As Rowan becomes more populated, it can be hard to feel connected to others and involved in the events happening at the university. Rowan’s townhouse community holds a variety of events throughout the semester with a goal of mitigating this isolation for students. This past Friday, Jan. 31, the townhouse’s Community Center hosted students creating clay sculptures and chatting about their semesters. 

“Mold a New You” emphasized creativity and new beginnings as the spring semester finished its first full week. Community Assistant (CA) Eve-Patrice Lafontant who works with students in buildings 12 and 13 organized the event. On campus, CAs help their fellow students feel included and cared for during their time at Rowan, something Lafontant takes pride in and intentionally incorporates into her events. 

“My program mapped back to one of the learning domains that CAs are expected to incorporate in their programs. ‘Mold a New You’ was intended to encourage ‘meaning-making’ because of its intentional efforts to challenge students to reflect on their personal goals and the actions they need to take to achieve them,” Lafontant said. “The aim of my program was to help students realize the best version of themselves through the expression of art.” 

Lafontant’s New Year’s Resolution served as the basis for her creation. 

“I made a model of Miss Piggy, one of the stars of the popular movie, ‘The Muppets.’ She is a character known for her fashion and strong confidence. One of my New Year resolutions is to display more genuine confidence internally,” Lafontant said. “As a result, I believe my confidence will grow outward through my choice of clothing, such as my decision to wear the hot pink sweater set today. Miss Piggy is the perfect reminder of who I’d like to mold into this year.” 

For history major Emily McMahon, the event allowed her to connect with her current and future career goals.

“I made Eastern State Penitentiary and Pep the dog. I work there in the fall as an educator. I’m a history major and I love working there and teaching other people about history,” McMahon said. 

McMahon also underscored the community aspect of the event and how the event helped her feel like she was a part of something bigger than herself. 

“My favorite part of the event was getting to meet new people and talking to them. It was nice to just have a space to chat with people and do a fun craft,” McMahon said. “Events like this make me feel more like I’m a part of the community by letting me interact with others in the community and get to know new people.”

Junior civil engineering major Jennifer Quinn regularly attends the craft-themed events put on by the CAs and took the opportunity to make something close to her heart, her cat.

“I made a little cat-shaped dish, and some smaller items to turn into fridge magnets for my boyfriend. I made the dish for myself because I love cats and I wanted to make something to remind me of my cat,” Quinn said. “I also love making things for other people, so the fridge magnets were a cute little gift.” 

Like Lafontant and McMahon, Quinn also enjoyed this fun and interactive opportunity.

“I loved being able to do a craft while talking with other people. It was very nice to enjoy something I love doing with other people who also enjoyed it,” Quinn said. “It’s nice to meet new people at the events.”

Senior Francesca Sulock felt that her creation aligned with who she was as a person.

“My favorite part of the event was being able to chat with other students and share stories. I rarely get to be at CA events, but I have been at them more recently,” Sulock said. “I made a dragon, I love them dearly and I feel like they represent me well. Goofy, mostly.” 

This event was more than just a creative workshop, as it brought together students at all different points of their Rowan journey to not only look ahead to their futures but to laugh and create new memories. Community events like these show Rowan students that there are friends and people on campus to help support them as they look to find the best versions of themselves. 

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