Today we speak to Joseph Soto, a junior Inclusive Elementary Education major from Riverdale, NJ (Morris County). He transferred from Passaic County Community College and talks about his time and transition to Rowan. How has a faculty or staff member here helped to connect you with the next step for your career? An admissions counselor […]
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First Year Voices: Biology Major Analiz Santana and Exercise Science Major Mia Guerra
Today, we speak with freshmen Analiz Santana and Mia Guerra. Analiz is a Biology major from Pennsauken, NJ (Camden County) who is currently residing in Mimosa and Mia is an Exercise Science major currently residing in Holly Pointe from Hasbrouck Heights, NJ (Bergen County). They tell us more about why they chose Rowan and how it is being a freshmen in college during a pandemic.
How did you two meet each other?
Mia: They were just walking by one of my friend’s dorms and we had the door open and they just said “Hi,” and that’s how we met.
Why did you choose Rowan?
Analiz: My sister goes here too! She’s a sophomore. Last year, she would always invite me onto campus last year and she’s also a basketball player and I would always go to her games. I had to choose between here and TCNJ, and I chose here because I ended up really loving it here.
Mia: I’m on the cross-country track team. I like the program here. I like the campus in general in comparison to other colleges as well. I was supposed to choose a campus in Indiana, but I ended up choosing here!
How has it been being freshmen at college during pandemic?
Analiz: It was helpful having that first week where we didn’t have to worry about classes. It was good to actually figure out where we need to put our masks on and figure out the rules around here. It was actually really helpful.
Mia: Just learning the campus in general, too. Walking around and learning where our classes are and stuff was helpful, too!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista sophomore music industry major
(FRESH)man Voices: Radio/TV/Film Major Vicky Stein & Geology Major Sammy Mason
Today, we speak to freshmen Vicky Stein and Sammy Mason from Lewes, Delaware who live on campus in Chestnut Hall. Vicky is a Radio/TV/Film major and Sammy is a Geology major. They tell us more about their favorite spots on campus and give some advice for incoming students.
How did you two meet each other?
Sammy: It’s kind of a funny story actually! I was originally from New Jersey, which is pretty funny. We went to the same high school. She was friends with one of my friends. She originally thought I was annoying … but three years later, we became friends and now we’re here!
How is living in Chestnut? Have you met your RA?
Vicky: Chestnut is fine! I really like my RA, she’s really nice!
Are you interested in joining any clubs?
Sammy: I really wanted to do Crew Club but then [Covid-19] hit us, and I don’t know how that would work!
Vicky: I’m not sure about any of the clubs here yet!
What’s your favorite spot on-campus so far?
Vicky: I really like the Rec Center.
Sammy: I mainly just hang out at the Student Center. I like it there!
Any advice for incoming freshmen?
Vicky: Rowan’s a really nice community to come to. If you’re looking for a place to talk and interact with people, Rowan’s a great place.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photography by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations major
4 Communications Studies Majors Share One Cool Thing They’ve Learned From Their Major
From curriculum to content, four Communication Studies majors reveal what they really like about this program.
“I think the coolest thing about the Communication Studies major is our ability to customize our experiences and tailor it to our specific interests through the addition of other majors, minors and CUGS. There’s a lot of really valuable free elective space, so we are granted the opportunity to branch out, try different things, and further our studies in different areas if we so choose. Students should take full advantage of this, and try something new or declare some other majors, minors, CUGS, etc., in order to really make the most of their time at Rowan University and make themselves stand out!” – Nadine El Maalem, junior, first-generation college student, Communication Studies major, with minors in International Studies and Arabic, French CUGS, from Monmouth County
“One cool thing about my major is the conversation-based classes. I’ve found myself engaged 100% of the class time. I have also learned much more in my major courses than in Rowan Core courses because of the way our professors structure them.” – Lexi Robinson, Junior, Communications major, Bellmawr, NJ (Camden County)
“One cool thing that I learned this major is the different types of communication from interpersonal, mediated, and face-to-face. Learning these concepts helped me to be a better speaker and effective communicator.” – Jonathan DeRose, senior Communications Studies major from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County)
“In a way communications reminds me of psychology, but instead of learning about why people are the way they are you learn about how they react to things you say/do. In return you are able to create better relationships with others.” – Tatianna Addison, senior, transfer student from Rowan College of Burlington County, Communications Studies major from Pemberton, NJ (Burlington County)
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
How Remote Students Are Staying Involved On Campus: PR Major Jenna Fischer
Today, we speak to Jenna Fischer, a senior Public Relations major with a Strategic Communications minor who transferred from Middlesex County College. Jenna is studying remotely from her home in East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County) in light of COVID-19. She tells us more about how she’s staying involved on campus while living at home.
“I chose Rowan because I saw that [the school] had a lot of opportunities to grow within my major. They were one of the few colleges in the state that had my major and had other options to go along with it,” says PR major Jenna Fischer, who initially chose Rowan because she knew a degree at Rowan would help her get her foot in the door with a job before she graduates.
At Middlesex County College, Jenna initially didn’t know what major would be the right one for her. She decided to talk to her advisor and everything suddenly came together.
“I needed to talk to someone about picking classes, and I didn’t know what to pick. She told me, ‘Well, you seem like you would be good in public relations.’ I didn’t even know what that was! She started explaining it more, and I realized that it would be a good fit for me. So, I looked into it some more and ended up falling in love with it,” she explains.
Jenna’s senior year has been a little different than the rest of her years at Rowan because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She admits there have been some challenges with taking online courses and staying at home in East Brunswick, NJ.
“Honestly, one of the most challenging parts is I feel like I have a lot more work! I also have been going a little stir-crazy. I’m a very introverted person so I like being home … but this is a new level!”
However, even though she’s off-campus, Jenna is still staying hopeful and active on-campus through her e-board position as Communications Director with Rowan’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She had her doubts about being able to work with the club remotely, but she found that she still enjoys her work with the club.
“I was kind of worried because I was thinking what am I going to do because I’m not on campus but it was a lot easier than I thought,” Jenna says. “I’m always reaching out to the advisors of the club to just make sure I’m on the right track of things.”
Jenna also shares that her club meetings give her a sense of community even when she’s away. She says PRSSA has been very accommodating and she feels more connected to everyone on campus.
“Our e-board meetings definitely keep me informed with what’s going on. Everyone’s also super understanding. We did do an in-person picnic, but we also had a virtual option so I think its beneficial for a club to incorporate both options. I actually did end up going to campus because I was itching to go! Get involved in some kind of club because that’s the main reason why I’m in contact with everyone on campus. Everyone in the club are mainly my friends on campus too.”
When asked about the pros and cons of staying remote this semester, Jenna says:
“The main reason why I didn’t want to come back to campus was because I was scared that I was going to catch something and bring it back home. I also didn’t feel the need to be back on campus if I was doing my classes online. So I feel a little safer being home. A con for me would be that I don’t get to see my friends in person very much. One way I do try to stay involved is that I FaceTime them a lot, which I highly recommend everyone do! I’m not a big fan of talking on the phone but it’s good to be able to talk and see your friends that way.”
Quarantine hasn’t been all bad for Jenna. She even found an internship opportunity within her field!
“I was so ready to give up on applying because I wouldn’t hear back or I wouldn’t get them. I was getting so frustrated because a lot of my friends were still getting internships! So, I was scrolling through social media and this one company I was kind of eyeing put out a post saying ‘Hey we’re going to have summer interns.’
“So I applied immediately and ended up getting it! It was so much fun and all-remote. I was a social media marketing intern. I was skeptical about it at first because I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the same experience. It was so fun!”
Jenna shares a piece of advice for those struggling to connect with Rowan’s campus while being remote.
“Definitely reach out to professors if you want to get involved in any kind of club. I know professors who are also advisors who will usually plug in clubs at the end of class. PRSSA is looking for general members! It’s not scary, we have a speaker of the week talk to the club and you can participate if you want! I really do think it’s helpful. Just participating in any kind of Zoom club or event — I really recommend!”
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos courtesy of:
Jenna Fischer
Beyond the Classroom: Generation Action’s Rowan Chapter President, Alexis Thompson
Today we feature Alexis Thompson, who goes by Lex, from Lawnside, NJ (Camden County). They are a senior, first-generation college student and Psychology major with a minor in Africana Studies and a focus on reproductive justice. Lex transferred to Rowan from Hampton University in Spring of 2018. Lex tells us about Generation Action, what their […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Computer Science Major Enkee Davaadolgor
Today we feature first-generation senior Enkee Davaadolgor, who majors in Computer Science along with a concentration in Cybersecurity. He is a commuter from Ewing, NJ (Mercer County) who transferred from Mercer County Community College. What wakes you up in the morning? My motivation to wake up each and every morning is definitely my family and […]
First Year Voices: Journalism Major Austin Ahart
Today, we speak to Austin Ahart, a freshman Journalism major who currently resides on campus in Holly Pointe Commons. Austin tells us more about his on-campus experience.
How is living in Holly Pointe?
I love Holly Pointe, it’s beautiful!
Have you met your RA?
I have! My RA is super supportive. He’s been really awesome, to be honest. He’s helped me a lot throughout the move-in process, and he’s made me feel very welcome.
What’s your favorite on-campus spot to eat?
I love eating at Chef Jet! The food is great, and to be honest, the people working there are pretty great too.
Any advice to incoming freshmen?
Take it patiently. In terms of trying to absorb everything, I really recommend just being patient.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
DE to NJ: Biochemistry Major Catie Cordell
Today we feature Catie Cordell, a junior Biochemistry major with a Psychology minor. Catie is a first-generation student from Middletown, DE. She is involved with the Women’s Soccer team, Flying First task force and Pre-Health Society. What are some fun off-campus things to do within 20 minutes of Rowan on this side of the bridge? […]
First Year Voices: Musical Theatre Majors Ben Helbert and Connor Shields
Today, we speak to freshmen Musical Theatre majors Ben Helbert and Connor Shields! Both out-of-state students, Ben is from Williamsburg, VA and Connor is from Holland, PA. They live on campus in Holly Pointe and Mimosa Hall. Here, they tell us more about their time at Rowan so far and why they like living on campus.
How did you two meet each other?
Ben: My friend Leslie made a Facebook group chat. We got together through that chat but then decided to make a separate Performing Arts Snapchat group chat too.
Connor: So, that’s how a lot of us met each other beforehand through that. Now, here we are!
How do you like campus and New Jersey so far?
Connor: I love it here. I don’t want to go back home!
Ben: New Jersey is different than I expected. The cars are a lot louder here, but other than that, it’s pretty similar!
How are classes going?
Ben: It’s going great! I had my voice lesson. I got to meet my voice teacher and figure out how I sound. It was good! At the moment my classes are online, but hopefully they will move to Hy-flex soon.
Where are you living on campus, and how do you like it?
Ben: I live in Holly Pointe. I like that Holly Pointe is colder, its so nice and I love the dining hall attached to it! I also love hanging out around Rowan Boulevard.
Connor: I live in Mimosa! I love living there. I like the vibe of it. It’s so nice that it’s right in the middle of campus, so I can just say “It’s a 5 minute walk, let’s go get something!”
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
5 Accounting and Finance Majors Tell Us Their WOW Moment in Their Majors
Today, five Accounting and Finance majors from the Rohrer College of Business reveal that magic moment they discovered their major was clearly the right fit.
“My ‘WOW’ moment was when I was looking at job opportunities that I can try to get with my major/experience.” – Matt Cangemi, senior, Finance major and Economics minor from Hunterdon County
“The moment I realized that I could apply what I’m learning in the class room into my daily life of trading and running a business, I knew I was in the right major.” – David Nicolas, senior, first-generation college student and accounting major, Trenton, NJ (Mercer County)
“You’ll know you’re in the right major when you meet people outside the classroom who are just like you only to later find out they’re also finance majors. People who care about finance and economics generally tend to gravitate towards each other.” – Brian Vechesky, senior, transfer from Rowan College of South Jersey, Finance major from Burlington, NJ (Burlington County)
“This major was the right major for me in the beginning because I knew that Rowan had an awesome business college, and the amount of networking events that they offer here is invaluable.” – Jonathan Phan, sophomore, Accounting major and Management Information Systems major, commuter from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County)
“Throughout my first classes each topic sparked my interest. I fell in love with accounting ever since I switched majors.” – Matthew Knox, senior, Accounting major, South River, NJ (Middlesex County)
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
#PROFspective: English and Writing Arts Double Major Destiny Hall
Today we feature Destiny Hall, a first-generation college student and senior double majoring in Writing Arts and English with specializations in Shakespeare Studies and Creative Writing. She also has a minor in Women and Gender studies and is from Gloucester City, NJ (Camden County). Destiny shares her thoughts on her major, feminism and her future. Why did […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Geology Major Callie Stockton
Meet Callie Stockton, a junior Geology major with minors in Astronomy and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). She is from Tabernacle, NJ (Burlington County) and transferred from Rowan College of Burlington County (RCBC). She’s also part of the Physics & Astronomy Club and the GEO Club. Here, Callie talks about her transition to Rowan. How has […]
#PROFspective: Senior Psychology Major and Africana Studies Minor Cheyenne Uhuru
Today we feature Cheyenne Uhuru, a senior Psychology major and Africana Studies minor from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County). Cheyenne is a commuter to campus. She is a member of PsiChi, a Psychology Honors Society, and the Africana Studies Club. Can’t find her on campus? Meet Cheyenne at work at H&M in the Deptford Mall.
Why did you choose your major?
I’ve always really like giving advice to people, and I figured out over time that I can help people with what they are going through. I like helping with whatever issues are in their lives, especially African American adolescents. I feel like my experience can provide them the information they need to succeed in life and to get through what they need to get through.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
I would say that psychology offers a lot of insight into yourself as well as the people around you. It allows you to have a better understanding and have more empathy for people who may act a certain way towards you. It gives you a better understanding of why people are the way they are — also, insight into yourself and the way you act and the root of how you go about your daily life.
How does your field impact the world?
Psychology impacts the world in a very large way. All of our actions and the way we move about in the world really come back to our mind state and our environment growing up. The impact I would like to have on the world is giving African American people a better sense of belonging and understanding of themselves in this world because it does get hard. I would like to provide them with a sense of motivation and inspiration to let them know they will get through what they are going through no matter what their circumstances are. They have the ability to succeed.
How are you involved on campus?
Being a part of PsiChi Honor Society has given me a push because I am applying to grad school, so I think showing that I am dedicated to my major will help. It is helping me succeed for the future and my future career. Being a part of the Africana Studies Club also supports me in my pursuit of where I want to work with African American adolescents. The combination of the two helps me to succeed in my career and give me necessary tools.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a Rowan professor in which you felt like you were working with a visionary in your field.
Professor Chelsea Young was very connected to us as a class. She used pop culture references to help us understand the concepts we were learning about. I just really appreciate the time I had in her class, it was a really good experience.
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Story by:
Camryn Hadley, senior public relations and advertising double major
Photography by:
Quintin Stinney, sophomore Radio/TV/Film major
First Year Voices: Psychology Majors Katyana Rodriguez and Anaisis Santos
Today, we speak with two freshman Psychology majors, Katyana Rodriguez and Anaisis Santos. They’re both from Salisbury, Maryland and are currently residing on campus in Chestnut Hall. They tell us more about their time at Rowan and their favorite spots on campus.
How did you two meet each other?
Anaisis: Well, we actually met in middle school. We’re from the same place in Maryland!
Have you met your RA?
Katyana: I like my RA, she is really nice!
Are you interested in joining any clubs on campus?
Anaisis: I’m really looking forward to joining clubs. I would really like to check out some more Psychology clubs! I like Psychology because I like to study the human mind. I think it’s interesting.
Katyana: If I find any clubs that are interesting to me, I’ll definitely look into it and think about joining.
What are your favorite spots on campus to hang out or eat?
Katyana: I usually eat outside the Student Center or right outside my dorm building.
Anaisis: My favorite spot is Rowan Boulevard, I like going over there!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations major
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Studio Art Major Christine Stewart
Today we welcome Christine Stewart, a transfer student from Cumberland County College. They are a junior majoring in Studio Art with a specialization in Graphic Design from Pennsauken, NJ (Camden County). They are also involved in Prism, Queer People of Color (QPOC), and Women of Westby. What wakes you up in the morning? Being able […]
Senior Marketing Major Byron P. Campbell Jr. Reflects On The Black Lives Matter Movement
Today we speak to Byron P. Campbell Jr., a senior Marketing major from Neptune, NJ (Monmouth County). He lived on campus for three years and lives off-campus this year. Byron is a first-generation college student.
How have you gotten involved at Rowan?
I joined Greek life and I was a Resident Assistant for three years. I have gone to ASPIRE Leadership retreats, and I have been to Multicultural Men’s Retreats for the Social Justice, Inclusion, and Conflict Resolution (SJICR) office. I have also spoken on a panel about leadership at Rowan.
What does the Black Lives Matter movement mean to you?
BLM is an awareness of what’s been happening since the beginning. We want to be equal like everyone else. It’s always been one step forward, one step back. The protests get attention, and they get people to see what’s been happening since the beginning.
What do you think that Rowan can do to better serve the BLM movement?
Rowan has made great strides, but there should be more free spaces to speak. There is SJICR, where people usually talk. There needs to be more spaces to talk about it. People feel a divide, and they need an opportunity to talk. There are lots of meetings, events and resources are out there, but for some reason it hasn’t translated to the students participating more. Understanding how other people feel is important. You need to understand how others feel.
What does inclusivity mean to you?
A space to talk. Some people will put you down and say all lives matter, but having your voice heard is important.
Do you feel Rowan is an inclusive environment?
It will take a while to be more inclusive. Rowan is reactive and not preventative. Nobody speaks up and tells the right people when there is a problem, but always [does] something after the fact.
Could you share a little bit about your relationship with Vice President Richard Jones?
He has been one of the most supportive people on campus for me. I met him at my freshman orientation, when he was a speaker. I asked him my freshman year if he could take me under his wing, and he’s helped me through college. Richard Jones has been a mentor to me.
What is one of your favorite moments with a faculty/staff member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
One favorite experience in my Intro to Marketing class with Professor Puckett was learning how marketing is used all the time, whether selling a product or service or even selling yourself for a job. That really made me want to switch my major to marketing. At the time I was an accounting major, and it was Professor Puckett who shared with me that he thought marketing would be a good fit for me.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
One amazing thing I learned in my major this year is all the paths I can take with a marketing major. I can be in all types of fields in the job force.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos courtesy of:
Byron P. Campbell Jr., senior marketing major
First Year Voices: Physical Education Major Jalen Baptiste
Today, we speak to Jalen Baptiste, a freshman Physical Education major currently residing on-campus in Chestnut Hall from Hackettstown, NJ (Warren County). Jalen tells us about living on campus and more about his first year so far.
How do you like on-campus housing?
I’m living in Chestnut. Chestnut’s not bad, though, because I live by myself in a double.
Are your classes completely online or hybrid?
Right now, all my classes are online, but I think some of my classes will switch to in-person hybrid hopefully soon!
Thinking about joining any clubs?
I’m thinking about joining a fraternity in the spring.
Any advice to incoming freshmen?
If you do come to Rowan, try to get into Holly Pointe! It’s really nice there.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Rowan’s Business Certificate, MBA Programs an Ideal Pairing for Marc Castrillon, Future HR Pro
Today we feature Marc Castrillon, a Rowan Global student pursuing his master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Here, Marc talks about his Rowan experience and how completing the Business Certificate of Graduate Study launched him into the MBA program and, soon, a dream career.
Marc Castrillon didn’t envision himself in a Rowan MBA cohort when he first entered the Rohrer College of Business as an undergraduate just five short years ago. Yet by this spring, he will have amassed three degrees, one certificate of graduate study, two field experiences and numerous professional connections through a student leadership role.
He’s now confidently on his way to a career in human resources management. “If I knew what I know now, two years ago, or a year ago, I would have had even less hesitation and been even more excited for the graduate program,” he says.
Marc’s graduate journey began with a major change as a business undergrad. He arrived to the Rowan as a Marketing major. In speaking with his sister, whose career is in human resources, and others in the profession, Marc discovered he was interested in the same line of work. After taking HR-intensive courses, Marc added the Human Resources Management major to his undergraduate degree in Management.
With a path in motion, Marc initially researched human resources advanced degrees to build upon his knowledge base; but he discovered other area HR master’s programs were “three or four times the price and a lot of extra requirements.”
Casting a wider net, Marc found an option with Rowan Global’s Business Certificate of Graduate Study (COGS), which checked off a few boxes. He took the required five courses and, upon admittance into the MBA, transferred the credits into its larger, broader business degree. The accelerated pace of just 15 credits also meant Marc could complete the program quickly, which he says he felt compelled to do soon after graduation.
“At the time, I was already on a roll with school, and I was performing at a really high pace and getting good grades. I didn’t want to go and work for a few years and then come back and lose that momentum,” he says.
Through the COGS program, students who apply and are accepted into Rowan’s MBA may enter without a standardized test requirement — an admissions component Marc also appreciated. “I knew that if I went through the COGS program, and I performed as well as I had been doing in my undergraduate, I wouldn’t have to take the GMAT. And I did not want to take off three to six or … however many months it would take for me to prepare for that test. So that was a major factor in me deciding to go straight into my graduate program,” he explains.
Marc’s choice to pursue the broader Rowan MBA paid off in other ways as well; he’s taken classes outside his human resources track and notes faculty are quick to deliver on new courses based on student feedback he may not have had access to in a more narrow program.
“I think how wide the scale the classes are in the MBA program really shows how much the school cares about its students,” he says. “They recently added entrepreneurship courses that were not previously available — and they became available because a lot of students have been asking for entrepreneurship-type courses.”
The College of Business has tapped Marc to serve as the inaugural Director of Community and Membership for the Rohrer Graduate Student and Alumni Advisory Board. According to its website, “Members are actively engaged in academics and shared community connections that elevate the student experience and the reputation of Rohrer Graduate Programs.”
In this new role, Marc has leveraged his business skills to lead recruiting, outreach and engagement efforts. He also co-manages a lively LinkedIn account for MBA and M.S. in Finance students and alumni. He enjoys his new position as it closely aligns with his future goals.
“It’s really good for someone who is working within human resources recruiting and retaining membership,” Marc says. “That’s a big component of it — networking events. For now we’re trying to work on online networking events. But I would [also] love the opportunity to create a networking event in person.”
A pandemic has not slowed down Marc’s year-long internship experience with the healthcare company LabCorp, where he is learning to determine executive and sales compensation for employees at the vice president level or above both domestically and abroad.
“I don’t know if I want to stay in compensation; there are other parts of human resources that I want to get into. So following my MBA, I want to get SHRM [Society of Human Resource Management] certification,” Marc says.
Zeroing in on his future, Marc is acutely aware of the importance networking and professional connections have played in his academic life. Until entering the graduate program, he says: “I didn’t realize how much farther [faculty] are willing to go with you to make sure that you succeed.
“Even if it’s outside of their office hours, they will sit with you after class and they’ll explain a problem to you. And they make everybody feel welcome … the whole graduate program feels very inclusive, which to my understanding with my friends who are in other graduate programs, I don’t know if they can say the same.”
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3 Sports Communication and Media Majors Share Why They Became Interested in Their Major
“This major combined my two biggest passions: sports and cameras. I’ve always been a huge sports fan, and I’ve always known I wanted to work in sports. During high school I knew I wanted to work around cameras doing photo/videography. So, when I found out about Sports CAM at Rowan, it was the perfect match.” […]
Physically Distant but Socially Strong: Luis and Nick
Assistant resident director Luis Acevedo and resident assistant Nick Petrole share how they continue to social distance during the pandemic. Luis a senior, first-generation college student from Camden, NJ (Camden County), majors in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. Nick is also a senior and a first-generation college student from Flemington, NJ (Hunterdon County), […]
#PROFspective: Sophomore Health and Exercise Science Major Erwin Lopez
Today we feature Erwin Lopez, a sophomore Health and Exercise Science major from East Windsor, NJ (Mercer County). Erwin, a first-generation college student, lives on campus in the Rowan Boulevard Apartments. He’s a member of the Pre Physician Assistant Club, Crew Club Team and the Exercise is Medicine Club, for which he’s Fundraising Chair. Erwin also works for the Office of Orientation and Student Leadership Programs.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose Health and Exercise Science as my major because at first, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to go to graduate school, and I knew I wanted to be part of a health-related field. Health and Exercise Science gave me a broader spectrum of things that I can do, such as medical school or PA school or PT and OT, and so on.
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
The major is fun and you can do a lot with it. It is very versatile and there isn’t only one thing you have to do with it. It is very flexible in regard to what you can do with it.
How does your field impact the world?
It’s helping people, no matter what field you go into after completing the Health and Exercise Science program. No matter what you do with it, there’s always going be that aspect of helping people and providing a service to people.
Have you had any professors that you felt really cared about your wellbeing?
This isn’t major-specific, but my College Composition professor, Professor Mandi Dorrell, was a really great professor. She understood that you’re also a person and not just a student. She was very helpful and understanding of people’s problems. She was very caring in that aspect.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Grad Student Jamal M. Samah on Earning His Master’s in Engineering Management Fully Online
Today, we speak to Jamal Samah, a Rowan Global student in the Engineering Management master’s program from Deptford, NJ (Gloucester County). He earned his Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh but decided that Rowan’s graduate program was the right fit for him. He tells us more about his online program and why he chose Rowan.
“I chose to pursue a master’s in engineering management because I work in a business office and want to grow and move into a management position,” Jamal says.
What inspired Jamal to pursue the master’s program in Engineering Management was the combination of engineering and business he’s noticed as he progresses in his career. He currently works in Philadelphia and looks forward to furthering his career into management.
He was part of the online master’s program even before COVID-19 and finds it suits his lifestyle — the online program works around his schedule.
When asked why he chose Rowan, Jamal shares: “I like having a college that’s local … and some of the other programs I just found were a little too expensive. So, it was a combination of cost and location.
“I have three courses left. They’re 100% online, which benefits me because I get the flexibility. You have all your lectures online. If I have to stay up to midnight, I can do that. The faculty supports me even more than when I went for my undergrad. I can send an email and they’ll get back to me at any time. I don’t have to worry about office hours. I like the online format.”
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
9 Biomedical Art & Visualization Majors Tell Us Why Their Major Excites Them
From new mediums to emerging technologies, 9 Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts students in the Biomedical Art & Visualization program share why they are passionate about their major.
“Learning new techniques and nuances of drawing and illustration that I was entirely unaware of prior. That and the steady and consistent addition of new mediums to explore and develop skills with.” – Isaiah Reese, senior, first-generation college student, Biomedical Art and Visualization major with a Biology minor from Newton, NJ (Sussex County)
“I love that I’m getting a great education in the sciences and methods of educating others, while also still be held to the esteem of a studio artist. Though I’m not a studio art major, I’ve still been taught all of the same skills you would expect a studio art major to have. This way I can make beautiful anatomical and scientific drawings as well as traditional fine art.” – Rose Price, senior, first-generation college student and Biomedical Art Visualization major with a minor in Biology, Sicklerville NJ (Gloucester County)
“The BMAV program is much more diverse than you would expect. Students are able to choose their topic of choice to research and to build their portfolio. There might be a student who enjoys studying scientific processes next to you and another student who likes exploring prosthetics on your other side. A student sitting across from you might like studying animals and another likes examining medical conditions. I am never bored in class because there is always something interesting to learn and do. Everyday is exciting and worthwhile.” – Terry Nguyen, junior, majors in Biomedical Art and Visualization and Music, Pre-medical minor from Moorestown, NJ (Burlington County)
“The atmosphere in our major is what excites me most. We are a small family, so we support each other. We all have our different interests and learn from each other as well.” – Mariele Ford, junior Biomedical Art Visualization major with a minor in Biology, Brigantine, NJ (Atlantic County)
“The future of my possibilities [is] in the arts.” – Hannah Knight, senior, transfer, first-generation college student and Biomedical Art and Visualization major with a minor in Art History and an associate degree in Biology from Medford, NJ (Burlington County)
“The thing that excites me the most about my major is the ability to portray what I want while it’s still very informational and well-researched. Creating infographics about animals or plants is definitely what captivates me the most. But not only that, but the ability to also use newer technologies such as 3D modeling and even a chance to experiment with VR excite me to no end!” – Sofia Monaco, junior Biomedical Art and Visualization, CUGS in Game Media Design from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County)
“All the possible choices I will have for jobs in the near future and the fact that you build your own way.” – Diana Lahr, sophomore, first-generation college student and Biomedical Art and Visualization major from Elmer, NJ (Salem County)
“I am excited to learn more about the anatomy of humans as well as plants and animals along with how to properly illustrate and explain them. I am also excited to be able to communicate these aspects of life with others.” – Harley Modestowicz, sophomore Biomedical Art and Visualization major, Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County)
“What excites me most about Biomedical Art is how much I realize I’m being prepared for my future. I feel as if all my classes are geared toward strengthening my talents as an artist and creating artwork just as I would when dealing with clients in the future.” – Veronica Cava, junior Biomedical Art and Visualization major, Marlton, NJ (Burlington County)
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Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Advice from the Joes of Rowan
Ten Joes of different majors and eight counties share their advice for incoming and current Rowan students.
“Study more than you sleep, sleep more than you have fun, and have as much fun as possible.” – Joe Gummere, senior Mechanical Engineering major from Vernon, NJ (Sussex County, pictured above)
“You’re going to fall down. College is humbling for many people, you just have to be willing to accept the lessons you gain and learn from them.” – Joe Frascella, senior Communication Studies major from Hightstown, NJ (Mercer County)
“Don’t over stress but don’t under stress. Take it easy and just get assignments done on time. It also helps immensely to befriend your professor[s].” – Joe Gentempo, senior Art major from Middletown, NJ (Monmouth County)
“Put yourself out there, try something new. I know going in I was really quiet and shy. Then I found the best on-campus job (Rec Center), became a part of a sport club (Ultimate Frisbee) and now I’m president of the organization.” – First-generation college student, Joe D’Intino, junior Chemical Engineering student from Medford, NJ (Burlington County)
“Be open to making new friends at any time and in any place, this will lead you to try new things and join new clubs.” – sophomore Joe Kayal, Civil Engineering major from Mahwah, NJ (Bergen County)
“My advice would be to never compare yourself to anyone and never be discouraged by a missed opportunity. Take your life in college day by day, set goals and never be afraid to lean on your peers/professors for support.” – Joe Sansone, senior Business Management and Marketing major from Howell, NJ (Monmouth County)
“Making friends is scary for EVERYONE. Don’t be afraid to ask to sit with strangers. You may just get a best friend out of it! The advisors at Rowan are invaluable resources. Ask them for information on clubs the campus offers and show up. The busier you are, the better your college experience.” – Joseph Breymeier, MBA student from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County)
“The best thing that you can do is get involved! In spite of the current situation, Rowan is still offering plenty of clubs and activities that are easy to join and give you a great way to meet new friends and feel more comfortable with taking this big step in your life. I was nervous about going to Rowan and not knowing many people, but once I joined the Roller Hockey Club, I felt right at home!” – Joe Carriero, sophomore Finance major from Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County)
“Don’t play it safe with choosing your major. I used to be a Bio major because it was the ‘safe’ option. The only problem with that was … I hate biology. I love movies, writing and storytelling. So I picked a major that reflects my passions. When I enter my career field, I’ll get a job that I enjoy, and not just make money at; and if you enjoy your job you’re not really ‘working,’ are you? Do what you love, and good luck, class of 2024.” – First-generation college student Joe Hunt, senior Radio/TV/Film (RTF) major from Audubon, NJ (Camden County)
“Be outgoing and make friends in your major! You will be in the same classes a lot and getting to know them will help with homework, studying and making your classes enjoyable. A friend that I met on my first day at Rowan ended up being my roommate senior year. Maintain a balanced workload by taking an easy or fun class each semester. If you think you are overdoing it, it’s okay to drop a class; summer classes helped me stay on pace.” – M.S. in Computer Science major Joe Hammer from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County)
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Header photo: Joe Gummere, senior mechanical engineering major
Story by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Junior Major Moments: Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP), Law and Justice Studies Major Julia Esposito
Today, we speak to Julia Esposito, a Law and Justice Studies major with a concentration in Forensic Science from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Julia transferred from Stockton University to Rowan her sophomore year and has no regrets about it. She’s been a commuter since her freshman year. She tells us more about her experience at Rowan, including more details about her major’s Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP).
Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
One of my favorite experiences with a faculty member was taking American Constitutional Law with Prof. Kathy Balin during fall semester of junior year. She has become one of my favorite professors due to the genuine care she has for her students and the information she taught us about the field of law. I knew walking into every class that I would leave truly learning something new and feeling more confident with my knowledge about the subject.
Whenever I would have concerns regarding a grade or assignment, Prof. Balin always took extra time to assure me that I was on the right track and always answered any questions I had leaving me feeling assured. She truly goes above and beyond for her students, and I am grateful to have had that experience with her.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth?
A pre-professional experience that is helping to support my growth is being accepted into the Law and Justice Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP) my junior year. I first learned of this program on my tour of Rowan during my senior year of high school. Then known as the 4+1 Program, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of, as it is an amazing and rewarding experience. There are certain requirements upon being accepted, such as having a high grade point average, not only overall, but in my Law and Justice major.
Throughout my three years of college, I worked to keep my GPA high and above the requirement for the CADP. My hard work was rewarded, and I was accepted into the program in the spring semester of my junior year. This is a huge accomplishment for me and has been a goal of mine since freshman year of college. I am proud of my acceptance into the program and it was definitely the highlight of my junior year at Rowan.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
The most interesting thing I have learned in my major [my junior] year was a variety of Supreme Court cases that have shaped the laws of our country. Each case has a unique story that never fails to intrigue and make me want to read and learn more about the process that goes into deciding and ruling on a case.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, music industry major
Header photo by:
Anthony Raisley
Julia’s Corner: How to Get the Most Out of College
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Rowan Alum, Aspiring Professor Continues Education in Criminal Justice Graduate Studies
A prospective career change brought Marlo Rossi back to Rowan and on a brand-new professional path in the university’s Criminal Justice master’s degree program.
Marlo, from Gloucester County, NJ, transferred to Rowan and earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2019. She graduated with her sights set on law school. Through substitute teaching in public schools, Marlo found a new calling that drew from her civil service knowledge base and interests in both education and the justice system.
Her future goals now include completing not one but two advanced academic degrees.
“I thought I was going to get my four-year degree and then go right into the workforce or go to law school,” Marlo says. “But this program has allowed me to learn more in-depth information about a subject that I was interested in initially. This has really narrowed that focus on what I want to do.”
Just one semester in, Marlo says she loved the program from the first class she had.
“I left with a sense of pride in knowing I’m going to continue to learn more. It’s only my first semester; it that was that good, I can’t wait for the rest,” she adds.
Rowan offers both face-to-face and fully online criminal justice master’s programs for adults returning to college. Enrolled in the on-campus experience, Marlo says she prefers face-to-face courses — though COVID-19 shifted how she took classes in the spring 2020 semester.
“With the pandemic, I had to go online. I prefer the interaction with the professors and with other students in the program. I like that interaction. I was homeschooled my whole life, so I was used to the online, at-home kind of schooling. But I’d prefer face-to-face,” she says.
“Getting to know people” in smaller classes, on a close-knit campus with restaurants and nightlife, are a few things that initially drew Marlo to Rowan as an undergraduate — and still do. Now, the graduate program affords her a work-life balance she enjoys.
“I like that the program was only one day a week. It was later in the afternoon, so you could work during the day, which I really liked because I would [teach] in the afternoon and go to school at night,” she says.
Marlo’s advice for prospective students is to be ready to work hard and be prepared to learn a lot in “such a short time.”
“For instance, I started with only two classes, and the amount that I’ve learned in terms of writing and critical thinking, has been mind-blowing,” she says.
Her long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in an interdisciplinary program blending political science and criminal justice. After she earns her master’s degree, she hopes to become “an adjunct [professor] at Rowan so that I could give back to the school I’ve learned so much from.”
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Sophomore Reflects: Musical Theatre and Public Relations Double Major Erica Gerold
Meet sophomore Erica Gerold, a Musical Theatre and Public Relations double major from Philadelphia. She’s also an on-campus resident who resided in Magnolia Hall this past year. Erica tells us more about what she enjoyed most about her first year at Rowan and shares advice for future freshmen.
What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan?
Something I enjoyed most here at Rowan were the amount of on-campus artistic opportunities I was able to have as a freshman! This past year I have been in directing scenes, written/done voiceover work at the art exhibit, “The Sister Chapel,” performed in our annual Holiday Celebration, “The Vagina Monologues,” devised cabaret “(di$) conn3cT*d” and “Urinetown: The Musical.” I have made amazing friends through our college and learned so much through its chances to create. I truly do not think I would be happier anywhere else.
Could you share with us one happy moment you had with friends, professors or other members of the Rowan community that made you realize Rowan felt like “home”?
Among many things I am beyond grateful to have been involved in this school year, the first that made me feel at home was rehearsing “(di$) conn3cT*d.” I was cast within my first month of moving to college when unfamiliarity was around every corner. Right away not only were the cast/creative team eager to hear the ideas of us freshmen, they were eager to make us feel welcome. I became so close with the people involved with that production, including my new best friend Elliot Colahan. The support the people of Rowan (my profs and classmates alike) have for us is nothing like I have seen anywhere else. Especially as a freshman, their care for me and the rest of my peers filled me with motivation and happiness. They make me feel lucky to be a part of this community.
What advice do you have for future freshmen looking at colleges right now?
Shadow! Leading up to College Decision Day, I actually had my mind set on committing to a different school. Once your choices are narrowed down, seeing a day in the life of your options really puts things into perspective. Once I shadowed my now dear friend Marisa Pelikan, the decision could not have been clearer that Rowan was the right fit for me (note: If you cannot shadow due to COVID-19, research schools to the best of your online abilities. Also, do not be afraid to reach out to their current students/profs!).
What are you most looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am most looking forward to honing my skills as a double major! I currently combine my passions of PR and theatre as a member of the social media team for RUTD, a publicity officer for our Lab Theatre organization and the creator/writer for my school blog highlighting the Rowan University Department of Theatre & Dance, RUTDInsider. All of that being said, Public Relations students typically do not start taking major-based classes until their sophomore year. This fall I will be taking three of those classes and I am super excited to put all forthcoming knowledge into my current projects. I will be the first to admit learning/creating in the upcoming school year will be difficult due to the coronavirus, but I hope to push forward in making it happen any way I can.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos provided by:
Erica Gerold
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Meet Music Industry Major Stephanie Batista
Meet Stephanie Batista (she/her/hers), a transfer Music Industry major from Toms River, New Jersey (Ocean County). She will graduate with the Rowan Class of 2023. She tells us a little more about herself and why she chose Rowan!
What is one goal you have this semester?
To make friends despite difficulties with Covid and online classes.
Why did you choose your major?
I am a Music Industry major with a concentration in Business. It was something I knew I would be very happy doing and it would never feel like work because I love it.
What are you most excited for this semester?
I am most excited for the live shows.
What club/activity do you want to join on campus?
I want to join the Rowan Alternative Music Club!
Why Rowan?
Rowan has a great music scene and is very close to Philadelphia.
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Story and photos by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Julia’s Corner: Avoiding the Freshman 15
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 
foods 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. 
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. 
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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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Junior Major Moments: Law and Justice Major Nicolette Salzano
Today we feature Law and Justice major and Psychology minor Nicolette Salzano. Nicolette is a transfer student living off-campus this fall.
Can you please share a favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
As a Law and Justice major, I have had numerous classes with Professor Houser. She is a great teacher, motivator and friend. She makes our classes engaging and interesting for each student and has worked closely with me to help me achieve success in the field.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
The most interesting thing I have learned in my major this year is how many vast options of work are available to me. Being a Law and Justice major, the opportunities are endless in the field. It is great to know I will always have something interesting going on in my everyday work life.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth?
I am a member of the Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, Phi Kappa chapter here at Rowan. This chapter has expanded my horizons in so many different ways, such as making so many new and extraordinary friendships and always keeping busy with community and campus work.
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, public relations and advertising graduate
Header photo by:
Anthony Raisley
#PROFspective: Meet Electrical and Computer Engineering Major Bhavik Malkani
Meet Bhavik Malkani, a junior Electrical and Computer Engineering major with a minor in Systems Engineering and an Honors Concentration at Rowan University. Bhavik is a first-generation college student from Voorhees, NJ (Camden County). Bhavik is a part of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Phi Kappa Psi and Honors College. Here, he shares his experience as a Prof thus far.
Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home.
One of the biggest organizations that made me feel like Rowan is my home is Residential Life and University Housing or RLUH. Ever since becoming a Resident Assistant (RA), I have felt like I truly have a home here. Everyone within RLUH has made me feel like family, and it was definitely one of the best decisions I have made so far in my college career.
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?
I think Rowan being a welcoming environment started with orientation, along with the PROS and other orientation staff who made that experience possible. I met people who immediately made me feel welcome and am still friends with today.
What’s your favorite thing about one typical day at Rowan for you?
My favorite thing about one typical day at Rowan is being able to see my friends.
What is one thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for you?
One thing about Rowan that was a happy surprise for me was how active campus was along with how many events are put on throughout the semesters.
Describe for us an experience you’ve shared with a professor or staff member in which you felt like they truly cared about your well-being.
I was a sophomore and concerned about my academic success as well as my choice of major. I talked to a couple professors together after class for a few weeks, and they gave me many study suggestions as well as encouraged me to stick with my current major. They showed me that I could earn my degree and be successful.
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
Photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Beyond the Classroom: Katelyn Rapp’s PR, Foreign Language Skills Help Her Give Back to Her Community
Today, we feature Public Relations major and senior Katelyn Rapp, a commuter from Pennsville, NJ (Salem County) and first-generation college student. Katelyn recently started interning for the nonprofit organization Miracle for Mateo. She’s also on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using her Spanish translation skills, Katelyn helps out her area’s testing site. Here, she tells us a little more about her experiences and how she’s helping her community.
Tell us more about your public relations internship.
I am currently working with Miracle for Mateo, a nonprofit that I have been familiar with since they started up 10 years ago. I actually got involved with them during this past semester because I was doing a couple PR and nonprofit related classwork.
Miracle for Mateo provides financial support for families with dependent children who: have complex congenital heart disease or life-threatening illness and are struggling through a lengthy hospitalization, waiting for an organ transplant, or living at home on hospice care.
I realized during a rhetorical analysis of their website that it was quite outdated and gave the impression that they were no longer a functioning NPO. I knew one of the board members personally, and I reached out to her to see if she would be open to some changes.
Before COVID started, I went to her house and we talked about all the changes needed. After some approval from the board I was able to rewrite all the body copy for the website, choose updated photos, recreate some graphics with InDesign and now we are about two weeks away from the new website going live!
Was there any Rowan affiliation?
As far as I know there is no affiliation with Rowan, but I actually think it could be a great idea to create some type of affiliation. They have some small projects that impact people on a great scale (of course I may be a bit biased). Can tab collections and food drives that benefit the families who are by their child’s side in the hospital are two of their longest-running projects that require a bit less ‘in person work’ but make a huge difference for the organization and their families.
How did you find the opportunity?
I found the opportunity by reaching out to one of the board members I knew personally. I grew up with her kids, and seeing if the organization would consider letting me help. In my ADV/PR Writing course I had to choose an organization to ‘write for’ throughout the semester, and I thought it would be a personal challenge to write for a NPO since all of my internship experience is in oil refineries and transportation. I also decided to analyze their website in my Writing for the NonProfit class since I was already writing a pretend backgrounder and had so much information on the organization. I found the website was outdated and generally needed some work, and although I know I am nowhere near an expert, I thought I might be able to help.
How did you get involved in your county’s COVID-19 response?
My mom works for the Salem County Department of Health, and so naturally when COVID hit, she and her coworkers became the response team for my county. Soon enough, my county opened up a COVID testing site, and it became apparent that my county’s Hispanic population was getting hit harder than others. My mom and her coworkers had become contact tracers/COVID test site nurses and were trying to speak what little Spanish they could to communicate. I wrote up a little speech for my mom to use when she called someone to speak with them about results or the test site and they only spoke Spanish. When she came home, she told me the whole department was using it! She also told me that her boss was interested in seeing if I would volunteer at the test site as a translator. The next week I did my fit test, and the day after I went to the test site.
Tell us more about your skills as a translator and how that’s helped in your county’s COVID response.
My skills as a translator allowed me to check in patients at the drive-up clinic, give them instructions on what to expect in the barns (testing area/hot zone), and if they had not signed up for testing before that day give them information on how and where to be screened before coming to the test site for a COVID test. I was also able to help the nurses/contact tracers by writing up some helpful Spanish phrases and a small script, which would allow them to explain who they were and that they would call back with a translator.
What are you looking forward to this semester or in the future?
I think I am looking forward to the same things as most students now, I would love to see a safe return to campus to continue my classes. This upcoming semester I am also starting the 4+1 (CAPD Program) Public Relations/Strategic Communication program, so I will start working towards my master’s while finishing my bachelor’s. Personally, I am really looking forward to traveling internationally again. I was planning on a couple of trips this year, but unfortunately traveling isn’t an option right now.”
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos provided by:
Katelyn Rapp
Julia’s Corner: How to Connect with your Professors
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. 
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. 
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. 
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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Story by
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Meet #Rowan2024: Shahadah Samuels, Setting a Career Path for Change
Meet Law and Justice major Shahadah Samuels from Camden, NJ (Camden County). She is excited to get involved on campus during her first semester as a commuter.
What is something you’re looking forward to at Rowan?
I’m looking forward to trying new things and meeting new people. I also cannot wait to get involved in activities and/or sports.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
While attending Rowan, I would love to participate in a step and/or dance team. I didn’t participate in this activity in high school, but I would love to for college.
How or why did you choose your major?
My major has been determined by my life. I’ve been through things that have a lot to do with justice, and I figured that the only way I can change the ways of things that have happened is to join the criminal justice field and not make the same mistakes that people have made in the past.
How did you get to know the campus?
Unfortunately, I did not get to tour the school and I have learned everything about the school online because of COVID-19. However, I cannot wait until the pandemic is over so I can finally get a tour and the full experience.
What music do you like?
My favorite music is Hip-Hop and R&B.
Night owl or morning person?
I am a night owl; however I love to do things in the morning so that way I can get things done and over with.
Why Rowan?
I’ve chosen Rowan because after research, I decided that Rowan is the right school for me and very convenient for me.
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, public relations and advertising graduate
Photos contributed by:
Shahadah Samuels
#PROFspective: Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP) in Subject Matter Education: English Major Dominique DiGiacomo
Today we feature Dominique DiGiacomo, a rising senior in the Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP) in Subject Matter Education: English program, minors in International Studies and Asian Studies, and a Certificate of Undergraduate Studies in Japanese. Dominique is a commuter student this coming year from Atco, NJ (Camden County).
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic, and social responsibilities are you juggling?
On my busiest day, I am juggling two to three classes along with an opening shift (6:30-11 a.m.) for work as a building manager at the student center, an hour workout at the gym/kickboxing, an hour meeting for my second job, and a club meeting in which I am the vice president.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
Yes, I have experienced a moment of uncertainty within my major. There was a time in which I was not enjoying my education classes as much as my classes that were going towards my international studies minor. In order to get through this challenge, I talked to my teachers as well as those who I trusted to confide in them and ask for their opinions. This moment helped me to rediscover my passion for education and it also helped me to combine both my passion for education and international studies into one.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you.
After my freshman year, I had the opportunity to work as a PROS (Peer Referral and Orientation Staff) member for Rowan orientations, as well as an SCCA staff member in the game room. The moment I started these two jobs was the moment I felt I really belonged at Rowan University. Through these jobs, I not only met new friends, but I also formed new families within the Rowan community. Working for Rowan really helped me to feel at home within the university.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges.
Transitioning into college was definitely a nerve-racking situation. It was my first time living away from home, as well as the first time I had so much freedom in my life. These nerves, however, only lasted for the first week of school. Overcoming these nerves proved to be a lot easier than I had expected. I made sure to be social, interact with my roommate and my classmates and joined a few clubs. I also realized that every freshman in college was in the same boat; they were all nervous and looking to make friends. After realizing this, my transition to college became a whole lot easier.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
Don’t feel pressured by your friends to choose a certain school. Go on tours, interact with students, and get excited about going to college. Choose the place you feel most at home because college truly does become your second home.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos contributed by:
Dominique DiGiacomo
Meet #Rowan2024: Growing as a Writer, Padmini Rao
Meet Writing Arts major Padmini Rao. She is a first-generation college student and is excited to explore new writing opportunities at Rowan.
What is something you’re looking forward to at Rowan?
I’m looking forward to all the new experiences Rowan holds for me. I look forward to creating new bonds, extending my knowledge and growing as a writer.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I was the president of my school’s poetry club, Young Poet’s Society. From the time I was a freshman I’ve seen it grow from a small club to publishing school magazines. I’m excited to see what Rowan University offers and the range it comes with! I’d [also] love to indulge in swimming!
How or why did you choose your major?
I had been awfully torn between choosing a major for my passion or career and my passion won! Creative writing is what I’ve grown up with and what has grown with me. I look forward to enhance my skills as a writer.
How did you get to know campus?
I have friends that go to Rowan, I’ve visited them and taken a tour individually. I have also toured with a guide so I’m pretty familiar with the campus!
What music do you like?
Hip-hop/R&B soul, but I’ve got a soft spot for pop and rock. In fact I’ve made some songs myself.
Night owl or morning person?
Weirdly both, I honestly prefer naps in the middle of the day.
Why Rowan?
Its writing program intrigued me, and I wanted to explore more!
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, public relations and advertising graduate
Photos by:
Padmini Rao
Julia’s Corner: Finding the Right Major
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. 
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, 
you 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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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Julia’s Corner: Time Management: How to Stick to a Schedule in College
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 
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 
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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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
RA and Psychology Major Jeremiah Garcia Gives 5 Pieces of Advice To Incoming Freshmen
Third-year Psychology major and Urban Studies minor Jeremiah Garcia recently spoke with Rowan Blog about his freshman year experience. Today, the first-generation college student from Camden, NJ (Camden County) residence assistant (RA) offers his tips to new students.
1. When you come to Rowan, make mistakes and learn from them.
2. Recognize that you’re not alone. You get to meet new people with the same goals but different purposes.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when things are hard. During my freshman year, I felt like nobody was there, especially as a first-generation college student, and I blocked myself into a box. I realized there are resources but I was afraid to ask for help. I had a rough start, and I thought that I needed to learn everything myself. Know that it is okay not to be perfect. There are always people with knowledge that you don’t have, and they can help you. The resources Rowan has helped physically and mentally, not just academically. The Wellness Center and Rec Center are great resources too.
4. Step outside of your comfort zone and be the best version of yourself. Being involved helped me to step outside of my comfort zone. Getting involved helped me built confidence and leadership.
5. Don’t beat yourself up if your major isn’t right for you. I wanted to go into the medical field, but I wasn’t passionate about it. I took other opportunities and decided to switch my major to Psychology. Take other opportunities, explore and see what’s right for you.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos contributed by:
Jeremiah Garcia
#PROFspective: Biology Major Kait Fox on the Perks of College Close to Home
Today, we speak to Kait Fox, a Biology major with a minor in Psychology from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Kait, who transferred from Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), commutes to campus. She tells us more about why she chose Rowan and what a typical day at Rowan looks like for her.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose to be a Biology major because I was already on track with the course load previously completed from RCSJ. I am interested in the medical field and thought that a degree in biology would cover all of the bases for graduate school.
Why did you choose Rowan?
I chose Rowan because it is close to home so I am able to make the commute to and from school, not having to worry about dorms or missing my family.
Another important factor is how affordable Rowan is, and that all of my credits from RCSJ are transferable to Rowan, so I transferred in as a third-year student.
Take us through a typical Rowan day for you.
A typical day for me usually starts mid morning (I try my best to avoid the 8 a.m. classes). I arrive at Rowan around 10:30 for my 11 a.m. classes. I like to be a little early instead of late, so I’ll relax in the lobby of whichever building my class is in. I have about three classes a day and usually one lab.
When I make my schedule I try to make my classes back to back, or at least have a minimum 1-hour gap between so I’m not waiting around all day for my classes. If I do have a gap, I’ll meet up with a few friends and sit with them and chit chat, check my email, update schedules, work on assignments, maybe snack a little and “rest my eyes.”
After my classes are complete for the day, I’ll eat lunch wherever I’m at for classes and then I leave Rowan for my internship at the health department.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos contributed by:
Kait Fox
Sophomore Reflects: Navya Kunigal Shares Tips and Her Top 5 Reasons She Chose Rowan
Today we feature Navya Kunigal, a rising sophomore Community Health major from Hillsborough, New Jersey (Somerset County). Here, Navya writes about her on-campus, first-year experience and gives future Profs her best Rowan tips.
As a freshman, I lived in Chestnut Hall, and I loved it! It is a wonderful dorm with so many wonderful people. I lived in a double by myself there.
Get involved. I am [involved] on Rowan’s campus in so many different ways. I’m a member of the National Wellness Institute (NWI) (Rowan Student Chapter) and the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC).
I am also part of the Get Fit program that the Health and Exercise department manages. Get Fit is a program where we help people with intellectual and learning disabilities and work with them to benefit their health. It is such a rewarding experience. I look forward to this every day of the week.
I am usually quite occupied on campus. When you get involved in stuff, you will never be bored, every day will be a new adventure.
Where to go when you first arrive on campus. When I first came to Rowan, I had no friends. The Chamberlain Student Center is a great place to meet people. Try to have a friend in every class so you have an additional resource other than the professor.
Rowan After Hours (RAH) is how I made most of my friends. Rowan After Hours has night activities every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Activities include cooking, arts and crafts, dancing and a food bar. Sometimes we play video games too. It is really fun, and it is such an easy and cool way to meet new people. Definitely, go to RAH!!
Check out Rowan Boulevard! They have delicious restaurants and really cool places to visit. There are a lot of jobs on Rowan Boulevard as well. It is a really cool place to spend your time.
The Rec Center has something for everyone. Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, you name it! They got it! I go to yoga there once in a while, and they have so many different levels and types of yoga. I go to beginner yoga and it is so calming. It releases so much stress for me. Definitely go to the Rec Center when you have a chance!
Advice for choosing a major: It’s okay to be undecided (Exploratory Studies) when you go to college! Rowan gives you a chance to explore and find what you’re good at. Always consult with your advisor before choosing a major. They can help you narrow down your choices.
Moving in tips (do’s and don’ts): Moving into campus can be confusing, here is what to bring and what not to bring.
- Enough clothes.
- Hygiene products.
- Decorations to spruce up that room.
- Shoes, of course.
- And some coats, for the chilly days.
These five things are mandatory to bring on campus — most importantly, shower shoes!
What not to bring:
- Candles, because they can set off fire alarms.
- Not too many bags, they can cause clutter.
Five reasons why I love Rowan:
- The people
- The buildings
- Diversity
- Kindness
- Friends
I chose Rowan because not only was it a great fit for me, but it was a great experience being a freshman! I hope incoming freshmen have such a wonderful experience, too. Rowan had everything I was looking for and more. I cannot wait to go back and start a new chapter as a sophomore.
Enjoy campus as much as you can!
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Story and photos by:
Navya Kunigal, rising sophomore community health major
Organized by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
#MeetRowan2024: Sports Communication and Media Major Danny Collins
Meet #Rowan2024, Danny Collins! Danny is an incoming Sports Communications and Media major. He can’t wait to start his journey at Rowan. He tells us more about himself and why he chose Rowan.
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to meeting new friends, working hard in my classes and living on campus.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I would love to continue working with the television crew and being a cameraman for sporting events.
How or why did you choose your major?
I chose Sports Communication and Media because I am a huge sports fan and I like doing camera work. I aspire to be an NFL cameraman one day.
How did you get to know campus?
I got to know campus by attending several open houses, some sporting events, and accepted students’ events.
What music do you like?
l like Elton John, Elvis, Billy Joel, 80s, and Hip Hop.
Night owl or morning person?
I am a morning person. I am looking forward to early morning campus walks to start off my day.
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because they have an excellent sports communication program and fantastic support with a tutoring center, writing center and support groups. It has the components for me to become a successful college student.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Julia’s Corner: Taking Advantage of On-Campus Resources
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.
Financial 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.
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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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Meet #Rowan2024: Domenic Martino
Today we feature Domenic Martino from Runnemede, NJ (Camden County). Domenic is currently undecided on his major. He is the first in his family to attend college.
What is something you’re looking forward to at Rowan?
I’m really looking forward to not having to live at home.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I used to do all the plays and musicals and I would like to continue doing that at Rowan.
How did you get to know campus?
I was able to take a tour of the campus before COVID-19.
What music do you like?
I’ll listen to anything really, but if I had to choose a favorite genre, it would be pop punk.
Night owl or morning person?
I’m so much of a night-owl that I could probably be considered a morning person too.
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan honestly because I got a scholarship for going there.
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, recent public relations and advertising graduate
#PROFspective: Rising Senior Psychology Major Callie DeMaria
Today we feature rising Senior Psychology Major Callie DeMaria. Callie is an off-campus resident from Little Egg Harbor, NJ (Ocean County). Callie is a first-generation college student.
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic, and social responsibilities are you juggling?
On my busiest day, I usually have two classes I have to attend, then I usually spend the bulk of my day in Savitz Hall in the Admissions Office either doing office work or giving tours at the Welcome Center, then I will usually attend an event my sorority would be hosting or compete in an intramural game, and finally, I usually get dinner with my friends. To end the day, I will go to the library for an hour or two to finish up on some homework.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
I never had a moment of uncertainty within my major. I was very stressed about what I would do with my Psychology degree. Until last year, I had no idea. Then one of my professors introduced me to Applied Behavior Analysis. After hearing about it, I knew that is exactly what I wanted to do. Now, I am applying to graduate school to receive my Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you.
I knew Rowan was the right fit for me when I took a tour of the campus. My tour guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all my questions. I was very interested in a lot of the clubs my tour guide mentioned as well. As soon as I got to campus, I got heavily involved and through my involvement, Rowan became my second home.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges.
College was not an easy transition for me. I was a homebody in high school, so leaving my family was very hard. I won’t lie, the first few weeks were hard. But once I got involved, and started to meet new friends, I didn’t want to leave campus. Since I forced myself to go outside my comfort zone, it helped me to feel more at home and more comfortable at Rowan.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?
The advice I would give my high school self would be to choose the college that feels like home once you step on campus, that has a ton of internships and opportunities for me, and the college that has a lot of extracurricular clubs and organizations I would love to join.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
How I Made Friends At Rowan, Bianca’s Experience
Hi! My name is Bianca Torres. I’m a senior Music Industry major with a minor in Marketing from Morris County, NJ who has lived on campus all four years. Going to college has helped me get out of my comfort zone and has helped me become a much more well-rounded individual! I know that adjusting to college can be tough – especially when it comes to meeting new people.
Going to Rowan was an easy decision for me. My sister had gone here before me so I already knew a lot about the school. It’s about two hours away from where I live so it was the perfect distance for me, and Rowan has a really great Music Industry program. So I was pretty confident in my decision to go there.
The one thing that I was a little nervous about: meeting new people. I was excited about being independent and on my own for the first time in college. However, it was hard for me at first to find people who I really enjoyed being with. I quickly realized that I was going to have to put myself out there more. Here’s what I did to make some new friends.
Reached Out to People I Already Knew.
My first friend in college is actually someone I went to high school with! Although we never talked in high school, I figured it would be a good start to talk to someone I related with at least a little bit! I came up to him one day in the Holly Pointe dining hall and we started eating together almost every day! We instantly became friends. Then he introduced me to Racquetball Club.
Joined Clubs and Sports Teams.
Through Racquetball Club, I’ve found a sport that I’ve never tried but ended up really liking and found some of my best friends! Being a part of a team is a great way to meet people with the same interests and makes you feel like you are a part of something. Without Racquetball, I would have never found my friends.
Talked to My Classmates.
One of my best friends is someone who was sitting right next to me in class. The first day of classes is nerve wracking enough for a lot of us and finding the right seat is crucial. When I first walked in, I found a seat that I thought would be a good spot in the classroom. I never thought I would have ended up sitting next to my now best friend and roommate! We started doing class projects together, and I realized that we liked the same things and had the same sense of humor. Finally, I decided to ask if she wanted to get lunch with me one day. The rest is history.
Got To Know My Co-Workers.
I made some great friends through my on-campus job for the Rowan Blog! The great thing about on-campus jobs is that your co-workers are also usually students too. From going on shoots together, talking in the office, and getting lunch in between, it’s almost hard to not know a lot about the people I work with! I’m so grateful for the Rowan Blog and for all the great friends that I’ve made from the blog too.
There are so many ways to get involved on campus and to put yourself out there. It’s difficult adjusting to an entirely new environment and situation but one of the best things about going to a university is meeting all kinds of different and exciting people! Luckily, I found my people at Rowan!
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Story and Photos by:
Bianca Torres senior music industry major
Meet #Rowan2024: Radio/TV/Film Major Allison Bruce
Meet future freshman Radio/ TV/Film major Allison Bruce. Allison is excited to become a Rowan student and hopes to get involved in a music program.
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to meeting new people and all of my professors.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I would like to find a way to continue being a part of the music program. I was in percussion ensemble in high school and I would love to continue that!
How or why did you choose your major?
I was honestly not sure what I was going to major in until last summer when my sister got me an internship with her friend at Bridgeport Speedway. I was assisting him in filming the races there, and it was so much fun so I decided to be a Radio/TV/Film major!
How did you get to know campus?
I attended an open house to get to know campus, I have friends that have taken me to a few places around campus. I am excited to keep learning about Rowan.
What music do you like?
I really like music and I listen to just about everything. The only genre that I don’t like as much would be heavy metal.
Night owl or morning person?
I am such a night owl. I stay up way too late way too often!
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because I have a few friends here already, but the program and atmosphere seemed really helpful and accommodating. I can’t wait to start this fall!
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, public relations and advertising graduate
Photos contributed by:
Allison Bruce
Julia’s Corner: My Favorite Microwavable Foods
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.
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. 
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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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Julia’s Corner: My Favorite Healthy Snacks for Busy Students
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.
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.
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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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Meet #Rowan2024: Musical Theatre Major Lexie Miller
Meet Musical Theatre major Lexie Miller from Hampton, NJ (Hunterdon County). Lexie is looking forward to meeting new people and living on campus this fall!
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I’m looking forward to living on campus and getting to meet new people! There are so many exciting things to do on campus, I can’t wait to start in the fall!
What is one activity, club, sport, or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue at Rowan?
I would like to play in a club women’s soccer team. I’ve played soccer since I was seven up until my sophomore year of high school and I’d like to pick it back up for fun!
How or why did you choose your major?
I chose my major, Musical Theatre, because I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I love performing and telling stories, which is why I also want to minor in Creative Writing. When I researched Rowan’s theatre program and auditioned in January, it automatically felt like home and the place I’d want to spend the next four years.
How did you get to know campus?
When I came to campus in January to audition for the Theatre program, it was the first time I saw anything about the campus. I was taken by surprise how much like home the campus felt just by riding through in my car. After I got accepted to the school and program, I took a tour and fell even more in love with the school and all it has to offer!
What music do you like?
I have a wide range of music I like, from Queen to Billie Eilish to Bruno Mars. I’m pretty much down to listen to any music!
Night owl or morning person?
I’m definitely a night owl, I can stay up late and feel fine, but if I have to wake up early It’s a struggle!
Why Rowan?
Rowan is and was my first choice because as soon as I stepped foot on campus I got a feeling that this was the place I wanted to be. It’s so welcoming and has so much to offer from the amazing programs to the fun atmosphere of Rowan Boulevard. I can’t wait for my freshman year to start and to begin my journey as a Rowan student!
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, public relations and advertising graduate
Photos by:
Lexie Miller
Sophomore Reflects: New Hampshire’s Hilda Barrioz Tells Us What She Learned About Coming to South Jersey
Meet rising sophomore Hilda Barrioz. Hilda is an Athletic Training major all the way from Farmington, New Hampshire! She tells us more about how Rowan became her home away from home and how she adjusted to living on campus in South Jersey.
Tell us a about the change from New Hampshire to South Jersey:
South Jersey was a huge change for me because not only was it far from home but also New Jersey is wildly different than New Hampshire.
Rowan is roughly a 7-hour drive from my house, so making Rowan a home away from home was really important to me. I made sure to print out a bunch of pictures of my friends and family and of course my pets. I hung all them on a set of string lights so that I’d be able to see them every time I went back to my dorm. I also made sure to bring an air freshener version of my favorite candle and some other little decorations from home.
Living in the dorm wasn’t a new experience for me because I had gone to prep school for part of high school, but New Jersey was a bigger change than I realized. Even the trees and flowers were different than the ones I had at home. I had to get used to the lack of wild animals, like deer and the occasional bear. Rowan mainly has geese. I also have an off-campus job so I needed to get gas. Getting gas for the first time was a weird experience because my whole life I grew up pumping my own gas, and then suddenly I was in a state where people did it for you.
How have you made Rowan your home away from home?
Rowan really has become a home away from home to me and I’ve met some of the most amazing people here and made friends that I don’t know what I would do without. This community is a place where I can be myself, meet new people everyday, and support my friends from other teams. I didn’t realize I could fall in love with a place that’s an hour away from the beach, but South Jersey and Rowan really has my heart.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photo provided by:
Hilda Barrioz, sophomore athletic training major
Header photo courtesy of:
Unsplash
How I Chose My Major: Exploratory Studies To Psychology Major Sydney Basis
Today, we speak to rising sophomore Sydney Basis. She is from Marlboro, NJ (Monmouth County) and is an on-campus resident. Sydney is a former Exploratory Studies major who then made the decision to become a Psychology major. She’s going to tell us a little more about her experience as an Exploratory Studies major and how she eventually chose the right fit for her!
How and why did you find Rowan?
When the time came to start applying for colleges, I had not heard of Rowan yet. Some of my friends were talking about applying to Rowan because they had heard great things about it, so I decided to look into it. After looking around Rowan’s website, I decided to book a campus tour and immediately loved the campus environment. Before my freshman year started, I was still concerned that I could have made the wrong choice but after going to Rowan, I knew that it was the perfect choice for me and I couldn’t have picked a better school.
Why did you originally choose Exploratory Studies?
I chose Exploratory Studies because going into my freshman year, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was really excited to try out all different areas of study because I knew I would eventually find the perfect major for me, which I did. This program was so amazing because it really gave me the freedom to try out everything I was interested in and I was not stuck to just one subject matter.
What has been your favorite experience as an Exploratory Studies major?
My favorite experience as an Exploratory Studies major has definitely been meeting people throughout all of the different classes I have taken. Since you are taking so many different classes to find your interests, you meet people from all different majors and all different career paths. I also enjoyed the Exploratory Studies seminars that Rowan held to give students an idea of what each major at Rowan was like and it gave us the opportunity to speak with the advisors in charge of the majors. This was very helpful to me.
What major are you going into?
I decided to become a Psychology major because I realized that I would like to become an occupational therapist in the future. Although Rowan does not have an OT program, their Psychology program and other classes outside of this program will prepare me for graduate school, which is something I am very excited about.
How did you figure out what major was “the one”?
I was always very interested in psychology, but never really knew what could be done with this degree. I looked at the program guide on Rowan’s website and I loved the classes that it offered. I then looked further and researched the different career opportunities in the field. I found occupational therapy through my research and knew that’s what I wanted to do in the future. Searching around Rowan’s website helped a lot through this whole process.
Any advice to Exploratory Studies majors? Or general advice to Rowan students?
For any Exploratory Studies students, I would definitely tell you that this program is not just about finding what programs you do like, it is also about finding ones that you do not like. It may be disappointing when you do not enjoy a class that you thought you would be interested in, but it is ultimately bringing you closer to a decision because you were able to rule out that field. This will break down your choices and find the perfect major and career for you which is the main goal.
Also, if there are any fields of study that you do enjoy already, I would look into what careers you can do with that kind of degree. This is what helped me find my major and dream job. The Rowan website is very helpful, so you should check it out!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photo provided by:
Sydney Basis, sophomore psychology major
Header photo courtesy of:
Unsplash
Meet #Rowan2024: Graphic Design Major Emma Stanley
Meet incoming freshman Emma Stanley! Emma is a Graphic Design major from Woolwich, NJ (Gloucester County) and is going to be an on-campus resident. Today, she tells us a little bit about herself and why she chose Rowan University.
What is something you’re looking forward to at Rowan?
I’m looking forward to joining clubs, meeting new people and getting to enjoy the college life!
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I will definitely be continuing to draw, but I hope to get into new clubs such as the D&D club! Other hobbies I also love is to play games like Minecraft or JackBox. I hope to join any game nights.
How or why did you choose your major?
I chose to major in Graphic Design because I have always been passionate about creating; I have already done jobs in graphic design and know that it is the career for me!
How did you get to know campus?
I have gone on a few Rowan University tours in the past year and have attended the Accepted Students Day.
What music do you like?
I love music of most kinds! I listen to artists varying from Foo Fighters and Green Day to Twenty One Pilots, AJR or Taylor Swift.
Night owl or morning person?
I am more of a night owl.
Why Rowan?
Rowan had amazing opportunities for my career, had a strong sense of community, and lots of club options and ways to get involved!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photography provided by:
Emma Stanley, freshman graphic design major
Header photo courtesy of:
Pexels
Junior Major Moments: Theatre Major Julia Rivenburg Stays Active on the Rowan Arts Scene
Today we feature Theatre major Julia Rivenburg from Waldorf, Maryland (Charles County). Julia also has a concentration in Pre-Teaching and is currently pursing her Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) in Theatre Education while commuting to campus.
Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
Some of my favorite faculty moments include being in the Theatre and Dance office with Caitlin Reed and Dr. Elisabeth Hostetter the past three years. I always have wonderful conversations with them about the professional world and they always seem to be able to guide me in the right direction when I need them. Being an out-of-state student, you truly want someplace to feel at home, and with Caitlin and Dr. Liz I never feel homesick.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
This year, the most interesting thing I learned was probably everything that goes into being a director. I waited very patiently to be able to take Directing with Lane Savadove and was so excited to be able to learn about how to apply viewpoints to your directing and being able to execute a point of view.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth?
As far as pre-professional opportunities, I am very fortunate have been a stage manager for multiple Lab Theatre and Mainstage Productions at Rowan, an executive board member for USITT (co-president 2019-2020, senator 2017-2019) and Rowan Lab Theatre (box office coordinator and co-publicity manager), and to currently be the resident house manager over in Bunce Hall’s Tohill Theatre, as well one of the student event coordinators for the Mid-Atlantic Regional College Auditions. Each of these opportunities has furthered my growth in the theatre management field and are titles that I wear proudly.
On top of all of the opportunities I have had the last three years, I am also pleased to announce that next year I will be assistant directing both the musical theatre Cabaret and Heathers alongside Dr. Christopher Marlowe Roche as well as directing The Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimer in the Lab Theatre.
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Header photo courtesy of:
Rowan Theatre Department Flickr
Julia’s Corner: Handling the Emotions on Move-in Day
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.
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.
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.
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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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Julia’s Corner: What to Pack and What to Leave Home
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.
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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Story by:
Julia McAleavey, advertising graduate
Sophomore Reflects: Monica Torres Shares Her Freshman Experience and Advice
Today we feature rising sophomore Monica A. Torres. Monica is a Computer Science major with a concentration in Software Engineering from Jersey City, NJ (Hudson County). Monica is an on-campus resident. She lived in Evergreen Hall during her freshman year, and now will be living in the Edgewood Park Apartments for her sophomore year. Monica is a first-generation college student.
What did you most enjoy during your freshman year at Rowan?
The thing I enjoyed the most was getting a feel for everything. There are a lot of activities set up for freshmen not only for them to have fun, but for them to get a feel for the campus. One, for example, is Welcome Week, where many students from all grades come together to enjoy each other’s company and welcome the freshman and new transfer students to campus. I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing that Rowan is very diverse.
Could you share a happy moment you had with friends, professors, or other members of the Rowan community that made you realize Rowan felt like home?
One of my favorite memories was getting to know my roommate. We were familiar with each other through PCI (Pre-College Institute), aka EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund), over the summer, but we didn’t really talk. However, once I got to know her, we had a lot in common, and exploring campus with her was fun. I’m from Jersey City, so to have someone who is from South Jersey as a close friend is great, because we get to compare North Jersey and South Jersey.
What advice do you have for future freshmen looking at colleges right now?
My advice to future freshmen is that it isn’t about getting a good grade, it’s about understanding the material for your major. In addition, it’s okay to not know what you wanna study right off the bat because that is what advisors are for. They are there to help you explore and find a major that suits you.
What are you most looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I can’t wait for some of my friends from home to come to Rowan. I can show them around and help them get around. Plus, it means the friend group on campus gets bigger. It will be nice to have a few familiar faces from home on campus, to be honest, because I won’t be as homesick.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Junior Major Moments: Construction Management Major Kemet Rose
Today we feature online student Kemet Rose, a Construction Management major from Ridgefield Park, NJ (Bergen County). Kemet is a second-generation college student who transferred from Eastern Gateway Community College and William Paterson University.
Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
I don’t have many experiences with faculty [yet] considering I an online student only. The most inspiring visionary related to the construction field right now is Elon Musk. He is changing the world with his new solar technology in addition to many other things like his tunnel project.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
Until now I was always ignorant of how long construction as an industry has been around and how important it is to society.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth?
I don’t have any pre-professional experiences that relate directly to my growth in Construction Management. I would consider all of my experiences up to this point as supporting my ability to grow.
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Pexels
RA and Psychology Major Jeremiah Garcia Reflects on His Experience as a Rowan Freshman
Today we feature third-year Psychology major and Urban Studies minor Jeremiah Garcia. Jeremiah is a first-generation college student from Camden, NJ (Camden County). Jeremiah is also a Residence Assistant (RA) in Evergreen Hall.
How does being involved on campus impact your college experience?
I am an RA and I am involved in the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS), and the Residence Hall Association (RHA). I was able to step outside of my comfort zone, learn leadership and confidence, and feel like I have my voice heard. As an RA I help incoming freshmen with things I had a hard time with. This has made me a better person and made me not afraid to use my voice.
How were you able to make friends on campus?
I made friends by going to the Rec Center. I was able to get my mind right at the Rec Center when things got hard and I met people there. I also met people at events, Rowan After Hours (RAH) and classes. Freshman year was competitive, but you have to be a leader in class and make study groups or say that you should get lunch together. It depends on the class, though. Some are more group-oriented than others.
How were you able to adjust to campus life?
I was able to adjust by getting help and using Rowan’s resources. Putting myself out there was the best way to adjust. It gave me confidence and a push to succeed.
What does inclusivity mean to you?
Some people are different, and it is important to have inclusivity so that people can make new friends and have the same opportunities as everyone else regardless of race, gender and appearance.
Do you think that Rowan is inclusive?
Yes. Everyone has the opportunity to be in leadership positions, they just need to do well academically and have the confidence to earn the positions. Rowan is inclusive.
What are you looking forward to next year?
Being on campus. I miss campus. I am also excited to get into new opportunities. I would like to try out for the baseball team and to get into an honors society. It will be my second year as an RA and I am looking forward to the experience. I am also looking forward to taking new classes, doing well in my major and getting better grades.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Julia’s Corner: How to do Laundry
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. 
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. 
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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#PROFspective: Nutrition and Exercise Science Major Caroline Lippincott
Today’s #PROFspective features Caroline Lippincott, a senior majoring in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Columbus, NJ (Burlington County). Caroline, a first-generation college student who lives off campus, transferred to Rowan from Stockton University. How have you gotten involved on campus? I’m proudly a part of organizations such as Theta Phi Alpha and Inter Greek Council […]
Meet #Rowan2024: From First Open House, Rowan Felt Like Home For Music Education Major Morgan Blake
Meet Music Education major Morgan Blake from Riverside, NJ (Burlington County). Morgan is excited for new experiences and to be living on campus this coming fall.
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and trying out new clubs! I would love to step away from my comfort zone and join something I never would have thought of!
What is one activity, club, sport, or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue at Rowan?
I’ve participated in Drama Club all four years of high school, and I’m looking forward to auditioning for Rowan’s plays and musicals!
How did you choose your major?
Freshman year I found my passion for music and performing. I wish I had realized this when I was younger, so naturally I decided to become a music education major.
My goal is to have the impact on upcoming generations to be true to who they are and what they love.
How did you get to know campus?
I visited a Rowan open house my junior year.
What music do you like?
I’m a huge Grateful Dead fan! I also love Broadway soundtracks and even have a taste in classical music.
Night owl or morning person?
I am definitely a morning person. I hate waking up late, so I usually go to bed quite early.
Why Rowan?
After my first open house, I realized Rowan’s community made me feel like I’m at home!
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Senior Reflects: Sociology Major Peterson Dossous Strives to “Never Stop Thinking and Learning” in His Field
Today we feature Peterson Dossous, a recent Rowan graduate who studied Sociology from Jersey City, NJ (Hudson County). Peterson reflects on his experience as a Prof and how he made the most out of his college experience.
Did you have an on-campus job?
I worked for the Office of Career Advancement, which consisted of filing documents, answering phones, managing meetings, preparing career fairs, engaging and interacting with students. It was a great opportunity to acquire well-rounded skills to apply in an office setting post-grad. It enhanced my customer service, Excel sheet and interpersonal communication skills.
Do you have any mentors at Rowan?
Mr. Richard Jones, [Vice President of Student Engagement], has been a mentor of mine. I was part of a new program he was starting up to best interact with students and increase student participation on campus, which helped to broaden my horizon.
What is your favorite academic or professional accomplishment?
That I graduated and am in the position I’m in. Not everyone gets the opportunity or finds the motivation to go to college where I’m from.
What got you interested in your intended field?
I was always interested in finding the reasons why people do the things they do. Originally, I was a psych major but changed due to the amount of school you need to go through and knowing how much money people pay psychologists to receive help. I want to figure out the common problem a group of people have and create a space for them to relate and resolve the problem.
Sociology keeps the mind running and I love it. I will never stop thinking and learning in my field. I get to live and learn through everybody else. I will use their testimonies for future experiences.
Eventually, I’d love to help traumatized soldiers transition into society. Every group of people is institutionalized in their own way. Students in school, inmates in prison, soldiers in combat. Soldiers don’t have an accessible outlet. Most people can call a friend, parent, or mentor to mellow you out; but as a soldier, not many people can relate to the suffering or they have difficulty opening up. Talking to a counselor engages everyone in the discussion. It teaches them the tools to reclaim a “normal” lifestyle and how to handle and cope with certain environments.
What knowledge or skills have you developed through your time at Rowan that you will take into you for future endeavors?
The most important lesson I’ve learned at Rowan is exercising social skills — articulating a conversation, guiding important discussions, interacting in the corporate world … being punctual, organized and accountable.
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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, public relations graduate
Photos courtesy of:
Peterson Dossous
Meet #Rowan2024: Accounting Major Lily Fuchs
Meet incoming freshman Accounting major Lily Fuchs. Lily will commute to Rowan from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County). Today, she tells us a little more about herself and why she chose Rowan University.
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
When I get to campus, I am looking forward to making new friends and building connections within the Rowan community, as well as getting involved in clubs and activities!
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan? (Or, something new you’d like to try?)
In high school, I was part of my school’s tennis team, and I would really like to continue playing tennis when I come to Rowan!
How or why did you choose your major?
I chose accounting as my major because I have always loved working with numbers and I feel like it would be a good fit for my personality as someone who is very organized and detail-oriented.
How did you get to know campus?
I live close to campus, so I have already been somewhat familiar with it, but to get to know it better, I attended a tour, an admitted students’ day and virtual sessions.
What kind of music do you like?
I listen to all different types of music, but mostly pop.
Night owl or morning person?
I am definitely more of a morning person, as I am excited to start each day!
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because I have seen it change over the years and I am very impressed with how it has grown. It’s in the perfect location and is the right size for me. I cannot wait to start in the fall!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Advice for Packing to Live Away at School
Today’s feature is from Bianca Torres, a senior Music Industry major with a minor in Marketing from Morris County, NJ. She most recently lived on campus in Whitney Center. She writes: “Going to a college farther away from home has helped me get out of my comfort zone and has helped me become a much more well-rounded individual! I know that adjusting to living at school can be a big change.”
Whether you live 30 minutes or five hours away, when you make the decision to live on campus, its important to think about what you’re going to be packing when you go to school. Here’s some advice on what you should pack and how you should pack!
Don’t bring too much or bring too little.
Finding the right balance of stuff to bring is important because you never want to end up having too little or too much. Make sure you’re bringing the essentials and enough to get you through weeks or months of living at school.
Be organized.
Staying organized when it comes to packing away for school makes the grueling process of moving in a lot easier and quicker. It can also help you stay organized in your new space once you have everything laid out.
Communicate with your roommate(s) about what they’re bringing and what you are sharing.
If you are living with other students, make sure you’re all on the same page of what to bring and what you are sharing with each other. That way you can split up the items and costs amongst each other.
Make a list of things you think you’ll need to bring.
Making a list is always helpful to keep yourself organized and to help you remember what you need to bring with you and what you think you may need to get later.
Make sure you have the essentials!
At the end of the day, make sure you’re bring the really important things. If you live far away, it’ll be harder to get those essentials that you need!
Don’t forget to bring something to decorate!
Don’t forget the fun stuff! Always bring something to decorate your space to really make it your own! Living away from home can be hard and personalizing your room could help make it more comfortable for you. Your living space will be your home away from home so might as well make it something you love!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Julia’s Corner: Getting Along with a Roommate
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. 
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. 
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.
Borrowing 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.
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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#PROFspective: Rising Senior Psychology Major Tiara Gbeintor
Today we feature rising senior Psychology major Tiara Gbeintor. Tiara is a commuter student from Beverly, NJ (Burlington County).
Why did you choose your major? I choose my major of psychology because this major has always been interesting to me. I knew with this major I could make an impact, considering my future goals in higher education.
Why did you choose Rowan? I chose Rowan University because it was truly my number one school. Many of my friends are alumni of Rowan University, and I felt at home. Rowan was a great choice for my bachelor’s degree. It has been an experience with no regrets.
Take us through a typical Rowan day for you. When I first transferred to Rowan University, I was an on-campus student. I would go to class from Monday to Thursday. After class, my friends and I would get lunch and finish up any projects or homework before I would head to work. I enjoyed my professors. I would have loved to join clubs but my hectic school and work schedule would not allow me. Hopefully this semester I will be able to join some clubs. My class schedule is a little lighter, and I will do my best to be in a lot more activities. Also, there are many awesome restaurants on campus that I can’t wait to try.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Junior Major Moments: Bio Major Michael Camacho on His Favorite Class and Rowan Clubs
Today we feature Michael Camacho, a Biological Sciences major with a minor in Psychology. He is a first-generation college student who commutes from his home in Pine Hill, NJ (Camden County).
What is your favorite moment with a faculty member or favorite experience in one of your classes? 
My favorite part was going to my Microbiology class and learning from Dr. Elizabeth Brooks. She taught her lectures in such a manner that not only excited me to learn, but also intrigued me. She has over 30 years of experience in her field and still has this spark of passion in her that is truly remarkable and inspiring to me. One day I hope to walk in her footsteps and become the passionate, caring, professional, and inspiring person that she is.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
I’d say the most amazing and interesting thing I’ve learned in my major is that the human body truly is amazing in that the physiology protects us every day.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth? 
Some of my pre-professional experiences include the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS) and Rowan’s Biology Club. Though, the one organization that has truly supported my growth is Alpha Phi Omega (APO).
We are an organization that strives by our principles of being a leader, being a friend, and being of service. Being surrounded by these individuals has truly made it feel like a second home and seeing the passion in each of us to be of service to our community is one of the many reasons why I enjoy APO so much.
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Beyond the Classroom: Music Education Major Mike Massaro Directs Two Local High School Bands
Meet Mike Massaro, a recent Music Education graduate and commuter from Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County). He had the great opportunity to take his musical skills outside of the classroom and was able to direct the jazz band and marching band at a local high school. He tells us more about his experience and his passion for music education.
Four years ago, every single person I knew was telling me, “All of the opportunities and resources are there, you just have to choose to use them.” Genuinely, it probably took me until my 7th semester to truly understand what that meant. However, I had been surfing the opportunities of Rowan University since the first day I stepped on the campus.
Music Education is considered a double major at RU — music and education. Because of this, my program involves being a student of both the College of Performing Arts and College of Education (two degrees, two commencement ceremonies, etc).
The most amazing aspect of this has been being able to learn from and collaborate with my student colleagues and the incomparable faculty from both colleges. Being around other people who want to see you learn is what truly can put your college education to the next level.
I’m going to be very real here: more than likely, you will graduate. You will get the paper. At the end of the day, many will earn that paper, but the paper isn’t what matters in the end. It’s the education that went INTO the paper. What can YOU do to make what is very likely to be your most enriching 4+ years of education as educational as possible for YOU?
As an educator, my belief on this is very firm and was inspired by one of our CPA adjunct professors, Mr. Gerry DeLoach. The passion for what it is that you are teaching is what will drive you forward as an educator. Your knowledge and ability in your specific subject or field is what makes you tick. It is so important to keep that flare to learn alive. What you do in your field sets your ability for what you can do as a teacher. How tall will you let that ceiling be?
Here’s a short story. I was offered a very rare opportunity to direct a marching band and jazz band at a local school, Woodstown High School, while still completing my undergrad. By my sophomore year I was directing the jazz band, and junior year I was directing the marching band. It was a dream come true come early — teaching real students.
The program showed success very quickly. One of my beliefs when it comes to teaching is that the best way to learn how to teach is to teach. I wanted to do as much as I could for this school’s music program. It seemed like every day I was at Rowan, speaking to my professors about teaching strategies, learning more about music, and sharing and listening to stories; then in the evening, I would go put it all into practice when I taught for real. One of my biggest focuses through my undergrad was on making this program grow, because I knew that the more I was able to learn as a musician and a teacher, the more I would be able to teach these students. I think it is very important as a teacher to learn from your students, as they can teach us far more than we can teach them. I certainly learned so much from them.
Rowan let me learn from these students.
If it wasn’t for the education that I received every day, the conversations and performing experiences that I had, I would have never had anything fresh to offer my students. I’ve had professors come out to Woodstown on their own time to give clinics to the bands and watch me teach. What the faculty has to offer is truly unmatched. Rowan is a growing school that still has a small school feel where it matters the most — in the classroom.
The professors here care for you and want to watch YOU learn. We don’t have massive educational lectures. We have conversations about the real world and how you can make it better. In my teaching, I can directly categorize aspects of individual professors that have molded so many aspects of my musicianship and teaching.
Thanks for making it to the bottom of my text blob. I have one more blurb. My trumpet professor, Dr. Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, once said, “You can’t change the whole world at once, but you can start by changing your corner of it.” Dr. AW’s belief about education is one that should resonate with all of us. Educators are at the center of any community. The educators teach the students, the students graduate, the students get jobs, contribute to our workforce, grow the economy — the students become the doctors, entertainers, designers, chefs, researchers who allow our community to grow. It all starts at the educator.
The educators are the students. The students are the educators. Be the best one you can be and take the opportunity. We are profs. Eruditio spes mundi — education, hope of the world.
If I knew my last time riding back from the student center on my skateboard holding my box of hot pulled pork with a piece of cornbread and a cup of red Gatorade would be my last time, I probably would have done it again. Remember that when you get nervous, it’s because you care.
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Rising Sophomore Advice: Law and Justice Major Dynasty Suarez
Meet rising sophomore, Dynasty Suarez. Dynasty is a Law and Justice major with a minor in Psychology from Woodbridge, NJ (Middlesex County). She is planning on living on campus this upcoming year and is proudly a part of the Rowan Dance team, where she met some of her best friends. Here, she shares advice on how to adjust to living with new roommates and how to make friends on campus.
Any advice on living with a new roommate?
I was so fortunate to have an amazing roommate, we instantly became best friends and never had any issues regarding anything. We did everything together, and still do, even though we aren’t on campus as of right now. One major thing is communication between the both of you and things will go smoothly. I can’t wait for the next three years to live with my roomie!
How did you go about making new friends at Rowan?
By joining the Dance Team, I met my first set of lifetime friends that I can share on and off the dance floor. I also started engaging in conversations with people in class and furthering that to meeting up and then meeting their friends. It starts great friendships!
Being active on campus and going to different events that Rowan has to offer is also a great start. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Find a group of people that make you feel like yourself. You may not meet them on the first day, but explore different people because eventually you will find the best group of people. I sure did!
Any advice for incoming freshman or transfer students?
Last thing I can say to incoming freshman is to not take the time you have at Rowan for granted. As you know, our [2019-2020 academic] year got cut short because of COVID-19, and we didn’t get to experience a full spring semester. All I could think about was how much I missed the environment at Rowan and all the amazing people I’ve met there. I can’t wait to return back to campus for another year.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos provided by:
Dynasty Suarez, rising law and justice major
Junior Major Moments: Health Promotion & Wellness Management Major Krishna Mansukhani
Today we feature junior Krishna Mansukhani, a Health Promotion & Wellness Management major with a minor in Psychology of Sports and Exercise from Sayreville, NJ (Middlesex County). Krishna transferred to Rowan from Middlesex Community College in fall 2017.
Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
If I could pick one moment in my college career based upon an interesting class experience I would say it would be with Dr. Spencer. She is someone I respect in my field and was also my professor for my intro class in my major. She does so much for the health and fitness field like teaching us students or even running a health program called Get Fit, where students help mentally challenged people become active by working out or doing any kind of physical activity they enjoy. Dr. Spencer has taught me so much about my field and what I’m getting into, which makes what I do today and every day so much more important.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
The most interesting thing I learned in my major if I can only choose one it would be learning why we do this. I learned a new perspective on the satisfaction of helping someone achieve their goals and feel more confident in themselves. It could have been with all the certifications I got this past year. I don’t know what it is, but this year I learned how to take my coaching business to the next level.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth?
I personally run an online coaching business and post vlog-like videos, a full day of eating, and workout tips on YouTube and Instagram. I was the VP of the Nutrition Care Club during my sophomore year and still take part in activities. But the number one thing that helps me grow is the satisfaction I get from helping my followers, clients or people messaging me questions about college or fitness.
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Story by:
Alyssa Bauer, public relations graduate
Julia’s Corner: The Benefits of Working On Campus
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.
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.
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. 
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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#PROFspective: Feeling Like a Member of the Student Body Through the Online Learning Experience
Meet Liberal Studies major Krystal Mannering from Atlantic County, NJ. Krystal, a first-generation college student, works full-time while running a business, providing for her household and taking care of a toddler. Read her perspective on how Rowan has made her feel “accepted and welcomed” as an online student.
Being an online student for most of my educational career, the need for a connection with a physical campus might seem like a translucent goal. Common speculation is online students aren’t receiving “the college experience” that an in-person student receives.
For many online colleges and educational facilities, this statement is true. I’ve attended two other online colleges throughout my career, and Rowan University is the first online program where I’ve felt like an actual member of the student body.
From the moment I called Rowan, I felt accepted and welcomed. My heart had just been broken by my current school at the time, and as I was sobbing uncontrollably, I began calling multiple schools and explained my situation. The first Rowan advisor I spoke to was faced with the challenge of my vulnerability but ensured me that even as an online student, my role had a place.
I work a full-time job, have a home to provide for, a business, and a toddler to take care of, so online schooling is my only option. Two other schools stated they couldn’t help me, and another didn’t answer the phone. The advisors at Rowan greeted me with a cheerful attitude and helped me every step of the way. Even though I live an hour away, the Rowan staff took the necessary time I needed to feel comfortable with my decision.
As I entered my first semester, I was armed with eagerness and fear. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t sure that I was going to feel the acceptance that I craved. I joined Rowan’s social media platforms and I was quickly comforted by fellow Rowan students. One student suggested that I attend the campus orientation and I signed up for the next available event (highly recommended!).
Walking through the Rowan campus reassured my decision to attend Rowan as an online student. It felt right to walk through the halls, dorms and college grounds. Each orientation leader was extremely informative to the incoming freshman students, and each demonstration I attended that day began to further confirm my choice.
The orientation leaders expressed that online students are offered the same accommodations as in-person students. My friend (and now fellow classmate) and I walked through the streets of the campus, and we were presented with cheerful little shops, wonderful eateries, statues and artifacts plastered throughout the campus.
As the event concluded, my friend and I decided to make our way out to Richard Wacker Stadium, the stadium that I will graduate in. Being eligible to attend a physical graduation as an online student is very important to me and is one of the many perks of studying online with Rowan University. As we stepped foot onto the track that surrounds the beautiful stadium, the reality of my choice to attend Rowan began to set in.
Overwhelmed with emotion, I was so thankful to have found Rowan University. The online classes are more organized than other schools that I’ve attended. The professors are extremely involved, and helpful if you maintain a consistent work ethic. The alumni at Rowan reassured me that my needs weren’t burdensome. Class sizes are manageable, and classmates are a welcoming wealth of knowledge. Each day, I continue to be thankful for my choice to attend Rowan University as an online student. My future is clear now that I’m a PROF!
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Story by:
Krystal Mannering, liberal studies major
Rowan Commuters: Kayla Santiago [VIDEO]
Welcome to our new “Rowan Commuter” series, where we take an inside look at the lives and experiences of Rowan University commuters and how their overall college experience is without living on campus.
In this video, Edelman College of Communication and Creative Arts double-major Kayla Santiago talks about how she balances a busy schedule with being a commuter student here at Rowan.
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Video by:
Tom Copsetta, radio/TV/film graduate
Rowan Commuters: James Milward [VIDEO]
Welcome to our new “Rowan Commuter” series, where we take an inside look at the lives and experiences of Rowan University commuters and how their overall college experience is without living on campus.
In this video, Geology major James Milward talks about how he balances Rock Climbing Club and spending time with his group of Geology majors with being a commuter student here at Rowan.
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Video by:
Tom Copsetta, radio/TV/film graduate
From Teacher to Student: Career Change Brings Nutrition and Exercise Science Major Kerry Perez to Rowan
Today we feature adult learner Kerry Perez, a Nutrition and Exercise Science major from Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County). She transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Kerry shares how she’s made a successful transition from full-time teacher to “nontraditional” student here at Rowan.
Before you pursued your degree here at Rowan, you were an educator. Could you share why you are making a career shift?
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and that is exactly what I became. I studied elementary education at Bucknell University and graduated in 2002, I took my first teaching job after a yearlong AmeriCorps Volunteer position, right outside Washington D.C and continued this path for the next 11 years. In those years I got a master’s in special education at Rider University and taught in three different schools, moving as my husband made his way through medical school and surgical residency.
I loved teaching both for the rewards personally and professionally. In 2011, my husband and I welcomed our first set of girl twins, Esme and Georgina. With lots of help and support I was able to go back to teaching and continued for three more years until we were blessed with our second set of twins (boy/girl) in 2014. When I left for maternity leave, I had all intentions of returning to this career that I loved. But the reality of having four children under the age 3 and a husband who was now living in Albany, NY (I was in Haddonfield, NJ) completing his fellowship set in hard.
The decision to leave teaching was a hard one; this career had defined me and for a large part was how I valued myself. Thrust in the role of stay-at-home mom, staying on top of the demands of young children, while also not losing one’s identity, is incredibly challenging. I knew that staying home with them was a luxury that many parents do not have, so I also struggled to stay grateful. I continued to remind myself raising these four children to be valuable members of society, to teach them a strong moral compass so that our world would be better off, was truly the most important work that anyone could do.
What inspired you to choose your major?
As my children got older our family was introduced to some mental health issues and young daughter was diagnosed with anxiety at the tender age of six and in addition to therapy, we became educated about the important role of nutrition on mental health. I found myself deeply connecting with the notion that food is our healer, and that through changes to our diet we can positively affect not only our physical health but also our mental health. I could not resist continuing to explore this passion in nutrition and dietetics, and with the gentle nudge and support of my husband a new and scary path began.
I knew that I wanted to return to the work force in some fashion, but I was only ever going to be a teacher, this new path would involve subjects and content I hadn’t studied in over 20 years (actually I had avoided) and even though I had both a bachelor’s of science and a master’s degree I would pretty much be starting from the beginning.
How did the transition go from teaching to learning?
I graduated in the class of 2002 — we didn’t have cell phones, we barely had email. So here I was in 2019 and taking both an online and on-campus class. Canvas, Banner ID, Examity, Google Classroom, and the Cloud were new terms, and the learning curve was steep and quick. As a double hit I was learning how to navigate the world of online learning while also learning content I had avoided, which was science. To top it all off my brain as a 39 year old just didn’t function like my 20-year-old brain, I had mastered the techniques of making a third grader’s lunch while emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, cooking dinner and kissing boo-boos, but figuring out the potassium and sodium pump or stoichiometry was a different ball game. There may have been tears, a lot of questioning of why I am putting myself through this.
Being a nontraditional student, being almost double the age of many of your peers, being part of classes that you have little recollection of, is intimidating and humbling. My first class I brought notebooks, highlighters and my reading glasses, the rest of the class brought their iPads and cell phones.
The juggling of studying and completing classwork and finding the balance of fulfilling my role as a mom and wife while not feeling guilty about pursuing a new career is challenging. There won’t ever be the right balance: some days the kids overrun all my checklists and some days I’m up early or stay up late to watch yet another YouTube video on calorimetry.
Any parting advice for Rowan students, specifically adult learners or those who are considering going back to school?
It is hard, but we can do hard things.
I remind myself that one day my four children will reach a wall they’d rather not climb. A wall that on the other side leads to opportunities they never dreamed of, I want to be able to tell about the time I, too, met that wall. I desperately wanted to stop and fell many times but I climbed that wall and it was worth it.
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Junior Major Moments: Law and Justice Major, Track and Field Captain Francis Terry
Today we feature Francis Terry, a Law and Justice Studies major from Laurel Springs, NJ (Camden County) who recently completed his junior year at Rowan. Francis, a first-generation college student, is a transfer student from Neumann University and lives off-campus.
Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
My favorite moment with a faculty member was with my coaches on March 15, 2018 in Birmingham, Alabama at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. I finished 5th in the nation and earned my first All-American accolade. When they called my name I stepped on the podium and looked at the cameras, the crowd and my teammates cheering for me. My assistant coach, Coach Tate, handed me the medal. I remember hugging Coach Tate thanking him for everything he’s done for me.
We took our picture and I had to get my pants and jacket back on and cool down because I had another race in about 2 hours. The 4×400 was the last event of the day and we finished 3rd in the 4×400. That placement would place us 3rd in the nation as a team. So after I hugged my teammates and congratulated the other teams I got back on the podium. When I got off the podium I saw my Head Coach, Coach Dimit, crying tears of joy so we hugged. We were all so excited to be ranked 3rd in the nation as a team. No, we didn’t win the National Championship, but we were all still proud of every single one of our teammates.
Is there anyone who is a visionary in your field who inspires you and goes above and beyond for you? I wouldn’t say he’s a visionary in my field, but someone who has impacted me tremendously at Rowan University is Eddy. He’s one of the janitors at Rowan University in Esby Gym [editor’s note: this staff member was identified as Edward Garrison, senior maintenance worker for both Esby Gym and The John Green Team House]. Eddy is one of the loudest, but also down-to-earth men I have ever met. Every time I walk into Esby Gym I can just feel his presence. He always screams “Yo Francis,” then shakes my hand and asks how my day is going. Some days we just stand in the hall and talk about sports, life, or anything on our minds that day.
No matter what, Eddy always makes time to say “Hi” to someone. He’s one of the hardest-working guys I know, and his attitude is always upbeat no matter what. I may not want to be a janitor in my lifetime, but I want to mimic the way he looks at life — his demeanor, work ethic, attitude and just his everyday life of bringing happiness to others. Eddy is one most influential people I’ve encountered throughout my life. Every day I’m blessed to have met a man like Eddy and have him to help shape me for the future.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year? The most amazing thing I’ve learned in my major this year was in my Law Seminar Class with Professor Stone. Even though the majority of the class was taught online due to COVID, this class really opened my eyes. During the course of the semester, we had to use an Excel spreadsheet and take our 40 questions and ask every student who was enrolled in that class questions about their family life. We then had to compare all of our work and compare it to our thesis. We wrote about a 10-page paper on our thesis and results that we calculated throughout the semester. It was an awesome experience working with classmates and developing our own short theory.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth? Due to COVID, I had one internship canceled, but two pre-professional experiences I have had would be being a Team Captain for the Men’s Track and Field team and working on the Board for S.A.A.C (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee). Being one of the Captains in the team I’ve definitely had to look at myself differently. Over the past 4 years at Neumann and Rowan, I’ve had many people to look up to and follow. Jeffery Tucker was one of the Captains in 2018, and he’s played a huge role in my life on and off the track.
Being a captain you’re held to a higher standard. As a captain, I’ve been in difficult situations with my own teammates but we’ve worked past them together. I always try and make myself available for my teammates or even other student-athletes. We all have stuff going on in our lives and every day I’ve learned something new from being around other student-athletes. When you’re around 70+ teammates and being one of the leaders of the team it gets very stressful. Being a captain doesn’t make me higher than anyone else, we are all still on the same team representing the same school and athletic department. I strive to represent myself in the best way possible in the classroom, on the track and even within the community. I hope that I can impact someone’s life for the better the way Jeff did for me.
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Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Julia’s Corner: Advice for Freshmen Moving Away From Home for the First Time
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: 
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 
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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Meet #Rowan2024: Mechanical Engineering Major, Car Enthusiast AJ Marchev
Today we feature incoming freshman and Mechanical Engineering major AJ Marchev from East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County).
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
One of the biggest things I’m looking forward to is meeting new people and spending time on campus. I visited a couple times, and I have a feeling the next four years are going to be pretty good.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I’m excited to try the SAE [International, formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers], especially the Baja racing.
How or why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I have always loved cars and I hope to play some part in the future of the car industry.
How did you get to know the campus?
I went to an open house last summer.
What music do you like?
I love rap music, especially Eminem, Travis Scott and J. Cole.
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because when I visited the campus, everyone seemed so much happier than everywhere else I went to. It seemed like a place where I could accomplish my goals while also making friends and having a good time.
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Passing the Torch: Second-generation Rowan Grad Offers Advice
“Take advantage of everything that’s available to you here,” says Don Stahlberger, a recent Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate from Pittgrove, NJ (Salem County). His mom, Lisa, graduated from the College of Education when Rowan was then Glassboro State College.
“We have access to a lot of equipment and resources that a lot of people don’t have,” Don says. “Learn as much as you can about it because it will help you when you go to look for a job.”
Don should know: he’s already secured a position with the IT firm Innovative Defense Technologies and will soon relocate to Arlington, Virginia.
He notes his favorite class within the College of Engineering was Computer Architecture.
“We basically built a computer processor from the ground up, and it taught me a lot about my major and it was just really insightful,” Don explains.
As he leaves campus for the last time as an undergrad, Don says, “Rowan has been awesome. If I had to go back and do it all again … I’d pick Rowan again.”
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Passing the Torch: Master’s Graduate, Teacher Offers Advice
Meghan Pfizenmayer, who recently earned her master’s degree in Special Education, advises future graduate students to learn “time management, between working and school online, not waiting until the night before to get things done.
“I would do a lot of school work after my own school day was over. I might be there until 8 or 9 p.m., but it helped me keep everything going and not doing things the night before,” she explains.
Meghan, from Gloucester County, NJ, works as an elementary school resource room teacher for the Washington Township School District. She says her Inquiry in Special Education Settings class, a capstone course she took her last semester, was among her favorites.
“It was a research-based class. It was interesting, too, because we had to shift due to coronavirus. It helped me a lot to learn how to do online teaching,” she adds.
While celebrating her graduation with family, Meghan realized just how long she’s really been part of the Rowan community.
“I grew up on this campus. I went to Kids Rule summer day camp here from the time I was 6. Just walking around the campus, we would have field trips out here. It’s a [surreal] end to my journey,” she says.
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Passing the Torch: Psychology Major, Academic Coach Shares Her Parting Tips for Success
“Take advantage of every opportunity in the Psychology department. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed, too,” says Chelsey Fitton from Woodstown, NJ (Salem County), who recently earned her Psychology degree.
“I found the faculty and staff to be super helpful within the (Psychology) department. And it’s a family. The professors don’t really see you as a number, they know you by name. When I’d go in, they’d say, ‘Hi, Chelsey, how are you doing?’ That’s important, too,” she explains.
Chelsey, who transferred from Rowan College of South Jersey and commuted to campus, says to “stay involved as much as possible.” She was part of the honors society Delta Alpha Pi, for individuals with learning disabilities, and worked on campus as an academic coach with the Academic Success Center. Chelsey knows her future path will involve helping others.
“I really enjoy working with people,” she says. “And even during this COVID situation, I’m finding I’m not a fan of isolating. I have to be around people.”
Ready to move forward, Chelsey couldn’t forget a few people who helped her along the way.
“I’d like to thank my professors and my family for all their support because I definitely wouldn’t be where I am with a degree without them.”
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Passing the Torch: Biological Sciences Grad Reflects, Offers Wise Words of Advice
“Forge your own path. What does my mother always say? Be unapologetically authentic,” says Kira Malik, from Manalapan, NJ (Monmouth County), who recently graduated with a Biological Sciences degree and will soon continue her education in nursing.
Kira, who says she did not have a “traditional college route,” has loved healthcare since she was 3 years old. She began her college career at an out-of-state school, then moved to community college. When her best friend and Rowan student, Sean, suggested she apply to his school, Kira did so on a whim — and got in.
Kira says she never questioned what her major would be; she “always knew that biology was the route.” And on that, Rowan delivered. Her Intro to Ecology class expanded a love for plants. Stream Ecology class took her into on-campus waters for experiments in “big waders.” And Microbiology, while “amazing,” turned her into a “germaphobe.”
Rowan “has given me a broad science education, not just strictly healthcare or anatomy,” she says.
As an EMT in Sayreville, NJ, Kira will now expand on her healthcare experience and science education in pursuit of a nurse practitioner or midwife career. She says on the work ahead: “I’m just genuinely [interested in] helping people and just expanding my own knowledge of science and the medical field and research.”
Looking back on her last two years at Rowan, Kira has sage advice for fellow students: “Grades aren’t the only thing about college. There’s so much more to your college experience than just your grades and just studying. It’s so important to get involved and make a group of friends but not stay with that one group. You can still branch out, you can always meet new people.
“Smile at everybody, you never know who that smile’s going to touch.”
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Passing the Torch: Psychology Major, Prospective Grad Student Shares Tips For Success
“Get involved in clubs and really make it worthwhile being a Prof,” says Sarah Transue, a recent graduate with a degree in Psychology and minor in neuroscience who commuted to campus from Mickleton, NJ (Gloucester County).
Her advice for fellow commuters? “Get here super early before classes.”
Sarah, who transferred to Rowan, counts Perception as well as Psychology as a Profession and Practice among her favorite courses. She also enjoyed classes with Dr. Davis-LaMastro. “She really illuminated how each field of psychology is really different,” Sarah says.
She plans to return to campus in 2021 as a graduate student to pursue a master’s degree in mental health counseling.
“I want to be a counselor in marriage and family therapy. It’s really fascinating how that whole system works,” Sarah says. “I hope to start in fall 2021. I’m very excited.”
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Meet #Rowan2024: Mechanical Engineering Major Kenny Lieur
Today we feature incoming freshman and mechanical engineering major Kenny Lieur. He is a first-generation college student from Pennsauken, NJ, (Camden County) and will be commuting to campus in the fall.
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am very excited about meeting new people with diverse skills and interesting backstories.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
In high school, I was on a FIRST robotics team in which we built robots to compete in competitions. I would like to continue something like this by joining the AIAA or even the Society of Automotive Engineers.
How or why did you choose your major?
I chose Mechanical Engineering as my major because I love designing and building things that serve purposes that benefit society in profound ways.
How did you get to know the campus?
I took a tour of the entire campus in the spring of 2019 with my classmates who also wanted to see what Rowan was like.
What music do you like?
I really like R&B and pop music.
Night owl or morning person?
I am more of a night owl since all the best ideas come to me at 3 a.m.
Why Rowan?
Rowan is the most affordable university near where I live. Not only that, but all of my duel enrollment credits would be accepted by Rowan, which would give me a leg up once I attend. Additionally, I heard that Rowan is a great school for engineering that is ABET-accredited.
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Sophomore Reflects: Tips from Computer Science Major Frank Ziegler
Meet Frank Ziegler, sophomore computer science major, who commutes from Gibbsboro, NJ (Camden County). Frank reflects on his years at Rowan and shares what he has learned.
When I first started school at Rowan, I didn’t understand how the online system (i.e. Blackboard, Self-Service, Starfish) worked. It took me some time to figure out the flow of things. For incoming freshmen, I’d suggest to look over these platforms before the semester starts or ask someone for help. Usually 9 times out of 10, they’re happy to help if you ask politely.
From my experience, people in the Rowan community are generally friendly and helpful. I’ve actually created friendships here by asking for help whether for an assignment or lesson I was struggling with.
Choosing a major for me was hard. My passion is making music, but I also really enjoy solving code. For me it was a decision of how to balance my passion with my career or turning my passion my career. For someone dealing with the same problem, I would suggest to consider what you enjoy and see yourself doing in the future. I’m happy with my major and hope you will be too.
If possible, I definitely would recommend living on-campus to fully immerse yourself in the culture, especially if you’re more of an introvert. Commuting hindered my social life, but I joined some clubs and found like-minded people I enjoy hanging out with.
Join Rowan Vocals if you can sing. Seriously. That’s how I made friends. I’ve never felt more comfortable with a group than I do with them. They are such great people. And if you can’t sing, join a group that fits your interests. It’s the best thing I did for my college experience.
My biggest piece of advice is to understand that going to college is a lifestyle change. I had a really hard time at first because I was dealing with mental health issues and lacked motivation. I wish I had more time to prepare and understand how to best manage my time. I work part-time, commute and do a lot of music production work, so every semester I adapt to the workload and class schedule.
College is in no way like high school, it’s like a full-time job. You need to fully commit to it and and learn how to manage your time to make the best of it. The faster, the better.
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Story by:
Frank Ziegler, sophomore computer science major
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Frank Ziegler
Junior Major Moments: Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Major Connor Crafton-Tempel
Today we feature Disaster Preparedness and Management major Connor Crafton-Tempel from Freehold, NJ (Monmouth County). Connor is a transfer student and commutes to campus.
Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
Professor Carty, who taught my Disaster Planning, Mitigation, and Recovery course at our Camden campus, was a really big influence on me. When I first came into the program, I knew I wanted to work for the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM), but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with the OEM.
Then, Professor Carty was teaching us about threat and risk assessments, just before the COVID-19 outbreak turned into a pandemic. It was during her class that I realized I wanted to go into disaster planning and specially work on disease-related disasters (mainly epidemics and pandemics).
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year? 
I think that the most interesting thing I learned this year was how to perform a threat assessment. This is becoming really helpful, since my parish has asked me to help with the reopening.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth?
I’d have to say my honor society (Epsilon Pi Phi, the DPEM honor society) and Rowan University EMS. Rowan EMS is helping me gain new skills as an EMT, and the honor society is beneficial for getting connections within the industry.
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#MeetRowan2024: Multi-talented Marketing Major Megan Steckler
Today we feature future freshman and Marketing major Megan Steckler from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County). Megan is excited to be commuting to Rowan in the fall.
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
Although this may sound cliche, I am looking forward to taking classes, meeting new people and experiencing the college life.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
In high school, I played field hockey, lacrosse, and I swam. Hopefully, I will continue to play lacrosse. I also want to continue participating in Key Club, or another volunteer-oriented club, and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) at Rowan.
How or why did you choose your major?
In high school, I was part of a specialized program called the Business Leadership Academy (BLA). It is a business-oriented curriculum that I found challenging and a lot of fun!
I like business because it is such a versatile subject. One of my favorite classes in the BLA at Kingsway High School was my marketing class. I love the creative side of business, and I want to continue to explore that part specifically in college.
How did you get to know campus?
I live close to Rowan, I attended Rowan’s Think Like an Entrepreneur camp last summer, and my older sister attends Rowan now. So, even though I have never received an “official” tour, I am already very familiar with the campus.
What music do you like?
I love pop, rock and alternative music.
Night owl or morning person?
I am definitely a night owl!
Why Rowan?
Rowan is a really good school, it is close to home, and I was fortunate to receive a Merit Scholarship. Also, the school is still growing, the campus is expanding, and I can’t wait to get started! I am excited about all of the opportunities at Rowan! Go Profs!
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, public relations and advertising graduate
Meet #Rowan2024: Musical Theatre Major Anthony Finke
Meet Musical Theatre major Anthony Finke. Anthony, from Wood-Ridge, NJ (Bergen County), is excited to live on campus this fall!
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I am looking forward to meeting so many new people and getting to perform in the shows at Rowan!!! I’m also looking forward to getting to work with professionals in the field that I want to go into as a full-time job.
What is one activity, club, sport, or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue at Rowan?
One activity that I did in high school that I’d love to continue in college is definitely the theater department but also [one of the ] choirs.
How did you choose your major?
I chose musical theater because I’ve been doing theater since the fifth grade and it is something I want to do when I get older.
How did you get to know campus?
I knew about the campus because I took an on-campus tour which was so cool to take a look at where I’m going to be living for the next four years!
What music do you like?
I like pop music and a lot of Broadway albums.
Night owl or morning person?
I am definitely a night owl.
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because I really like the school and the campus. The theater program is absolutely amazing, and the staff and students are incredibly talented and so easy to work with/talk to!
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Junior Major Moments: Modern Languages and Linguistics Major Charisse N. Watts
Today we feature Modern Languages and Linguistics major Charisse N. Watts from Plainfield, NJ (Union County). Charisse is a transfer student and lived on-campus in 220 Rowan Blvd. before COVID-19 shut down campus.
Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member of a favorite experience in one of your classes?
One of my fondest memories was attending a summit in Washington D.C. for the weekend for my Model African Union course led by Professor Lauren Anderson.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
Make sure you ask the right questions of your advisors when choosing your major so you make sure everything is lined up properly for the next four years.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth?
Thanks to the help of Professor Benjamin Dworkin and Rowan Institute for Public Policy Citizenship (RIPPAC), I was able to land three internship opportunities. I interned for the Office of Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson (14th Legislative District, Hamilton), The New Jersey State League of Municipalities and the Camden County Democratic Committee.
Ever since joining Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated I was able to connect with sisters and mentors who continue to help learn more about different backgrounds and cultures, which I believe is essential to know before entering the workforce.
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Story by:
Melanie Sbaraglio, public relations and advertising graduate
#PROFspective: Sophomore Health Promotion and Wellness Management Major Brianna Bentley
Today we feature sophomore Brianna Bentley, a first-generation college student. She is a Health Promotion and Wellness Management major with a minor in Psychology. Brianna commutes from her home in Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). We were able to speak to her just before she was getting ready to leave campus because of social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19.
What academic and social clubs are you a part of?
I am a part of Unified
Sports, Pre-Allied Health Club, and American Sign Language Club.
Do you have any on-campus jobs?
When the campus reopens, I will be working at the Rec Center!
Why did you choose a university close to home?
I couldn’t imagine being too far from my family, and Rowan was the only college I toured that felt like “home” away from home.
How do you get that “away” feeling while close to home?
Hanging out with friends on campus, whether that is to study or have fun.
What is the most interesting thing you did on campus this year?
I helped out at the Unified Sports Championship game.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned in a class this year?
All of the material I learned in Psych of Human Sexuality! I highly recommend this course to anyone; I left each class feeling like I learned something new about myself.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
Enjoy every moment, get involved, study hard, and make memories you’ll never forget!
What’s the best decision you’ve made since you got to college?
Volunteering with the Get Fit program.
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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, rising sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Julia’s Corner: It is Okay to Not Know Your Major
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.
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.
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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3 Ways I Make College More Affordable
Today we feature junior Communication Studies major and Journalism minor Christian A. Browne, who commutes to Rowan from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County) and is originally from Philadelphia. Christian transferred to Rowan from Camden County College. Let’s be honest, college is a huge financial decision. With food, textbooks and parking, there are a bunch of expenses […]
Senior Reflects: Biological Sciences Major Brenden Finley on the Outdoors Club, Fossils and His Future
Today we feature Brenden Finley from Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County) who recently graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences. Here, Brenden shares his favorite Rowan memories and his plans for the future.
Could you please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
A favorite moment of mine happened in the course Edelman Fossil Park Experience with Dr. Voegele. Having the opportunity to uncover fossils in the research pit was incredible. I’ll never forget the first fossil I unearthed. It was especially memorable when I was able to record and map my finds in the log book.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
I couldn’t pick just one moment at Rowan, so I have to say sitting around the campfire on every camping trip with the Rowan Outdoors Club. Serving on the e-board of the outdoors club has been a favorite part of my Rowan experience by far. Giving Rowan students a chance to escape and enjoy nature is incredibly rewarding. The friends I’ve met through the club will surely be lifelong.
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?
I plan on becoming a surgical technician first, then going to physician’s assistant school. Dr. Supplee and Dr. Grinias helped me when I was having second thoughts about my original plan and helped me see that plans can change. This allowed me to rethink and make a new plan about my future.
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
I want to thank my family and friends for always supporting my decisions and for keeping me grounded, Katie Huber and Kristin Henderson at the Rec Center for always being there to help and listen, and Dr. Grinias and Dr. Jonnalagadda for inspiring me to continue when I felt like giving up.
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Header photo: Brenden Finley (left) with friends
Meet #Rowan2024: Biological Sciences Major AnneMarie Dominique
Today we feature incoming freshman and Biological Sciences major AnneMarie Dominique. She is from Newport, NJ (Cumberland County) and will be commuting to campus in the fall.
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I really look forward to learning at Rowan University and starting college!
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
I played tennis in high school and I really want to continue this in college. I hope to be on the Rowan tennis team.
How or why did you choose your major?
I chose to major in Biological Sciences because I want to be in the medical field. I want to be an oncologist and I’m very excited.
How did you get to know campus?
I didn’t take a tour but I did have a virtual tour of the campus and it was great.
What music do you like?
I love classical music because I play piano but I also love pop music as well!
Night owl or morning person?
I am a morning person all of the way! I love being up bright and early.
Why Rowan?
Rowan is a great campus! It’s close to home and I’ve heard really great things about the facility and all of the people there!
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TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Writing Arts Major Makenzie Forrest
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?
Being 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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Meet #Rowan2024: Law and Justice Studies Major Brianna Carr
Today we feature Law and Justice Studies major Brianna Carr from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County). Brianna is a first-generation college student and will be living on Rowan’s campus this fall.
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
I can’t wait to meet new people at Rowan, and I’m excited to study criminal justice.
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
In high school I participated in many clubs and activities that I would like to continue at Rowan, and I can’t wait to explore what else Rowan has to offer.
How or why did you choose your major?
I chose to major in Law & Justice Studies because I have always been passionate in learning about crime and the justice system.
How did you get to know campus?
Due to COVID-19, I wasn’t able to visit campus in person, but I have learned so many things from Rowan’s website and I can’t wait to be there in person.
What music do you like?
I listen to all kinds of music but I mostly listen to R&B and rap.
Night owl or morning person?
I am definitely a night owl over a morning person.
Why Rowan?
I chose Rowan because it is a great school with a lot to offer and it is close to my family and friends.
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Aspiring Attorney Carl Watkins Shares His Experience in the 3+3 Program
Meet Carl Watkins, a junior Law and Justice major from Chicago, IL who transferred to Rowan University from DeVry University.
Favorite faculty moment: I had a Public Speaking professor who had a different philosophy than every other teacher. He wanted to ensure students in college enjoyed their time and did not stress about everything. He taught that, in the business world, it is essential to be able to socialize and communicate with your peers. This teacher would set up activities for us in class to enable networking with each other so we would feel comfortable interacting in real-world situations.
Is there anyone who is a visionary in your field who inspires you? I am truly inspired by Professor Stanley Yeldell; he was one of the first professors to join the Law & Justice Studies department when Rowan was known as Glassboro State College. For me personally, he has been a true mentor and has inspired me to excel and be an example for the next generation of those that seek to also be great.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year? Having an internship at a law firm really showed me the ins and outs of how an attorney 
works. I have the joy of actually visiting courtrooms and seeing attorneys in action in a legal setting. Though there are so many aspects to the law, being at Hoffman DiMuzio gave me options and avenues that I didn’t know existed.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth? I am currently a junior in the 3+3 program with aspirations of attending Rutgers Law in the Fall of 2021. I am also the treasurer of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. I am an active member of the Pre-Law Society and entering into my second-semester internship at Hoffman DiMuzio.
I love being involved and active in campus life as it lets you explore and network with people from all walks of life.
I got a late start on college. I served in the U.S. Army, got married, had two children: one who graduated from Widener University and one entering into his second year at Rowan College of South Jersey. I’m amazed at what I have accomplished so far.
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