacks to keep around that will keep your mind and your body healthy, and keep you energized throughout the day.

a student sitting at her desk in holly pointe.

Veggies and dip: You will probably have a mini-fridge in your room at Rowan, so keeping these is definitely possible. Carrot sticks with a low fat dip are the perfect homework snack when you’re sitting at your desk. 

Apples: You can even buy them in slices, but they’re a little bit pricier. You can never go wrong with an apple a day! They also pair nicely with some peanut butter, if you want to add something a little more filling.

String Cheese: Snack on these in your room or on your way out the door to class. They are a great source of protein and will hold you over for a whole class.

Protein bars: A classic snack and super easy to store and carry around. Protein bars are a substantial snack to keep in your backpack for anytime you might need it. Just make sure you read the labels in the store to see the actual number of grams of protein. Find the best fit one for you. 

Trail mix: My personal favorite snack ever! Keep a big container of trail mix with zip lock bags in your room and make a bag for on the go.Grab and go food store on campus

Don’t stress about food in college. Make time to eat and stay healthy to avoid the freshman fifteen. Hopefully, these energizing, filling, and best of all, guilt-free snacks will treat you well throughout your college career! 

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Julia’s Corner: Handling the Emotions on Move-in Day

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

The day you’ve been waiting for since you committed to Rowan is almost here: move-in day! In short, this day is filled with a mix of emotions.

You’re excited to start college to move away for the first time. You might also be overwhelmed because of all of the stuff you have to move and the hustle and bustle happening around you. Of course, you also might be a little sad to be leaving your family, even if you don’t want to admit it.

You cannot necessarily prevent these emotions, but here are some ways to prevent stress and anxiety on move-in day.


Exterior shot of Mimosa Hall

Take your time setting up your room: You do not have to organize every single thing before your family leaves you. Have them help you bring stuff up and set up the things that you definitely will need help with. You can do the rest on your own. You are moving in a few days early, so you will still have time to adjust your room to the way you like it before classes start.

Exterior shot of a residence hall

Everyone else is in the same boat as you: This goes for your roommate, their family, everyone on your floor, the building, and every freshmen on campus. This is a brand-new experience for everyone! You are all probably overwhelmed with setting up your space. You will all miss your families and they will all miss you. 

Breathe! This is an exciting an overwhelming time for you. You might be emotionally overwhelmed, and that is okay! You will be okay! Don’t forget to pause, take a breath and remember that everything is going to be okay. 

Exterior shot of Holly Pointe Commons

Like I said, move-in day is a crazy time for everyone involved. There are so many mixed feelings about leaving home for the first time. Your journey as a Prof is about to begin! It’s a lot to take in, but keeping these things in mind will help you get through move-in day. 

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Julia’s Corner: What to Pack and What to Leave Home

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Move-in day is approaching quickly, and you are home making your pack list. Packing for college is an exciting time! You’re probably thinking about how you are going to decorate your room, and what color schemes you’ll want to use. It is likely though, however, that you will pack way more than you need. Remember, your living space is smaller and you may be sharing space. Here are some things that are absolutely worth packing, and some things you can probably do without. 

What to pack

Your favorite plate/bowl:  For when you want to use the microwave, these are really all you’ll need. You do not have a kitchen though, so don’t bring more than one or two.

One set of silverware: To go with the bowl and plate.

Mug: For coffee or that late night hot chocolate.

Dish soap and sponge: To clean all your things!

First aid kit: Anything can happen in college, you never know when you might need a Band Aid.

Extra set of sheets: News flash, you have to clean those. Do yourself a favor and bring an extra set so you can swap them out.

Small tool kit: Just in case something breaks or a screw needs to be tightened. 

Desk Lamp: Not all dorm rooms have overhead lighting. While window light is great, you’ll definitely need one of these. 

Command strips: To hang decor, as well as to use as hangers for clothes, towels, etc. 

Bike: Use a bike, skateboard, or roller blades to get in some outdoor time. They make it super easy to get to class easy too. 

Holly Point Commons.What to leave home

Most of your t-shirts: You’ll get free ones at campus events. Plus, you’ll find yourself wearing the same ones over and over again.

Curtains, tapestries and candles: These go against the Rowan fire code. Resident assistants will make you take them down, so leave them home.

Winter clothes: You won’t need those for a few more months. Bring your favorite jacket and a couple extra layers. If you’re close to home, you can always run back and swap winter/summer clothes.

Kitchen appliances (like a blender): Your living space is too small for these types of things. If you want a smoothie, there are places on campus you can go and use your meal plan at. Save the kitchen stuff for next year when you have a kitchen.

Excessive decorations: They’re a pain to put up and take down. You aren’t living their forever. Just pick two or three of your favorite. 

All in all, make the most of your space your first year of college. There really is no room for clutter, especially when sharing a room. Pack was it absolutely necessary, and you won’t have anything to worry about.

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Julia’s Corner: How to do Laundry

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

It’s no secret that you become responsible for a lot of things when you move away to college. You’re living on your own. Mom and Dad aren’t there to help you with every little thing. One thing that many college freshmen have to learn to do when they move away is, you guessed it, laundry. It sounds scary and easy to mess up, but it is actually a very simple process. Here are some easy steps to successfully do your laundry. Laundry Room- Rowan Housing

Separate your clothes: By this, I mean by whites, colors, and delicates. You do not want your white clothes being stained by that one neon pink shirt you have, and you do not want your silk blouse to be ruined because it wasn’t on the delicate cycle. Separating your clothes makes a stress-free laundry process, and the machine settings are very simple to use, making the process even easier. 

Use one or two pods per load: I highly recommend starting with laundry pods over liquid detergent. All you do is throw it in with your clothes and it does all the work. You don’t need more than one or two, depending on the load size, so they last a few months. I switched to liquid detergent once I got the hang of it since it is usually cheaper. You can do the same, but for the first few times, the pods are perfect. 

One or two dryer sheets per load: This is similar to the pods. You do not need more than one or two dryer sheets, but be sure to use them. If you don’t throw one in, your clothes will not feel the same when you take them out of the dryer, and will be very uncomfortable to wear. Rowan mascot sitting in a Rowan laundry room.

Set a timer for when your laundry will be done: I beg you, please DO NOT be that person the forgets (or is too lazy), that their laundry is in the machine. There have been times where I couldn’t use a machine for hours or had to go to another floor because people left their laundry sitting in there. Set a timer so you do not forget about it, and try not to leave the building until your laundry is finished. 

Doing your own laundry might sound scary at first if you’ve never done it before. I remember being so scared of destroying all of my clothes, but don’t be scared. It really is not a hard process at all. It’ll be like clockwork once you get used to it. Just follow these steps and you’ll be a pro in no time. 

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Julia’s Corner: Getting Along with a Roommate

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

Ahhh, roommates. In the wise words of Forest Gump, they’re like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get. They are probably the first person you will ever live with that isn’t a family member. Not to mention the fact that a lot of you have probably never shared a room before, and your freshman year living space is rather tight. Here are some tips on living with a roommate and how to handle certain situations.

Do not stress too much about choosing your first-year roommate. college dorm room Chances are, you will be placed in a Facebook group created by Rowan so you can meet your fellow future Profs. A lot of the time, people use this opportunity to choose a roommate. I did this, and my roommate and I were great friends. However, a lot of other students go into this thinking their roommate will be their best friend since they chose each other, and it ends up being the complete opposite. You can end up spending too much time together and not branching out, among other things, which will ultimately cause you to get annoyed with each other. At the end of the day, whether you choose them or not, they’re still a stranger and you won’t know what they’re really like until you live with them. Going in random may sound skeptical, but that’s how it was always done before technology! I’ve heard some great stories about random roommates, so I would keep that option in mind. Student studying at a desk under a top bunk bed.

Respect each ether’s space: Okay, this sounds a little challenging because you do not have much space to begin with. It’s easy to feel claustrophobic and get in each other’s way every so often. However, once you move all of your stuff in, divide the room evenly so that you each have your own areas for homework, sleeping, etc. One person leaving their stuff on the other person’s side of the room can get frustrating after a while, so stick to your side. 

freshmen dorm roomBorrowing items is okay, but always ask! There may be times that you and your roommate need to borrow things from each other. You might need to borrow a calculator for a test because yours broke, or your roommate might have run out of water bottles and needs to take one of yours to work. Even borrowing outfits for an interview or a party from each other is a common thing. Think about this though: if you were all of a sudden missing a calculator, or came home and saw your roommate in your shirt without any warning, how would you feel? Probably pretty frustrated. To avoid an argument, always ask permission to borrow items. Your future roommate will likely say yes 99% of the time. 

Respect each other’s sleep and study schedules! This is probably the one that causes the most conflict between roommates. Picture this: It is after midnight, you have an eight A.M. class in the morning, and your roommate comes in with people. It could be just one friend, but it could also be multiple. Either way, it is disrespectful to you and your schedule. To avoid situations like this, go over each other’s schedules before the semester begins. That way, your roommate can hang out in one of their friends’ rooms or the student center (it’s open till one A.M!) on those nights. This also goes for when you have to study for a big exam or have a project to finish and need your space. Ask them to hang out somewhere else, or go to the library, which is also open pretty late with tons of study space. 

A Rowan dorm room, focused on the "Home" wall hanging with the O as a Rowan owl.Overall, living in a dorm with a complete stranger is an adjustment. If you’ve never shared a room before, this is the first time you do not truly have your own space. Your first year roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend at Rowan, but following these suggestions will at least help you to get along in your living space. If you have issues that won’t get better, or your roommate is doing things in your room that make you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to talk to your resident assistant. They are there to help you work things out. Right now, try not to worry so much about it. Go into your new living space with an open mind and positive attitude. With that mindset, you and your new roommate will be off to a great start. 

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Julia’s Corner: The Benefits of Working On Campus

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

Let’s be real, college is expensive. Whether you are paying your own tuition or just have other expenses, you will likely run out of money at some point during the year. You might’ve tried to find a job, but the hours were too much to handle and you fell behind in school. It may sound like there is no solution to this problem, but there most certainly is one.

rec center employee

When I first transferred to Rowan as a second semester sophomore, I was broke because I didn’t have a job at my other school. However, since I am a certified lifeguard and swim instructor, I decided to apply to the Recreation Center, one of the largest on-campus employers of student workers. I was hired right away and was getting money in every other week. Having an on-campus job saved me, and it can do the same for you. Here are some benefits of working on campus. 

Convenience: No car, no problem! Having an on-campus job means you can walk to work in minutes. If you’re scheduled for an early opening shift, you can wake up 20 minutes before your shift starts and still be on time. If you have class right after work, you can make it on time without having to worry about traffic. Plus, your money doesn’t have to go toward gas since you aren’t driving anywhere. 

Flexibility: When you work on campus, your supervisor understands that you and all of your coworkers are students. At the beginning of each semester, my supervisor had us all send us our class schedules to her so we wouldn’t have work during class. All departments in the recreation center, as well as all other on campus jobs, have this same policy. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about having to prioritize work over school.Alejandra works in Enterprise Center on a desktop computer.

Short shifts and hours: Rowan has a policy that students who work on campus can not work more than 20 hours per week during the school year. Most shifts only last around two to four hours also, so your job wouldn’t take up too much of your time. You would still have plenty of time to focus on school, enjoy your college experience, and still make a decent amount of cash without having to work around the clock. 

More friends! I have made some great friendships working in aquatics at the recreation center. I know people who work in other departments, at the student center, in admissions, etc, who have developed tons of great relationships as well. It is a great way to get out of your room and talk to people. Additionally, you can make professional connections with supervisors and get letters of recommendation for the future. student center employees

Money is a stressful subject, but working on campus makes dealing with it a little bit easier. You are set up with a walking commute and flexible schedule with light hours and still making enough money to get by. What more can you ask for? If interested, you can apply even before moving in!

Check out Prof Jobs for some on-campus employment opportunities. 

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Julia’s Corner: Advice for Freshmen Moving Away From Home for the First Time

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

You did it! You graduated. Take a second to appreciate this moment.  In a short time, you will leave your home to attend Rowan University. It is an exciting time, and you probably can’t wait to get away and live on your own. Whether you live 15 minutes up the road or three hours away in North Jersey, moving away for the first time can be exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are my tips for adjusting to this new experience: Three students standing in the hallway of Holly Pointe Commons.

You are moving from a house with the people who raised you, to a small college dorm with a new person(s). You may not have had to worry about space before, but for on-campus living–pack only the essentials. There isn’t much room, and you don’t want to take up too much room for your stuff. Sharing space and being mindful of items can help prevent disagreements with the people you’ll be living with for the next nine months. Personal space is also very important. Make sure to discuss space with your roommates and consider scheduling time out of the room. To avoid this, I would usually do my homework in our on-campus library or Barnes & Noble. I also like to take walks and go to the gym on campus for outdoor time and mental breaks. It might seem strange for you at first, but it’ll become normal in no time. 

Homesickness is a thing. Right now, you are probably more than An outside shot of Magnolia Hall.ready to move away from home. The freedom is great, I won’t deny that, but you will definitely miss your family more than you think you will. Do not be embarrassed by this, it happens to everyone. It is okay to go home for a weekend or schedule video chats to spend time with them. After all, closeness to home is probably one of the reasons why you chose an in-state school. If you happen to be out-of-state, however, FaceTime and other video chat options are super helpful. Plus, the Philadelphia airport is only about a half hour away, making it convenient to go home for the holidays. Weekends at Rowan are great, especially once you get involved and get to know people, but there is nothing as refreshing as a weekend home with the people you’ve known your whole life.  

Laundry! Once you’re away from your parents, there are some things you will have to do yourself that you may have relied on them for in the past. One of those things is laundry. It piles up fast, and if you don’t learn how to do it, you will run out of clothes fast! I suggest learning to do laundry before moving in. Chances are, the machines at school are much simpler to use than the ones you have at home, so it’ll be a piece of cake once you get there. The best part is, the Rowan machines take debit cards now, so you don’t have to worry about having quarters like I did as a freshman. 

Take advantage of on-campus resources. This is a very new experience for you. It’s absolutely okay if you need some guidance along the way. Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you get involved in an activity or club, which I suggest, ask an upperclassmen for help or advice. They are usually more than happy to help! If you want mental health support, our wellness center has counselors who are available to help. It might be a little uncomfortable to ask for help at first, but college is all about coming out of your comfort zone. Don’t be shy! They’re happy to help you!

Moving away from home for the first time is a big step in life. It’s a scary and exciting experience all at the same time. In no time, you’ll be proud to call Rowan home. 

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Julia’s Corner: It is Okay to Not Know Your Major

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

As a kid, we all have a point where we think we know what we want to be when we grow up. Then, a few weeks, or maybe days, later, we change our minds. This pattern often continues all the way through high school. Then you graduate high school, and the pressure’s on. There’s so much outside pressure to grow up and ‘figure out what you want to be,’ but college is the time to explore your options and learn what is a good fit for you.

Kayla commentates on a Rowan Athletics game.Many freshmen come in panicked if they don’t know what they do yet. You might think that if you do not have a major, you are doomed for all eternity. Quite frankly, I’ve learned that it is just the opposite. Not deciding on a major in the beginning can actually be a really positive thing for your academic career. Going in as an undecided major, called exploratory studies at Rowan, forces you to get your general education requirements out of the way first. You’ll likely have them all complete by the end of your second year, and by then, you’ll probably know what major you want. Then, you can finally start taking classes that you know you will enjoy, and not be stuck finishing a gen-ed class as a senior. This is what I did and I became an advertising major, and haven’t taken a gen-ed since sophomore year. I am very happy with the major that I chose, and glad I don’t have to worry about gen-eds anymore. 

Two students working on a laptop in a computer lab.

Rowan’s exploratory studies major connects you with campus resources and advisors who can help guide you toward a major that’s right for you. Many people have a general idea of what fields they are drawn to, but they want a closer look before committing to a major. Exploratory studies workshops provide an insider’s look at each specific College within the University.

Choosing a major is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Going into your first year as undecided is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is a much smarter decision than scrambling to choose a major that you’ll end up not enjoying. Don’t panic about it, because eventually, things will click and you will find your passion. 

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TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Writing Arts Major Makenzie Forrest

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
Exterior shot of 260 Victoria

Meet Makenzie Forrest, a Writing Arts major from Collingswood, New Jersey (Camden County). She will be graduating with the Rowan class of 2023.

What are a few things you are looking forward to next year at Rowan?

I’m looking forward to having small classes (a big plus), living on campus, and going to events/being in clubs.

How or why did you choose your major?

I chose Writing Arts because I love writing.

Why did you choose a university that is close to home?

It’s more familiar to me. I’ve been visiting Rowan’s campus for homecoming with my family every year since I was 5. It’s also only 20 minutes from my house.

What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?

Makenzie Forrest: future transferBeing part of a writing organization (the college I’m transferring from didn’t have one, but my high school did!).

Why Rowan?

To me, Rowan can still offer the full college experience, while many other schools are stripping away everything besides classes. Rowan has character. People are friendly, and there are things to do on campus. It’s more than just a few hundred acres or buildings. The people make it what it is.

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Julia’s Corner: How Athletic Involvement Helped Me

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising this spring. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

Okay, I understand that athletics are not for everyone. As someone who originally started college as a varsity athlete, I completely understand that. When I transferred to Rowan, I knew that the NCAA was not for me, but I still wanted some kind of sport in my life. They are a great option for those who are interested, but as other options Rowan also has many club sports and intramural sports for students to choose from. I had been a competitive swimmer for my whole life, so I decided to try out the club swim team. Joining the team was one the best decisions I have ever made, and there are several reasons as to why that is. 

Me getting ready to race backstroke.It kept me busy: Having practice twice a week at night was the perfect way to occupy my time. It was a good amount of practice to still have time for school and a job, and it kept me moving and socializing instead of just laying in bed by myself. It was also the perfect workout before bed, I would always fall right asleep. Additionally, on weekends we had meets, it gave me something to do for that entire day. As a senior, I became an officer for the club. Fulfilling my duties kept me busy, and it also helped with my professional development. It may not seem like it now, but you will have times in college where you are bored. Joining a club or intramural sport will definitely solve that problem. 

Kept me active: I was always an athlete growing up. Fitness and athletics have always had a huge impact on my life. Even though I didn’t want the full commitment of the NCAA, I still wanted some kind of fit, competitive lifestyle. After attending the first practice, I knew club swim would help with that no problem. Even though it is a club sport, we still compete and practice hard, and almost always get in a good workout. Most other club sports have the same type of dynamic. Intramurals, even though they are seasonal and only compete at Rowan, also helps to keep students active. 

Gave me friends: My favorite part of course! In my eyes, a good social environment in club swim was just as important as the athletic aspect.

Me (right) with some club swim friends
Me (right) with some club swim friends.

Although many varsity athletes make lifelong friendships on their teams, the social interaction is the main reason why many students join sports clubs and intramurals to begin with. I have made some of my forever friends from club swim, and I know many other athletes that have done the same. It is one of the best ways to make friends. 

Like I said, athletics aren’t everyone’s thing, but getting involved in any kind of sport on campus is a positive thing. Rowan has several NCAA teams if you’re interested in competing on that level. You can explore these teams. A lot of people have great experiences on these teams, but if you don’t want that commitment, club sports and intramurals are great options. They are the perfect thing to keep you busy, active, and of course, give you some of the best friends you’ll ever have. 

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Julia’s Corner: Finding Friends

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Headshot of Julia, who is smiling and has long blond hair.Recent grad Julia McAleavey shares guidance through this advice column for incoming students. A student with well-rounded experience, Julia earned a bachelor’s in advertising. She transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, after another school wasn’t a great fit. While at Rowan she started as an exploratory studies major, unsure of what to major in. She’s lived both on campus and off campus, held student worker jobs and internships, and participated in clubs and sports.

There are a lot of things about starting college that can be absolutely terrifying. One of those things is worrying about finding friends. I’ve got some good news for you: you are not the only person anxious about this. Every college first year or new transfer is worried about not making any friends. Here are some ways to help you come out of your comfort zone and break that fear of never finding friends.

Get out of your room.

When first moving in, you might not know what to really do with yourself besides sit in your room and watch television. Or, if you commute, you might just drive to campus and back home after class. I know this is a crazy time for you and it’s so easy to get stuck inside, but do not do this! Friends are not just going to magically appear at your door. Sure, you might have been friends with your roommate already, but you both need other friends so you do not get sick of living with each other.

A good start would be to go to the events that your resident assistant sets up at the beginning of the semester, or make a point to go to the September organization fair, where there are tons of tables of people representing their clubs and organizations. This way, you get out of your room (or car), and get to know some of the people. 

Students on Bunce Green.
Go to first-year student events.

At the beginning of the semester, there will be some events to attend for new students to get to know each other. Rowan After Hours (RAH) has a lot of fun, late-night events to get students to interact with one another. They might sound lame at first, but don’t let that keep you from going. You might even meet your best friends there. Plus, there is usually free food of some kind, and it’s hard to say no to that, right? 

First year students outside Holly Pointe.

Two words: Get. Involved.

This is HUGE! Many first year and new transfers go into college not wanting to get involved because they are afraid they will fall behind on school work or won’t fit in. Yes, it is true you are at Rowan for a degree, but getting involved in something will help you to make friends and professional connections. I joined the Swim Club and it introduced me to my best friends. 

There are a lot of activity fairs at the beginning of each semester to share information about different clubs and organizations. Look out for these dates so you can find the perfect fit for you.

I’m going to be completely honest with you — college can sometimes feel like a lonely place. You might feel sad and overwhelmed and might even just want to go home. But once you find a great group of friends everything will fall into place. 

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Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate

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#PROFspective: Javelin Thrower Daniel McAleavey

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
#PROFspective: Daniel McAleavey

Meet Daniel McAleavey, a junior community and environmental major from Howell, NJ (Monmouth County) who lived in Rowan Boulevard Apartments this past school year. Daniel throws javelin for men’s track and field.

Daniel throwing javelin in action

Take us to one typical day at Rowan for you: A typical Rowan day consists of me waking up in the morning to go to lift (as an athletic requirement), then class after, then afternoon javelin practice, and if I don’t have another class after practice I would go lift again. I usually do my homework at night.

Daniel (second on right) with some teammates and coach after winning the NJAC title
Daniel (second on right) with teammates and coach after winning the NJAC title.

Why did you choose your major: I choose environmental planning as a major because I liked civil engineering but it was too much material. I found out that planning was a very similar field and they often work with civil engineers, so I thought it’d be a good fit for me. 

What is the most interesting thing you learned in one of your classes this year: The most interesting thing I learned in my class is about transportation planning in urban areas.

Daniel (right) with one of his close friends from Rowan
Daniel (right) with one of his close friends from Rowan.

Tell us one moment that made Rowan feel like home for you: Rowan made me feel like it was the right fit for me is when i first visited the school and met all the nice people, especially my friends on the track team. It also helped that a lot of my friends from home went to Rowan too.

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Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

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#PROFspective: Degree in 3 Grad Now Earning MBA

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
Victoria Ieradi: Graduate student MBA

Today we feature Victoria Ieradi, a third-generation Rowan student (her paternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, father, brother and cousin all attended or currently attend Rowan). From Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County), Victoria is a graduate student in the master’s in business administration (MBA) program with a management concentration, after earning a bachelor of science in marketing in three years through our Degree in 3 program. Before the campus closed in response to COVID-19, Victoria lived in 220 Rowan Boulevard. 

Victoria (second on the left) with her family members who attended Rowan with President Ali Houshmand.
Victoria (second on the left) with her family members who attended Rowan, with President Ali Houshmand.

On-campus job? I worked at the Rohrer Center for Professional Development as a marketing intern for three years. Currently I’m a part-time graduate coordinator for the College of Business and the Wellness Center.

Clubs/Organizations: I was a ProjectNest competition winner. I pitched free colon cancer screening tests at the Rowan Medical Clinic in Lindenwold. I also compete with Rowan club swim, and was a part of the American Marketing Association and the Outdoors Club during undergrad.

Take us through one typical Rowan day for you.
My typical day at Rowan usually starts with waking up, then getting dressed and ready for the day while I make a cup of coffee. I grab a quick breakfast and walk to either Business Hall or the Wellness Center, depending on what job I am reporting to. I work from 10 – 3 then go back to my apartment to get some homework done. I make dinner in my apartment and walk to class. The MBA program has all night classes, online, or hybrid, so it is really convenient to those who work full time.

If my class is one of the hybrid courses, you can find me driving to my hometown where we meet for the class in person for half the semester at the RCBC campus in Mount Laurel. I’ll spend the late evening with my parents and then drive back to my on-campus apartment. If it is a Monday or Wednesday, I take my swim bag with me to class and go to the Rec Center to go to club swim practice. Here, I hang out with my teammates and get a great workout in.

Victoria competing at a club swim meet
Victoria competing at a club swim meet

Once I am settled into the apartment for the night, I make a cup of tea and watch Netflix or the news with my roommates (it seems like it is the only time they get to see me as I am out most of the day). Having a schedule that is pretty much full actually helps me focus on my homework, assignments, papers, and studying for exams. If I had too much time to myself, I would get distracted. Being busy may not work for everyone, but it definitely keeps me on task. During the weekends, I try to spend time with my friends and boyfriend outside if the weather is nice! We like to go hiking, skiing, rock climbing (at a gym or outside), and kayaking.

Why did you chose your major?
I chose this major because I want to work in product/brand management, where you develop the voice of a brand and how consumers perceive it. I also have an interest in healthcare management, and I knew that an MBA would be really beneficial for me to get into that field if I wanted to later on in my career. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned this year in one of your classes?
The most interesting thing I have learned in my classes this year has been through my class Managing Organizational Strategy. My professor uses a lot of real time examples and helps teach us using current topics as to how not only internal, but external, factors can affect the success of a company. Especially as times are rapidly changing for corporations big and small right now, I am able to see what we learn in class being applied to companies every day. 

Victoria (second from the right) with some of her closest friends that made Rowan feel like home.
Victoria (second from the right) with some of her closest friends who made Rowan feel like home.

Tell us about one moment that made you feel that Rowan was the right fit for you:
One moment that made Rowan feel like the right college for me was freshman year on my birthday. My birthday is early in September, so I didn’t think I had close enough friends yet to celebrate. I called my mom a little sad that I wasn’t going to have a good time as I was walking to my statistics class that night. I got back to Holly Pointe and sat on the floor to wallow in self pity. Then, my roommate at the time (now forever friend), came bursting through the door with people from our pod and people I knew from high school with a cookie cake and chocolate covered pretzels! It made me feel so welcome I was grinning ear to ear knowing I was a Prof, had a new family, and belonged at Rowan University! 

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

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Liberal Studies, 3+1 Program Senior Reflects

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
senior reflects- Chinasa Nwankwo

Meet Chinasa N. Nwankwo, a senior liberal studies major graduating this semester as part of the 3+1 program, in which students attend classes at community college for three years and at Rowan University for one year. Chinasa, from Cinnaminson, NJ (Burlington County) attended 3+1 through Rowan College at Burlington County. 

Could you share your favorite memory?
I joined the Philosophy Club of Rowan University, for me it’s very exciting. I was very honored when I got an invite to join. Unfortunately the season we are witnessing has limited our club activities. I look forward to keeping in touch with the club since Phi Kappa Tau stands for everything I believe.

Chinasa (left) with her husband
Chinasa (left) with her husband

Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
My experience with the academic advisors for the 3+1 program was impressive. I encountered my advisor Allie when I was looking to transfer to a four-year college from RCBC. She is an amazing individual whose professionalism is second to none. She followed up with me, and her attitude convinced me to complete my degree program through the 3+1 initiative.

My personal go-to adviser, Holly Ann Ashton, is a wonderful woman who is hands-on with any issues that I brought to her attention. This spring semester, Holly Ann went above and beyond to assist me with providing a space within the office to take my online exams for a class that required Proctotrack, which I couldn’t do in my home. It wasn’t her job, but she was interested and invested in me as a student of Rowan University that she made it possible for me to finish without issues. That’s what I call dedication and service. I appreciate Holly Ann Ashton.
Chinasa (middle) with her son and husband
Chinasa (middle) with her son and husband
Chinasa (right) with her son
Chinasa (right) with her son

Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
I want to thank my husband, who assisted me all the way without complaining. He stood by me and encouraged me that I could do this and be proud of myself. My son Zee, who believed that “Mommy is smart,” I want to say thank you. I missed out on your soccer games, volleyball and other activities because of my evening classes. I love you, son. You make me proud. I celebrate you as you go to college in the Fall of 2020.

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Senior Reflects: My Favorite Memories at Rowan

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
a photo of julia sitting outside the Rec Center

Today’s story features Julia McAleavey, a senior from Monmouth County, NJ, graduating with a bachelor’s in advertising. Julia transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, from Eastern University in Pennsylvania. 

My time as a Rowan student is coming to a close. I will be finished with my degree as of the spring semester and it just doesn’t feel real. I am sad to leave, but I am so grateful for all of the friends memories I made along the way. 

I transferred into Rowan as a spring semester sophomore. I remember moving into my Rowan Boulevard apartment, pleasantly surprised that I had a kitchen and my own bedroom. The university I attended beforehand wasn’t a good fit, so I was nervous and excited to see what Rowan had to offer for me. 

Julia McAleavey- Senior advertising majorBefore attending Rowan, I had not declared a major. All I knew was that I wanted a career where I could be creative. I then found out that Rowan offered a major in advertising, and after some meetings and taking my Introduction to Advertising class, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I have made so many memories in my advertising classes and met so many great students and professors.

I did not have a job at my old school and I knew I wanted one here to make some extra money. Being that I am a certified lifeguard and swim instructor, I walked over to the Student Recreation Center where we have our campus pools. I got an interview and excitedly accepted the job. Upon being hired, I knew that I would be in a better state financially, but what I didn’t know was how awesome everyone was on the aquatics staff. They made me feel welcome as a new transfer, and I consider many of them to be good friends today. 

Me and my rec center lifeguard coworkers
Me *far right third row from the bottom* and my lifeguard coworkers at the Rowan Rec Center

I think my all-time favorite memory from Rowan is being part of the club swim team. I swam competitively my whole life, but stopped at my old school. I figured joining the club at Rowan would help me to build

Me (right) with some club swim friends
Me (right) with some club swim friends at a meet.

friendships and stay active. It was so much fun having water polo practices and competing at meets, and of course the team meals after the meets. I even got to be a leader and build my professional development as the team secretary and social media chair. My favorite part of club swim, however, was the friendships I made that will last a lifetime. We get together regularly outside of practice and I still see friends that graduated almost every week. This is how I know that this bond we have is lifelong. Me getting ready to race backstroke.

In short, I could not have asked for a better experience at Rowan. I made some many great memories and friends, and also really grew and developed as an individual.

I’d like to thank all of my friends, advisors, and professors that made this journey so special. To all future and returning Profs: get involved and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! You might change your life in the process. 

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

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Brand Management, My Favorite Class at Rowan

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
Julia McAleavey- my favorite class at Rowan

This story is a part of the “My Favorite Class” series.

Today’s story features Julia McAleavey, a senior from Monmouth County, NJ, graduating with a bachelor’s in advertising. Julia transferred to Rowan her sophomore year, from Eastern University in Pennsylvania. 

During my time at Rowan, I have taken a lot of really incredible classes. These include classes within the Department of Public Relations and Advertising as well as general education classes.

My favorite class I ever took, however, was a graduate course called Brand Management.

Last year, during my spring semester advising appointment, I was told that I was eligible for a program called Senior Privilege. I learned that I had enough credits to take six credits of graduate courses as a senior. I hadn’t thought to much about graduate school, but figured this would be a great chance to find out if it is a good fit for me.

I had a few options to choose from within the program, but I chose Brand Management because I am someone who could talk about brands for hours and not be bored. Being that this was my first-ever graduate course, I was very nervous at first. It did help, however, that I already knew the professor from previous courses. The course was taught by Dr. Kristine Johnson, a well-known and loved professor in the Public Relations and Advertising department. Additionally, there were a couple other students who were still undergrads, which also made the situation more comforting. 

Graduate courses aren’t too different from undergrad, but there are a few distinctions that I really liked. The classes are smaller, so it’s easier to build relationships with peers. They are also much more discussion based. Every week, we sat in a circle so we can easily talk about brands and other topics. One discussion I remember having was when we compared and contrasted Sprite and Mountain Dew as if they were people. As I stated before, I could talk about brands forever and not get bored, so I loved activities like these. 

301 High St. building shot from aboveBrand Management also consisted of several projects and presentations, both group and individual. We did individual presentations on brands in the news, which kept us up to date on what was going on with different brands. We also did a ‘my brand’ presentation, where the presenter presented themselves as their own brand. I liked this one a lot because it showed that people are their own brand, that brands have personality, and it helped my classmates and I get to know each other.

For the group projects, we did a full brand audit and a case study. My favorite project, however, was one where we worked with real clients. Two men who owned a gym wanted help to get more people to join their gym, so we pitched ideas to them that they could use. Helping out actual projects made the project seem more worthwhile and rewarding. 

As a whole, Brand Management was an amazing class and a perfect fit for me. I would recommend it to any ECCCA major who qualifies for Senior Privilege.

As far as Senior Privilege goes in general, even if grad school isn’t in your final plan, try the program if you’re eligible. It’s a great way to find out if you’d like to try grad school in the future, and you might really enjoy the experience like I did. 

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Meet #Rowan2024: Mullica Hill’s Grace Harris

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
Grace Harris: Freshman Voices

Today we feature incoming freshman Grace Harris, an electrical and computer engineering major from Mullica Hill, New Jersey (Gloucester County) who will commute to campus.

What are a few things you’re looking forward to at Rowan next year?
I’m looking forward to making friends and making all the memories that come with being a college student! I’m also excited to work with faculty who are respected leaders in their fields, and network with other people my age who share the same interests and passions. 

How or why did you choose your major?
There are so many different reasons I could give! However, my primary motivation for choosing my major is because electrical and computer engineers have left their mark all over modern society with innovations that have transformed our world, from computers to cell phones to electric power and everything in between. Engineers will undoubtedly continue to leave their fingerprints all over technology and play a vital role in shaping the future. Being able to take part in this digital renaissance is an exciting prospect for me, and I can’t imagine anything else I’d rather be working towards, at least in my academic major and career.

Grace smiles toward the camera, wearing a flannel.

Why did you choose a university close to home?
The convenience of remaining close to family and friends I have in the area, while at the same time immersing myself in the college experience, appealed to me very much!

Why Rowan?
There are several reasons I chose Rowan. Rowan was more affordable than the vast majority of other college options I’d considered before, and it didn’t hurt that I lived close enough to Rowan to easily commute. However, the major deciding factor for me was the quality of the Electrical and Computer Engineering program, which is ranked #15 in the nation in the US News Best Colleges report. The prospect of attending a nationally recognized engineering program that is affordable and close to home was an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up! 

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TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Haddonfield Native Marybeth Coyne

Posted on by Julia Mcaleavey
Marybeth Coyne- Senior exercise science major

Today we speak with Marybeth Coyne, a senior Exercise Science major from Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County) who rents off campus. She transferred from Stockton University her junior year. 

How did you end up at Rowan?

“I attended Stockton for my first two years of college, and I wasn’t getting the college experience that I had originally hoped for. My three older brothers all attended Rowan and had great experiences, so my mom really encouraged to transfer. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

Marybeth Coyne in the pool for swim meet warmups

What made Rowan feel like home?

“When I first transferred to Rowan, I knew that the best way to be successful and to meet people was to get involved. I was a swimmer my whole life, so I joined the Swim Club and made a bunch of friends there.” 

This photo was taken at last year's homecoming football game. Marybeth was on the winning battleship team for the swim club and is featured holding the trophy.
This photo was taken at last year’s Homecoming football game. Marybeth was on the winning Battleship team for the Swim Club and is featured holding the trophy.

How has Rowan helped your professional development?

“I am the treasurer of the Exercise is Medicine Club. This position has given me leadership skills and other learning experiences for me to be successful in my field. I have also attended many conferences needed for professional development hours that have taught me a lot along the way.”

You are about to graduate. Do you have plans for after graduation?

“I want to be a physical therapist and am currently applying to physical therapy schools in the Philadelphia area.”

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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, senior advertising major

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