As I prepare for the reality of leaving undergrad, there are so many things running through my mind, such as not knowing what lies beyond me leaving Rowan. During my college career, I have developed many interests that have somehow turned into the very things I want to pursue in the future.

The ending to my undergraduate career is bittersweet, but I am looking forward to what is ahead for me. My degree is in Psychology with a minor in International Studies. I originally came into Rowan wanting to someday become a clinical psychologist. Psychology has taught me to dive into comprehensive research, to think more critically about information, and how to perceive the world around me. My time in the program has been rewarding and a wonderful experience here to gain knowledge and wisdom from professors and staff alike to gain insight into the different concentrations psychology brings. 

Throughout my college career, I have had the opportunity to gain experiences and make connections with individuals who have helped me gain vision and ambition to persevere in the things that I am passionate about. Outside of academics, I helped volunteer at a food pantry. Meeting people from different walks of life that I had the opportunity to relate to as a human being and be friendly to. Through that experience, I met people who came to this country searching for a better life. 

That experience first led me to start volunteering with Habitat for Humanity’s University Chapter, participating in service projects that were a cause for the greater good and creating get-well cards for ill patients at the hospital to create blankets for the homeless during the winter time. 

As I completed my junior year and was entering my senior year, I thought seriously about what I could do in a grander way to serve people in different places who are in need. That was when I decided to have a minor in international studies. That sparked my desire to work in service projects abroad to help aid individuals affected by poverty and disease. 

Currently, I am interning for the Foundation for Post Development in New York. Their initiative is to promote and support civilians who have been affected in countries that have been impacted by conflict. Since interning, I have had the privilege of meeting high-level individuals who have dedicated their work to providing help and supporting individuals in need throughout the world. 

Through these experiences, I came to understand that everyone I cross paths with has a story to tell of how they persevered through life. To recognize that I can help provide a voice to people from different walks of life and help share their stories. This prompted my desire to write for the Whit. For the past year, I have written articles that I wouldn’t have thought of ever pursuing originally, but it has become one of the biggest blessings thus far in my life. 

Getting to participate in bringing what is happening on campus onto a written page where the information comes into focus. I have had the privilege of connecting with students, professors, and staff alike who have participated in the creation of the articles that I have written. 

This experience has been the most awesome and delightful time of my college experience. I want to know that I have impacted someone’s life by giving them a voice and helping them become recognized.  Giving me a desire and passion to pursue what is out there and have it written for the world to know. 

Post-graduation, I plan on interning as a journalism intern for Follow South Jersey News. I really want to expand not only my writing but gain professional experience in the journalism field. I am excited to see where this experience will lead me and I have everyone that I have worked alongside to thank for and the people that I have crossed paths with along the way. 

Something that I have come to take hold of is that life brings so many twists and turns. Discovering what my passions are in this short time of being a student has brought me to where I want to see myself in the future. As someone who is usually frustrated with the fear of the future, I take life one day at a time to see what life holds and the wonderful moments to come. I thank the wonderful staff, professors, and students who guided me here thus far and to keep going in life. It has been great being a Prof and I will miss Rowan tremendously.

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