Here is Juliana, a Jersey girl from Clark taking advantage of one of the many 4+1 programs at Ramapo college. Juliana will graduate with her bachelors and masters degree in just five years and become a special education teacher. Amazing. Juliana, we’re ready for your lesson plan.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi everyone. Ramapo was actually the first college that I toured. And on orientation night, I got to meet the faculty and advisors that would be guiding me through my next four years. I loved how I felt important right away. I wasn’t just a number here at Ramapo. I was a valued individual. Growing up the oldest of four and the daughter of a teacher, I always knew that I wanted to be an educator. I was blown away by Ramapo’s various, affordable, and proactive 4+1 programs. Since I knew I wanted to enroll in the Master of Arts in Special Education 4+1 program, I began taking graduate level courses as an undergraduate student. And I was able to save money by paying the undergraduate rate. In addition to Special Education, Ramapo offers 4+1 programs to earn your MBA, MSW, and MFA in Creative Music Technology and masters degrees in Data Science and Accounting. Knowing that I will have earned both a bachelors and a masters degree in just five short years alleviated the stress of having to apply to graduate programs as well as the cost of application fees. Students can apply to most 4+1 programs as incoming freshmen. Another great feature is that most undergraduate majors that offer graduate programs can become 4+1 by just connecting with your advisor early and setting up your coursework. I love how Ramapo’s connections with hundreds of K-12 districts that provide outstanding classroom experiences. Right now, I’m completing my full-time student teaching, and I can definitely see how what I’ve learned in the classrooms on campus has prepared me to be a successful teacher. I couldn’t feel more prepared to begin making a difference in the lives of my Special Needs students. What’s next, Alex?
– Juliana, thank you for keeping the family tradition going and becoming a teacher. Two degrees in just five years is a smart way to make yourself extremely marketable while saving money. Ramapo is consistently ranked one of the hundred best values in undergraduate education and recognized for its return on investment. For parents, an emphasis on affordability is really appreciated. Incredible. College isn’t just the four-year experience. It’s what prepares you for a lifetime of success after graduation.
Living on campus is a big part of the college experience. Just ask John, a Psychology major from Marlton, New Jersey. He’s an RA, and when you hear what he has to share you will understand why Ramapo’s Residence Halls consistently rank in the top 2% nationally. Take it away.
– Appreciate the introduction, Alex. What’s up, guys? When I first came to campus my freshman year, I was extremely nervous. I had never lived by myself before so I definitely did not know what to expect from the on-campus living experience. Within the first few weeks of living on campus, I began to see Ramapo as a second home. In the beautiful Residence Hall you’ll see an amazing community built by the hardworking Residence Life staff. You can’t help but feel like you’re part of the Ramapo Family. With four years of guaranteed housing for Ramapo residents, you develop bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. I’ve been an RA for two years now and seeing the excitement on residents faces as they come back to campus every summer is something I will never forget. Amenities that come with living on campus don’t hurt either. Each room comes with its own AC and heating, microwave, refrigerator, and there are no communal bathrooms. Each student is also provided a free TV subscription and laundry facilities. You can easily walk to the Dunkin’ on campus from your suite or apartment, and there are always activities planned in the common areas for residents. Oh, did I mention you can have a car on campus for all four years? It’s no wonder why Ramapo College is consistently ranked as having the best dorms. When I first started here at Ramapo, I would’ve never imagined I would love it here as much as I do. Ramapo has not only provided amazing academic opportunities for me to pursue my future career, but also has provided a place that I can call home. No wonder why we say “Home Sweet Po.” All yours, Alex.
– Okay, so let me get this straight. Guaranteed housing for all four years. Bring your own car as a freshman. Every room, suite, and apartment has its own private bathroom and refrigerator and microwave and air conditioning? Hey, John, so when can I move in? With nonstop activities in each Residence Hall, three dining areas, plus Dunkin’ and Starbucks coffee and all of these amazing amenities, you’re right, John. This is the place to be. That was fantastic. Thanks again for sharing.VVVV
Hands-on learning and mentoring are a hallmark of education here at Ramapo, and a 15 to one student to faculty ratio is a big reason why. Just ask Maya, a sophomore Mathematics major who will share why at Ramapo you’re a name, not a number.
– Thanks, Alex. One of the main reasons why I came to Ramapo was so I can get involved and make new friends while gaining some important business skills that I can use towards my future career. Luckily, Ramapo College is the perfect place to do just that. One of my first groups of friends I made coming into Ramapo was through the Honors program. The program is a close-knit family of students and faculty members who work together towards the betterment of the school and ourselves. And as we take classes made specifically for honor students and prepare for our senior research project, we also attend fun events in order to build up our network on campus and make new friends. You know who else is close-knit? The students and faculty relationship on campus. It’s due to the fact that Ramapo has a small class size with only a 15 to one students to faculty ratio. Plus, we aren’t taught by any teaching or graduate assistant, which means that we’re only taught by part-time or full-time faculty members. This opens the door to personalized attention. For instance, my teachers actually know my name and I’m not just some number on a class roster. Moreover, it’s very easy to get involved on campus. As a sophomore, I became president of Enactus, Entrepreneurial Action for Us. It is an international nonprofit organization that focuses on sustainable business. And at RCNJ, we focus on creating products and events based on one or more of the 17 UK sustainable development goals. I’ve worked closely with my club advisor who guides me every step of the way towards managing a team, running events, creating new project ideas, and presenting business pitches. Just because I’ve taken on a leadership role at Ramapo College I have been given the opportunity to reach my fullest potential through experiential learning. Because of Ramapo, I have gained entrepreneurial, leadership, career readiness, and project management skills all while making new friends and having a blast. That was my pitch. Back to you, Alex.
– Maya, there are big things ahead for you. Supportive faculty and staff clearly help Maya learn how to think critically and lead boldly. With an average class size of 21 and no teaching assistants, Ramapo faculty are in the classroom working directly with students on research and projects. This means as a student, you’re always rolling up your sleeves, awakening your curiosity, and encouraging to share your perspective. And that is awesome.
Okay, everyone. It’s time to hear from Josh, a Computer Science major and a junior. Josh was worried about making the leap from high school to college, but he found comfort in the Peer Facilitators program and decided to pay it forward. Josh, please take it away.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hey, everyone. As a junior Computer Science major and member of the men’s volleyball team, I’m so proud to be where I am today. None of this would’ve happened had it not been for my peer facilitators and orientation leaders during my first year at Ramapo. Going from high school to college is a big change, but I found my calling when I was introduced to my two peer facilitators during my first year seminar class. The first year seminar is a required course to help all first years get adjusted. Each class is assigned two peer facilitators who work weekly with the first years. During what we call Peer Time, my peer facilitators showed me all the great resources Ramapo has to offer. They aided me in tasks, such as creating my schedule, showing me where important offices are, most importantly, becoming a friend when I needed one. I decided I wanted to become a peer facilitator to give back to what the program had given to me. Ramapo really emphasizes the importance of welcoming a smooth transition to college. It starts from the moment you drive onto campus for orientation weekend and watch a bunch of current students head toward your car with giant orange laundry carts to help move you into your dorm. This welcome is just what you and your parents wanna feel. While most colleges have orientation leaders that guide throughout the summer, Ramapo has peer facilitators that guide transfers and freshmen throughout their entire first semester here. Being an orientation leader and peer facilitator has unlocked so many opportunities for me since I accepted the positions. I am no longer scared to speak in front of a crowded room, nor am I scared to be myself. It is the best feeling knowing I am able to help guide and change the lives of students who choose Ramapo. Well, that’s my story. What’s next, Alex?
– Josh, thank you for keeping it real. You’re right, going to college is a big transition. Parents can feel confident having peer facilitators like you and the first year seminar to help students feel welcome. It’s fantastic that becoming part of such an incredible program help Josh find his voice and the confidence to use it. I wanna take a ride in one of those move-in bins, too. Take care.
Now, we’ll hear from Luka, an international student from Bosnia and Herzegovina. A Theater Studies major who took time to find his passion through the liberal arts curriculum, learning how to think and not what to think. Let’s head over to the Berrie Center where it’s lights, camera, action for Luka.
– Thank you for that epic intro, Alex. As an international student and a theater lover moving all the way from Bosnia and Herzegovina, finding a sense of camaraderie and ocean away from home was immensely important to me. Ramapo College offered that together with affordable, broad, and expansive academic programs. Being a creative person, interested in a wide array of aspects involving theater, it was essential to me to be a part of a college that would offer me the opportunity to explore different avenues of creativity, such as acting in, writing, and directing theater place, being the captain of the college’s comedy improv troop, the Fooligans, and being a part of student films. That is why I was so drawn to the fact that being undeclared at Ramapo is welcomed. And that my process of exploration is supported. Coming from a vastly different education system, I was quite afraid of not being able to fit in and transition into college properly, but those worries were alleviated almost instantly. The faculty helped me find connections between my general education courses, as well as allowed me to take courses across multiple disciplines, all while fostering my love for creativity. The small class sizes, the constant feeling of community, and the ease with which one could switch majors, all made Ramapo feel like a home away from home. And I think those aspects are the biggest strengths of a liberal arts education and degree. All my courses at Ramapo helped me develop critical thinking skills and repeatedly show me the value of learning how to think rather than what to think. After graduating, I feel prepared to tackle any obstacle that comes my way. Well, that was my performance, Alex. Now let’s see some more of yours.
– That was incredible. Let’s give a standing ovation for Luka. Ramapo College is considered an innovative school by U.S. News and World Report in part for its curriculum and facilities, which provide the opportunity for students to study over 40 different majors or embrace being undeclared while finding where their true passions lie. The Roukema Center for International Education support students like Luka with its emphasis on international, intercultural, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning. Luka, please break a leg out there. We’re all wishing you luck. Take care.
The serenity of Ramapo’s picturesque campus with access to the hustle and bustle of New York City provides Roadrunners with the best of both worlds. Kaitlin is a junior majoring in Communication Arts and she’s ready to share the beauty of the campus and location through her lens. Kaitlin, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex and hi everyone. I always knew that I wanted to continue swimming in college. So when I toured Ramapo, I knew I found a school for me. One with both majors I wanted to pursue, a swim team, and a beautiful campus with plenty of spots to enjoy nature. Since coming to Ramapo, I’ve been able to challenge myself both academically and athletically while also gaining incredible work experience. Thanks to Ramapo’s ideal location, we’re just 30 miles away from New York City and 45 minutes away from Newark Liberty Airport, which is great if you’re an out-of-state student. This really came in handy this past fall as my professor and I flew to California for a research trip to photograph and report on the wildfires taking place. Ramapo’s location is not only ideal for work experience as there are plenty of fun spots to go to with friends right around campus. One of New Jersey’s largest malls is just 15 minutes away from campus and the Roadrunner Express takes students there for free. But if shopping isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of hiking trails right nearby to explore during any season. Balancing school, sports, and work can be a lot, so I always make sure to spend time at one of Ramapo’s many scenic spots. When the weather’s nice, my friends and I love to picnic in The Grove, walk around Kameron Pond, or go hiking in the Ramapo Mountains, which are just one mile away from campus. Before coming to Ramapo, I was really nervous and I didn’t know what to expect from college. But now, I can confidently say that coming to Ramapo was the best decision ever as I’ve been able to grow while also meeting some of my best friends on this beautiful campus. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow! Thank you for sharing, Kaitlin. Having access to so many beautiful outdoor spots on campus is a great way to take a wellness break and reconnect. It’s no surprise that Ramapo is named one of the 50 most beautiful campuses in America. I don’t know if I wanna relax in an Adirondack chair or hop on the Roadrunner Express and head to the mall next. That was great. Thank you for sharing.
Okay, so what do neuromuscular electrical stimulation, no hitters, and love connection calculators have in common? Plenty for Lily, a student in Hanover’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Lily also earned her bachelor’s degree at Hanover and returned to continue pitching for Hanover’s softball team while earning her doctorate. Okay, so please add all these pieces up for us, Lily. Take it away.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up, I knew I always wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare field, whether it was veterinary medicine, pharmacy, or the field I’m currently pursuing: physical therapy. I’m currently enrolled in Hanover College’s Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. It’s an accelerated two-year program that is completed largely online but offers multiple in-person lab immersions. The labs take place in some of the very same classrooms where I completed my undergraduate degree as a kinesiology and integrated physiology major. Some of my undergrad courses included working hands on in the human cadaver lab and using a life-like patient simulator. As a graduate student, I’m still able to experience a close relationship with faculty and staff members while continuing to gain hands-on experience. I’m confident my Hanover education will help me care for my future patients. I’ve not only been a student here at Hanover College but I’m also an athlete. As a pitcher on the softball team, I have learned teamwork, time management, and conviction in my work both on and off the field. Some of my favorite memories from being on the team include traveling to Florida to compete. It’s a great chance to bond as a team, plus I have also thrown two no hitters and I hold the school record for the most career strikeouts. You will find one particular person in the stands that is always cheering for me, and that’s my husband, Jared. We met at Hanover in the cadaver lab. He was the professor’s assistant, but we did not truly start dating until next semester in statistics class. It all started with a simple question, “Do we need a graphing calculator for this class?” And ever since then, we’ve been inseparable. I’m lucky to have not only met my husband here but also some of my very best friends through softball and my major. The experiences and relationships I have made throughout my Hanover journey will forever remain with me. That’s my story, throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Lily. Two degrees, two no hitters, and a husband, that’s a pretty stellar college career.
This cheery Tokyo native came to the mainland US and discovered a calling to serve rural communities. Hina, a double major in international studies and business, has been a great resource for Hanover’s international students. Hina will tell us about her transition from urban Japan to Hanover’s welcoming campus community. Take it away, Hina.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. Growing up in Tokyo with family members who had study abroad, I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I’ve been to Hawaii before but I had never been to the mainland US. None of my family members studied in America and I wanted to experience a college environment in a beautiful rural area. I generally feel a passion to learn about the world. I am an international studies and business double major with an economics minor. In the future, I would love to do economic domain work to help people in rural areas, mainly with non-governmental organization. It was definitely hard adapting to a small liberal arts college in the US. I was always homesick right after coming back from Japan during the summer. Knowing the struggles of international students, I wanted to help incoming students transition to the US. I also invite them to study, have meals, and hang out. I have been involved a lot on campus. I joined a sorority. I love seeing my friends around campus and giving them hugs. My friends recommended me to be a student ambassador, and I feel that this position is a great fit for my cheery and optimistic personality. In addition to this, I also work as an intern for international student admission and provide help to prospective students with their Hanover appreciation. I also serve as a president International Club, senior resident assistant, and tutor. I’m sure these experiences have helped cultivate many skills that I can utilize in the future. My academic career at Hanover definitely broadened my horizons. Now, let’s travel back to Alex.
– Thank you, Hina. Hanover’s campus community encourages togetherness and presents many opportunities and activities to share our commonalities and uniqueness. Hanover’s international students and students of color are also supported by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Haq Center for Cross-Cultural Education. These offices help celebrate individual differences, promote inclusion, and provide great campus programming. Thanks again, Hina.
24 hours in a day might not be enough for Manny who dutifully strives to follow his passions and make a difference. Manny, originally from Ghana, has enhanced his Hanover experience by starting his own club, joining Greek life, competing for Hanover’s football team, and more. Tell us all about it, Manny.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. I was born in Ghana, West Africa, coming to America was definitely a big culture shock. As an immigrant, I didn’t expect myself to be able to come to a school like Hanover College. I was always so busy helping my brother who has autism while my parents were at work. With family, work, and football and doing club activities, I cannot focus on school like I wanted to, but I had a little bit of help from great teachers and people. I had a wonderful teacher who graduated from Hanover who told me about the school. She encouraged me to apply for the Benjamin Templeton Scholars Program. It’s a scholarship for students interested in social justice initiatives. On my visit, I fell in love with the beauty of the campus. I also got to talk to my football coach who made me feel right at home. I knew this was the place I wanted to be and grow as a person. I can say after my first year, I was not wrong. Hanover is a place where you can be strong-willed and passionate in whatever you do. I have been able to fight for issues that I am passionate about, taking risk and not being scared. I created a club called Brothers-2-Brothers which is a group that empowers and creates a place of unity, love, and safety. Brothers-2-Brothers does community service, gives out food and clothes to those who have housing insecurities, and helps the local Boys’ and Girls’ Club. My involvement doesn’t stop with the football team and Brothers-2-Brothers, I am also a member of Black Student Union and one of Hanover’s four fraternities. Hanover College is where you make it. If you’re like me trying to make an impact on the world, this is a place you can do just that. Back to you, Alex.
– Take a rest, Manny. You have certainly earned it. More than 99% of Hanover students receive some form of financial aid. Hanover’s Templeton Programs support students, like Manny, who passionately wanna make a difference in the world. The Templeton Program aid students who tackle social justice issues and work tirelessly to create a better world. Thanks again, Manny.
The right combination of academic partnerships, extracurricular opportunities, and the supportive nature of Hanover’s tight-knit campus have provided connections to help our next student answer her calling as a healthcare professional. Hailey will tell us how our Hanover connections are helping shape her future. Take it away, Hailey.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up, I was always drawn to biology but I was unsure what path I wanted to take with it. So when I began looking for colleges, I wanted somewhere that would help me excel no matter what my goals were. As a first-generation student, college was a little bit intimidating at first, but Hanover made the transition easy, thanks to supportive relationships of all faculty and staff members on campus. Our class sizes average 17 students, so lectures are always intimate. My professors here know me by name. Discovering my interest in becoming a nurse and nurse assist was doing large part to our health sciences program. Through this, I’ve been able to shadow healthcare professionals and connect with alumni. Hanover offers a great dual degree partnership for students who want to combine a liberal arts education with an accelerated degree in nursing. This program, plus the experiential learning opportunities I’ve received, will set me up for success in healthcare. Two of my favorite academic experiences include getting to dissect firsthand in the cadaver lab for my anatomy course and traveling to Virginia to study herpetology at the Mountain Lake Biological Station. It’s easy to form meaningful relationships with both professors and peers here at Hanover, especially with all the extracurriculars offered on campus. An organization I’ve been involved with for the last three years is Student Senate. It’s hosted weekly as a place to discourse for the student body. The group house covering campus, host forums in Hanover administration and student support staff, approved clubs, and more. I’ve found many priceless opportunities throughout my four years at Hanover both in and out of the classroom. Whatever major you choose, you won’t just learn about it at Hanover, you want to experience it firsthand with faculty who care about you and your success. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Hailey. Hanover has fantastic partnerships for students who are interested in careers in healthcare, business, education, and engineering. Pairing small classes and intimate lectures with internships and other experiential learning opportunities really enhance your education. All of that, plus your connections with staff members and alumni have really helped chart your course for the future, and that is awesome. Take care, Hailey.