What are your plans after graduating?
After graduation, my plan is to take a gap year to save money working and to volunteer at local organizations to get some experience in my chosen career field. The places I specifically plan on volunteering at are Animal Welfare Society and The Wetlands Institute.
Why did you choose Atlantic Cape?
I chose Atlantic Cape because it is close to home and because of my educational dedication at Cape May County Technical High School, I was eligible for the NJSTARS program. This enabled me to go through all three years of my college experience without having to pay a single cent towards tuition.
What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you?
Atlantic Cape Community College offered me valuable opportunities, such as being a presenter for the 2nd and 3rd Annual Marine Science Symposium's at the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center. I also was given the opportunity from Professor Peter Oudemans to work for Rutgers University as a Scientific Illustrator, drawing cyclical diagrams of the fungus Physalospora vaccinii. Professor Oudemans is also working with me to get the illustration published in the American Phytopathological Society Journal!
What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape?
I was not active in any clubs or sports due to my intricate work and school life balance (juggling 30-hour work weeks with full time schooling).
Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them.
Over my three years at Atlantic Cape, I experienced an array of obstacles that have reflected my vigorous tenacity for my continuous education and efforts to show up for myself. From having my car break down multiple times, to having no car for the first year of my college experience which forced me to rely on rides, juggling a busy work schedule with a full–time class schedule, being one of the main money makers in my household, aiding my mother with my four–year–old on–the–spectrum brother, experiencing the deaths of two loved ones in the span of four months, and overall struggling with chronic anxiety and depression. All of these experiences have played a role in making me the strong-willed person I am today. I can look back with peace and gratitude knowing that I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for all that I have experienced.
Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote?
In-person, online and hybrid.
Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals? I would like to thank the entire the Science Department for everything they do. I want to specifically thank Professors Kenneth Cabarle, Richard Perello, Dr. Christopher Carbone, and Dr. Frank Toriello for personally impacting my college experience in a way I will never forget. It isn’t often that you meet professors who truly put their heart and soul into what they do, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. Atlantic Cape would not be the place it is if it wasn't for professors like these four amazing people and the work they put into every student that walks in their classroom.
Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you?
I have used the Food Pantry throughout my three years at Atlantic Cape. The Cape May County campus advising team has always been so supportive and helpful for me, especially Kristi Collemacine. I wouldn't be graduating if it weren't for her being there to help answer every question I had no matter how small it was.
What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you?
Graduating from Atlantic Cape means more to me than words can describe. Being the first person in my family to ever graduate college is something I will forever be proud of. I look forward to being a positive role model for my little brother as he gets older. There are so many people I have lost in my life that would be so proud of me that I have made it to this position. When I walk on that stage, they will be the first ones on my mind. My Uncle Matt and Uncle Drew mean everything to me. For me to do something like this, I know they will be standing beside me in spirit supporting me every step of the way.
Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them?
I feel like Atlantic Cape offers an abundance of opportunities especially for those with lower incomes that struggle while delicately balancing daily life. I think the flexibility, community and the unspoken opportunities that come from a place like this all make attending Atlantic Cape an extremely valuable investment.