Today we feature Sarah Niles, a Leadership & Social Innovation major wrapping up her junior year. Sarah rents off campus, and calls Haddonfield, NJ (Camden County) home.
On Campus Employment: Peer Referral and Orientation Staff (PROS), Admissions Ambassadors, and Information Desk at the Student Center
Academic or Social Clubs: SUP (Student University Programmers) Secretary and incoming Director of Live Events, member of Alpha Phi Omega co-ed service fraternity, and member of the Student Alumni Association (SAA)
Describe for us your typical day as a Rowan student.
On my busiest day, I am juggling 2-3 in person classes and two online classes, a shift or two at the Student Center Information Desk, office hours for SUP, might be giving a tour for Admissions, probably do some volunteering with my fraternity. Depending on the day I probably will need to go to a bunch of meetings, taking time for homework and other work that needs my immediate attention, and try to find time to eat through all of this!
What is one of your favorite memories from your Rowan experience so far?
The fall of my freshman year I joined the Student Center and Campus Activities Homecoming team and thought it might be something fun to do because I was already so involved with that office. My favorite part of that week had to have been the Lip Sync Competition (which I coincidentally get to program and oversee next year!). Our dance was so fun, I met a ton of new people, and we ended up winning first place! Any time I’m asked what my favorite Rowan memory is or when I knew Rowan was for me, I think back to that event.
How did you manage the transition to Rowan as a freshman in college?
My transition to Rowan was fairly easy. I went on the Freshman Connection Adventure Trip with the Student Center & Campus Activities (which, unfortunately, no longer runs) the week before classes started. It was a great way for me to meet people before the semester even started and the leader of the trip ended up being one of my best mentors and helped my transition be a little bit better. I am a pretty independent person though, so I didn’t have much trouble living by myself or taking on more adult tasks. Whenever I got a little bit homesick, my family would come down to see me and it made me feel better!
What would you tell your high school self about college? Any advice for incoming freshmen?
I would tell my high school self not to be scared or worried about transitioning to college. Yes, it’s a big change, but it’s also a really fun change and you might end up doing things that you love that you never thought you would be doing or would have never done if you didn’t go to college.
I also look forward to the fall season of the Equestrian Team as our spring season was cut short. Traveling to other universities and gaining points towards zones, regionals, and then nationals is incredibly exciting, and hard work! The hours we put in on top of our studies to fine tune our riding and participate in team activities is well worth it. Outside of Rowan, I look forward to representing my school, state, and nonprofit platform as Miss USA Petite New Jersey!
My Nonna is a caretaker. She was a stay-at-home mom and raised her kids while taking care of the house and catered to her husband. She ran a traditional Italian household. I learned how to cook, how to clean and how to be the best person I can be through my Nonna. 
Today’s story is from Devon Graf, a senior communications studies major self-distancing from her house in Camden County, NJ. Devon joined the Rowan Blog team to wrap up her remaining internship hours, after her internship with Enchanted Celebrations was cut short prematurely due to COVID-19 affecting business. 
What would you share with a future student interested in your major?
I felt like I was working with a visionary in my field when I attended [one of my professor’s] office hours. I felt like I was able to talk to her and build a great relationship. Exchanging conversations back and forth made me realize that she truly cares for students and is willing to help her students succeed. Over the semester, I told her that I was planning on furthering my education by going to medical school and becoming a pediatrician. 
Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? 
spent one-on-one time with my professors. It gave me the chance to ask questions that I didn’t feel comfortable asking in class. I’ve had some pretty amazing professors!
Shout outs:
Rowan?
NJ (Cape May County) who majored in 
Today we feature Justin Roldan, a graduating 
Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? 
Please tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? The faculty at Rowan University is incredible. One of the greatest people I have had the pleasure of knowing at Rowan is 
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? After finishing this degree, I plan to continue my graduate studies at Rowan. I will be pursuing a master’s in S.T.E.M. Education starting next spring. My goal is to become a high school chemistry teacher. The people and programs at Rowan have been crucial to helping with these goals and aspirations. From being an e-board member, a learning assistant for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, working as an undergraduate research assistant, and to every class, club and event in between. Rowan has afforded me so many incredible opportunities to pursue my passions. There is nowhere in the world I would rather continue my education!
What are your career aspirations and how did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations? I have dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since I was a child, and next year, I will be able to pursue that dream at Cornell University! I think the programs at Rowan have definitely helped me pursue this dream because they’ve given me endless opportunities both within my field and in extracurriculars. The programs at Rowan have allowed me to hone my skills in the sciences but also remain well-rounded by staying involved in clubs and music! 
experience in one of your classes? There are so many favorite experiences I’ve had at Rowan. Some of my favorite memories and moments are from my Physical Education classes! My group of classmates are so competitive and every class was so much fun!
memory was becoming acquainted with all peers from 
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen or transfers about making the most out of their college experience while choosing a university close to home? Stay grounded by doing your best academically. Social life will come no matter what. But if you are doing poorly in class it will affect all aspects of your life as a Prof.
What was your favorite or most meaningful personal moment at Rowan?
Working my three field placements during my time at Rowan University has assisted me in my professional development. I was able to move up to a managerial position within my agency and entered a program that I never thought I would if it wasn’t for my field placement. Working as a vocational specialist with adults with mental health has been an amazing experience. Watching my clients grow and become integrated into the community is so rewarding, I am thankfully to have been given this opportunity.
(Atlantic County) who majored in 
County) who double majored in el
My career aspirations are to become an elementary school teacher (preferably second grade) and go back to school to receive my master’s in education. I hope to get involved as much as possible within the school community and eventually become a dean of students at an elementary school. 
What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan? What I enjoyed most about my freshman year was meeting my awesome friends and exploring my major.
from Camden County College. 
Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or favorite experience in one of your classes. 
Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
my professional career this month working for International SOS. I will work for them in government services for at least a year and then attend law school. I would like to specifically and emphatically thank Dr. Dworkin and the 
Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes. 
Jodi Lynn Heady, a graduating senior concentrating in literacy studies under 
Favorite Memory: My favorite moment at Rowan was working at Rowan University 
: My career aspiration is to teach and shape young minds and get them ready for the years ahead of them. The College of Education supported me throughout my journey. They have provided wonderful classes with great professors. 
mechanical engineering. Matthew lives with his three engineering roommates (above) for all four years at Rowan
ent: A number of favorite moments come to mind so with that in mind I’d like to take this time to thank the entire mathematics department in Robinson Hall for always being there and willing to answer any questions that I had about my math courses!
(
I’d like to thank my parents and my brother Jared for supporting me and pushing me to achieve my goals and aspirations at Rowan. I have had many amazing professors and got to know some fantastic administrators. 
ealth and physical education
County) who majored in 
Before attending Rowan, I had not declared a major. All I knew was that I wanted a career where I could be creative. I then found out that Rowan offered a major in 
Tell us about your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
Shout outs! I would love to say thank you to my family and friends who have been there during this long journey. All of the love, laughter, support, and meaningful moments have truly kept me alive.
Why did you choose Rowan?
How do you think your Rowan education will benefit your student teaching experience?
Favorite Personal Memory: My favorite personal moments were the nights my roommates and I, from this past year, would hang out and just talk about random things, and have a blast doing it. We would talk about anything and everything and have the best conversations that we somehow never remembered the next day, but were amazing to be a part of when they happened. 
backgrounds can be for jobs, or even just or educational components. Whenever I would remind my professors of this other major I was pursuing, they would always include it as something to consider when making a plan. I learnt that we shouldn’t exclude ourselves from the most obvious answers or career paths but that we have to consider everything that can effect this one thing. 
meet my counselor Dr. Lesley Mateo, who along my college journey became a friend.
How did you hear about Rowan, and what made you want to come here? I searched online for schools with emergency management majors and I found Rowan. I chose this university due to it being one of the best schools in the nation for the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management major, as well as having a counterterrorism minor, and being an Air Force ROTC Crosstown University.
What makes Rowan your home away from home? Rowan has a great community, good selection of food, awesome facilities that non-major specify students can use, such as 
Meet Mariana Cardenas, senior 
What did you most enjoy your freshman year at Rowan? 
What are you most looking forward to next year at Rowan? I’m looking forward to rooming with three other talented, empowered women that I’m proud to call my friends, and I’m really excited for Rowan’s upcoming main stage season.
People in my life kept telling me I would be a good counselor or therapist or psychologist. People have always come to me with their problems and asked for advice. It wasn’t just my friends, but professionals in the field, who were telling me I had the right mindset for the psychology field. It was a sign for me. The more I learned, the more passionate I became. At first I was just going for my bachelor’s, but I realized I needed a master’s degree in order to help people more.
How do you create the “away at school” feeling if your home is close to Rowan?
What is something you’re looking forward to at Rowan next year? 
Brand Management also consisted of several projects and presentations, both group and individual. We did individual presentations on brands in the news, which kept us up to date on what was going on with different brands. We also did a ‘my brand’ presentation, where the presenter presented themselves as their own brand. I liked this one a lot because it showed that people are their own brand, that brands have personality, and it helped my classmates and I get to know each other. 
Why did you choose a university that is close to home? I chose a university that was close to home because I didn’t want to move too far away from home but I wanted some kind of commute to make me more independent.
What is one activity that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
Meet Allison
How did you meet new people and stay involved on campus as a commuter? 
Sicklerville, NJ. Her job is to muck out the horse stalls, ride the horses, take care of the horses if they are hurt and feed the horses. She still goes to work at the stables five times a week to check on and take care of the horses. She says that although the Coronavirus has made things a little bit different, she maintains her normal duties. “The virus mainly affected our airsoft field in the back. We would have airsoft every weekend, but now we don’t [Airsoft is a game where you shoot plastic bbs. The game is very similar to paintball. The farm has a field in the woods where players can play]. Instead of working 6 days a week, I have been working 5 days a week due to the virus. I continue to do my normal routine and pay attention to the 15 horses.”
“It’s in my DNA. I come from a horse family, and my aunts are 4H royalty. My one aunt was the Appaloosa Queen and the other was the Barrel Racing Queen. My family used to have racehorses, and I work at the same farm my family used to keep our racehorses at. In my family, you have to know about horses because it is in our DNA. Since I was seven, I have been working on farms. To many, farm work is stressful because there is so much to do in such little time. Personally, I find farm work to be the best work. It is relaxing to be with the horses because they are majestic creatures and it brings me so much joy to be with them.” She finds working with the horses to be relaxing during this time of uncertainty. 
How did you get the job as a student?