As the first semester starts, many Rowan University students are transitioning back to campus life. Some students are balancing academics and freelancing. 

They share how summer’s end impacts their ability to juggle responsibilities and pursue their passions. Moving to school can significantly impact students’ work hours, as they often face new schedules and responsibilities. Additionally, they may not have access to the same job opportunities they had at home, forcing them to seek employment in unfamiliar environments or positions leading to a need to adapt to new work environments. These students are turning their passions into profit while keeping their grades in check. From flexible online gigs to hands-on experiences, these students show us that with a little creativity and a lot of hustle, it’s possible to have it all—even as summer slips away. 

In recent years, Depop has become a popular platform for students who look to turn their fashion sense into a source of income. This mobile app allows users to sell second-hand clothing and accessories. For many students, like Gianna DaSilva and Fiona Pasqua at Rowan University, Depop provides an accessible entry point into the world of entrepreneurship. 

DaSilva, a junior studying human resource management, discovered the app during the pandemic when she needed to find a productive outlet. 

“I needed something to do during COVID and figured it was a good way to declutter while making extra cash,” DaSilva said. 

Freshman Fiona Pasqua discovered her online side hustle on Depop, where she sells pre-loved clothes. 

“I wanted to get rid of some items in my closet and realized I could make money doing it. Depop is perfect for that—it’s easy to use and geared towards younger users,” Pasqua said.  

At Rowan University, students like Brynn Karolyi and Nicolle Leitner are turning their passions into side hustles while managing the demands of academic life. Leitner, a junior majoring in biological sciences with a minor in psychology, embraces her passions. During the summer she babysits and lifeguards, finding joy in nurturing and protecting others. Throughout the school year, she thrives in her roles as an EMS worker and Admissions Ambassador, driven by a deep desire to help and inspire those around her. 

“I love being busy. When I’m not working, I’m doing homework,” Leitner said.

Karolyi, a Peer Referral and Orientation Staff Member, has been pet sitting for about five years, starting in high school when she walked dogs in her neighborhood. Later she expanded to overnight care for both cats and dogs. 

“Most of my clients request for me to stay overnight in their home, so I go about my schedule as normal, just from somewhere else,” Karolyi said. 

This flexibility allows her to focus on her studies and responsibilities. Karolyi advises fellow students to recognize the value of their time and to charge appropriately for their services, while Leiner warns against over-committing and stresses the need to prioritize academics.

Embracing the new semester, Rowan University students are showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit. From selling pre-loved clothing on Depop to petsitting and juggling multiple campus roles, these students are turning their passions into profitable ventures while managing their academic responsibilities.

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