Okay, I’m excited to hear from Pamela. An accounting major and first generation student here to tell us about just a few of the services offered to help students achieve academic success. Take it away, Pamela.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. As a first generation student, I wanna pick a university that provides me internship opportunities and career preparation. After learning that St. Peter’s University delivers that to me, I knew I had to come here. The Educational Opportunity Fund or EOF is a New Jersey funded program established to help low income and first generation students to achieve academic success. At St. Peter’s, the EOF program had provided first gen students with personal advisors, peer mentors, tutoring, seminars, student activities, and the EOF network. I found many friends who share the same interests and goals as me through that program. It’s nice to be surrounded by people who support me. I can also leverage St. Peter’s network of companies and organization in the New York region. The Center for Career Engagement and Experimental Learning or CEEL, knows about the internship process from recruiters and alum contacts at these companies. The people at CEEL are very supportive and helpful. They advise me of what university, organizations to be involved in, and direct me potential internship for my major in accounting. They help me update my resume and edit my cover letters to grab their interviewer’s attention. Through many mock interviews with CEEL, I became confident in nailing my interviews. Thanks to CEEL, I’ve worked at a full-time accounting internship over the summer. St. Peter’s career center and EOF program have prepared me more ways I can ever hope. I applied the lessons and skills I learned from class and school activities into two different internships. Being part of university with a diverse background with many opportunities for students here makes me proud as a St. Peter’s student. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, amazing, thank you, Pamela for that wealth of information. EOF and CEEL sound like amazing areas on campus. The people there help St. Peter’s students prepare for a successful career in their field, and that is amazing.
Okay, let’s see what Tola has in store for us. Tola is currently studying political science, but when she isn’t in the classroom, she is busy at her job at the student center, or volunteering through community service opportunities on campus and in the area. Tola, let’s hear more.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. When looking for schools, the most important aspects to me were academics, athletics, and community. Going to a small school like St. Peter’s, community is definitely important. With a population of about 3,000 students, here, you’ll definitely find a sense of belonging. Living almost three hours away, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in the campus and really get involved. Besides being a student athlete, I have an on-campus job. I work in the student center where I’m the building manager. As a manager, I specifically focus on scheduling, emailing, and handling any issues on the fourth floor. St. Peter’s offers a plethora of work studies. From working in the library, to our athletic center, or even in the student center. Another place students can work or volunteer is at our campus kitchen. The St. Peter’s Campus Kitchen serves a community by hosting clothes drives, giving foods to our neighbors, and providing people with essentials. The group comes in every day after classes where they’ll complete daily tasks that directly impact the neighbors of St. Peter’s. Every year, St. Peter’s puts on different events to bring everyone together. From school parties, to late night breakfast, to bingo games. We provide ourselves on bringing our diverse community together. On-campus jobs allow students to grow, gain leadership skills, and work well amongst their peers. Whatever on-campus job or group you choose, St. Peter’s will definitely have something for you. Thanks, everyone. Back to you, Alex.
– Tola, it’s great to see all the amazing work you are doing for the university and the community. Thank you for lending a helping hand to those around you, and letting us take a peek into what it’s all about, take care.
Let’s hear from Bailey. Bailey is a cybersecurity major, taking full advantage of this Jersey City campus. Bailey is gonna tell us how the convenient location of St. Peter’s University has helped him further enjoy the college experience, and launch him into further career opportunities. Bailey, the floor is all yours.
– Thanks, Alex, I’ll take it from here. Yo, what’s up, guys? My name’s Bailey Canela. I’m currently a senior here at St. Peter’s University studying cybersecurity, and I’m a first generation Dominican American. After graduating high school and transferring from community college, I knew I wanted to continue my academic career at a university that will allow me to take my skills and opportunities to the next level. St. Peter’s did just that for me. From playing pool in the student center, to setting a new personal best in the gym, to learning how to hack drones in the cyber research lab, St. Peter’s University has something for everybody. There are various locations on campus to get a quick bite to eat. But if you’re feeling adventurous, there are many great restaurants and delis all around Jersey City. After class, my friends and I take the St. Peter’s shuttle bus to General Square Station. To then take toward Chase Center train to New York City. It’s amazing how it can go from college classes to the heart of Manhattan in the 10-minute train ride. Being so close to New York allows students to look for jobs and internship opportunities in New York City. Someone once told me, “If there’s anything you wanna do, there’s someone in New York who knows someone who does that for a living.” St. Peter’s is in the perfect place to network with people from New Jersey and New York City. Well, enough talking from me, come through to St. Peter’s University and see for yourself. Over to you, Alex.
– Absolutely, Bailey, this campus is certainly a site you need to see in person. Thank you for showing us a few of the hidden gems on campus, and in the surrounding area, see you around the city real soon, take care.
Allow me to introduce our next student, Shelby. Shelby is studying business and marketing, and she’s gonna tell us a little bit about life on campus, and how she settled into this home away from home.
– Thank you, Alex, and hello everyone. I knew I wanted to find a school after leaving my previous college, and St. Peter’s University fit the bill. Being close to home and New York City has been an amazing and very rewarding experience. The business school has prepared me so well in giving me the tools I need to be a working professional. I feel prepared and ready to graduate with the knowledge I have gained from the curriculum, and with the help of our career center. I’ve been able to complete two internships because of this. The guidance I received to help perfect my resume at the career center gave me the advantage I needed to navigate the internship searching process, to apply for positions, and successfully interview with potential employers. St. Peter’s University prepares us to gear up and get ready to enter the workforce, and I am so grateful to be at a university that cares about my success. Living on campus is an experience like no other. Being independent at St. Peter’s is a very liberating feeling. I love setting my class schedule for the semester, and having ample time in the day to be involved on campus, and making friends. We are the Peacocks of Jersey City. Our bond is strong, and our community is fierce! St. Peter’s University gives you a well-rounded Jesuit education that prepares you to enter the working world and set it on fire. Our location is prime, and the support you receive will put you ahead of the rest. Go Peacocks! And back to you, Alex.
– Shelby, it is so great to hear how St. Peter’s has prepared you for success beyond graduation. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Okay, let’s meet up with Natalia. Natalia is studying education here at St. Peter’s University, and she’s gonna tell us all about how she truly owns her St. Peter’s experience. With over 70 student run organizations and the opportunity to build your own, the opportunities here are endless. Take it away, Natalia.
– Thank you, Alex, I can proudly take it from here. Growing up, I felt like I had a special gift inside. I could never stop dancing around my house because I felt like I was born as an entertainer, but I also had a passion for being a positive example towards children, which is why I’m a proud teacher in the making. But I’ll never leave my passion for the arts. And thanks to St. Peter’s University, my dream has become a reality! My freshman year, I tried out for the cheerleading team. It was a great experience, and cheering at basketball games was so exciting. Sophomore year came around, and I joined the Student Government Association as a senator to help make a difference in campus life, and be a voice for the students. By junior year, I realized I loved being on the spirit squad, but I also loved being a student leader. So, I joined the dance team and became president for the class of 2023, performing at basketball games, putting so much energy into each dance, and leaving it all on the court was so satisfying. Ento was coordinating events for the class. Not only that, but there’s no way I can forget about the professors who helped me along the way of my college career. Who not only guided us academically, but made sure I’m okay mentally and emotionally while doing it. And that’s the best thing there can ever be in a professor. I’m currently working on creating my own dancing for the St. Peter’s Peacock Nation, and of course, what matters the most. Thank you mom and dad for supporting me throughout all of this journey. This would be impossible without you. Alex, I’m tossin’ it back to you.
– That was amazing, thank you so much for that, Natalia. It’s great to see you taking advantage of the opportunities here that allow you to enjoy your passions both in the classroom and out. Take care.
Let’s hear from Thomas, a senior marine biology major and business management, double major, who’s working to make aquaculture farming more accessible to local businesses. Roger’s coastal location and expertise in areas like marine science, law, aquaculture, engineering, architecture, and wind energy gives them the unique position to make a positive impact on the economy and communities. Over to you, Thomas.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. When I first started looking for a college I knew I wanted to find a program that prioritized hands-on learning and real world experience. Luckily, Roger Williams University provided me with just that. Many of my courses have utilized RWU’s location to give me hands-on experience in the field. A few of my courses have used our research vessel. The Invincible Spirit, to gather samples from our own backyard to use in our lab work. Using that data, we practice data interpretation and writing papers. During my time here at RWU, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a few different research projects. Two summers ago, I researched marine viruses using samples taken from RWU’s learning platform. I got experience working in a lab and sharing research with scientists from other universities. Currently, I’m working on an internship researching the impacts of biological growth on shellfish aquaculture here. During this project, I had the opportunity to work with farms across Rhode Island. I got hands-on insight into both the biology and business of the aquaculture industry. Additionally, I had an opportunity to work on RWU Shellfish Farm and Hatchery. As an environmentally conscious university we’ve increased our focus on growing the blue economy. The intersection between marine science and industry has never been more exciting and RWU has given me the hands-on experience to excel in my future career. And with that, let’s throw it back to you, Alex.
– Smart move, Thomas, with that double major choice. I’m so impressed with the experience and research you’ve been involved in which is not the norm in undergraduate programs. It’s awesome to have students like you who are ready to tackle big issues and lead the way in developing new solutions. Take care.
Let’s head over to Megan, a senior who takes getting involved to a whole new level. Roger Williams University takes pride in creating students who are leaders in and outside of the classroom. With more than 80 clubs and organizations it’s easy for students to get involved and make a difference on campus. Take it away, Megan.
– Thanks, Alex. When I started looking for colleges I didn’t know what I wanted to study, who I wanted to be or where I wanted to go. There is one thing I knew for certain. I wanted to push my boundaries and grow as a person. Before college, I stayed in my comfort zone and I didn’t have much confidence in my abilities. Adding to that, I live with a chronic illness so I always thought that this would hold me back. With Roger’s student accessibility services I was able to have accommodations that helped me manage my health and wellbeing. Because I had this foundation of support I felt comfortable enough in my abilities to challenge my comfort zone. I applied to leadership positions and became an admissions ambassador and an orientation advisor and a peer mentor. In these different positions, I work with prospective students and families, incoming students and current freshmen through their transition from high school to college. Last year I was on the executive board for the Campus Entertainment Network. I got to take on a larger role in my community and try my hand at programming and creating events. This year, I’m the secretary of the class of 2023 on the Interclass Council. I help to plan events, fundraisers and a commencement ball for the senior class. Additionally, dance has been a passion of mine since I was three years old. I started choreographing my own pieces in the dance club, something I never thought I would be able to do. With over 80 clubs and organizations here on campus you can explore old interests of yours and even find new ones. Clubs vary in interest of social, cultural, academic, and volunteer-based. In my senior year at RWU, I can confidently say that I have grown into someone that I’m very proud of. I know that I’m prepared and ready for what comes after I leave the nest. Thank you for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Megan, way to make the most of your college experience. Thank you for sharing your story.
At RWU, students are encouraged to combine their passions. Let’s meet a student who is really taking advantage of this. Brendan, a triple minor. Roger’s curriculum allows the space to add majors and minors. Over 80% of students graduate with more than one major. The result, diverse skills and experiences that set students up for success. Turning it over to you, Brendan.
– What’s up everyone? Once I graduated high school I attended community college while playing junior hockey. I then chose to transfer to Roger Williams University. I always knew that I wanted to study business and that I wanted to play hockey. The Roger Community and Business program were exactly what I was looking for. With the structure of the program here, I get to major in management and triple minor in marketing, analytics and psychology. Psychology paired with management offers me interpersonal skills that I can use in my future career. Analytics and marketing pair well because I’m not just able to understand why people buy but understand the trends behind that as well. Being able to combine passions and programs allows me to explore interest and tailor my experience to make me more marketable after graduation. The balance between classes, playing sports and maintaining social life at RWU has been one of the most important aspects for me. Having a a tight-knit community and great friends that support the hockey team here has been amazing. We even were fortunate enough to qualify for the national tournament my freshman year. Another thing that’s helped me to be really successful here has been the class sizes. I never feel lost in the crowd and I get to know my professors on a personal level. In the business program specifically, all of our professors bring real world experience to the classroom each day. It certainly makes accounting a lot more fun when your professor brings in examples from your own accounting firm for class. The community here has taught me so much and allowed me time to volunteer as a goalie coach for a local high school, get internships and explore my passions. That’s my story. Take it away, Alex.
– Thank you Brendan. Sounds like you’re really taking advantage of all Roger offers. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
One of Roger’s biggest fans is Zoey, a sophomore lacrosse player and a proud member of the RWU community. Roger Williams has 24 NCAA division three sports, seven club sports, and numerous intramural offerings and with these come the fans. What’s going on Zoey?
– Thanks, Alex. While on the hunt for the perfect school, I looked for an institution where I can continue my academic and lacrosse career as well as experience a sense of school pride. I needed a school that was bursting with energy and where everyone felt safe and at home in. And that was Roger Williams University. It was easy to sign my letter of intent to play on one of the university’s many varsity programs as women’s lacrosse player. But that’s not all. I found myself being able to balance being a varsity athlete and being able to participate in one of the school’s seven club sports. It was a no-brainer that I had to be on the National Championship Women’s D-1 rugby team. Being a student athlete at a D-3 University not only allows me to continue playing the sports I love, but also to excel in my academics. After class, I’m able to hit the pool, the squash courts, and the gym anytime I want. All I have to do is check the university app and check for availability. My favorite part of the rec center is a Hawks Nest and hangout. You will always find me drinking a smoothie and dominating air hockey. I can go on about how many ways students become part of the Hawk family but once you step on campus, you truly believe it. The amount of times my friends and I have played midnight disc golf after exams or attended games and events to get free stuff is exactly why I chose RWU. I was terrified of going to college. That’s why I put such an emphasis on going to a school that was student-run because that’s a school that has something for everyone. I’m looking forward to what my future holds but all I know is that always it’s a great day to be a Hawk. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– It is a great day to be a Hawk and congrats on the championship, Zoey. Speaking of championships, Roger is home to a number two nationally ranked sailing program. Staying active is important for physical and mental health. No matter what you choose, there are tons of ways to get up and move at RWU.
Okay. Let’s hear from Nick, a sophomore who’s making the most of his Roger experience. The very best part of living on campus is the company you’ll get to share with your friends and neighbors. At RWU, 75% of the undergraduate population lives on campus and 42% of rooms have a view of the water. That is incredible. Take it away, my friend.
– Thanks for the The intro, Alex. When I was looking at different universities a couple of things came to mind: size and student life. Roger Williams sealed the deal. They have a great waterfront view and they have so many opportunities for student involvement. The main reason I was able to get so comfortable at Roger Williams University was the opportunity to be part of so many clubs and organizations. Joining an organization like the Campus Entertainment Network, that let’s me plan all these different events. Things like theme weeks, concerts and carnivals for our students to go to. Also the opportunity for club sports. I’m on the Ultimate Frisbee team where we travel and play other schools. Through CEM and frisbee, I always meet other students that live in different residence halls. There are so many living options so it’s nice to explore them like visiting friends. Every residence hall has its own perks, upperclassmen or not, that allow for community building and growth. Cedar has its basketball court. Maple and Willow have nearby green space along with small individual communities. Stonewall has common rooms. North Campus has a big lounge and classrooms and Bayside and Lamata have kitchens. I’m not gonna lie, food also matters. We have great food at Roger. Lower Commons is a major stop for busy students serving chicken fingers and sushi. Upper Commons is a great for a sit-down meal with lots of options at all times of the day. The friendly faces you meet at Commons makes up the dining team. Rogers’ in the top 5% of dining services in the country with over 20% of our food coming from local owner operated farms. Everything is always fresh. Our chefs on campus are here to help you. If you have any food allergies or you can’t find something you like, they’re here to help you. They’re also really good people just enough. When I walk around campus and I see all the familiar faces for all the clubs and organizations I’ve joined, it makes me realize why I picked Roger Williams. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Nick. All that talk about the food at Roger Williams is making me hungry. Living on campus can be one of the most fulfilling parts of the college experience. It was great hearing about how your involvement has impacted your experience. Thanks again.