Hi, my name is Vivianna and I am a first year Nursing student at Rutgers University–Camden! As a current Rutgers–Camden student one thing I am looking forward to is one day being an alumni! Our ultimate goal as students is to graduate and move on to graduate school or into an exciting career. One thing many of us might not realize is the importance of asking alumni for help or advice based on their experiences. Alumni were once in the same spot as students and have a lot of knowledge and insight on how to best utilize the resources on campus. In order to get some understanding on life as alumni, as well as get some useful insight that students can use, I interviewed Christian, a Class of 2020 graduate with a degree in English and Digital Studies. I hope the interview below can be as helpful to others as it was to me and provides answers some questions prospective and incoming students may have.
What was your favorite part of Rutgers–Camden when you were a student?
My favorite part of being a Rutgers–Camden student was the activities on campus. I was able to be a part of several clubs and made many friends throughout my time on campus.
What was a lesson you learned while on campus that you still carry after graduating from campus?
Being open to help from others will make life so much easier. It took me a few years to finally make myself open to talking with my professors about class work and it really helped to improve my grades.
What is some advice you would give current or prospective students?
Be an active member on campus! Whether you become an E-board member of a club or just attend random activities, you will make long lasting friendships with the people you meet on campus.
Did you ever question your major or change it? What was that experience like? What advice would you suggest to students who might be in the same situation?
I changed paths while I was at Rutgers-Camden. I started as a Nursing major and then switched to a Digital Studies and English double major student. It was difficult to do initially just because I was nervous about the extra time it would take me to finish, but once I made the change, I barely had any struggles. I think all students should know how common it is for people to change their majors!
Was there an opportunity that you regret not taking? Examples: studying abroad, internships, joining a club, etc.
I am lucky enough to have done so much during my time in school that I don’t have any regrets.
In what ways were you involved on campus when you were a student? How did this positively impact you?
I was an E-board member of the FLIPS (Filipino League of Innovative Pinoy Students) club on campus, and it helped me learn better organizational skills in my life. I have also emceed several events on campus and that went a long way to making me a better public speaker.
What was a resource you used on campus that helped you while you were a student? Examples: tutoring, the wellness center, TRiO, EOF, advisors
When I was a nursing student, I used the wellness center a lot to get me cleared for clinical rotations.
How has your experience been as a Rutgers Alumni? Are there any resources you use as an Alumni the Rutgers-Camden provides?
So far, I have not really used any of the alumni services but I hear from other alumni that they love attending the alumni events where they can catch-up with old friends and network with new colleagues. I hope to join them soon!