How long have you been an employee at Atlantic Cape?
I was hired in November 2024.
What is your fondest Atlantic Cape memory?
My fondest Atlantic Cape memory (as a student) was being honored as the 2023–24 Communication Major of the Year at the 2023 Communication Awards Show, surrounded by professors and friends who supported me all along the way. The sense of community, recognition, and pride I feel as an alumna truly stands out, especially as I now have the chance to connect with and help students.
As an employee, one moment that will always stay with me was when I was helping a working adult, who was also a mom, return to college after many years away. We went to the remote workstation computer to officially register her for classes and she put her son on FaceTime so he could share the milestone with her in real-time. The experience was incredibly moving. Her tears of joy had me tearing up, too.
Supporting adult learners, especially parents who bravely return to college is always deeply inspiring to me. I truly think they are some of the most motivating and remarkable people I meet in this environment and moments like this remind me why I love being part of the college community. Honestly, every student’s unique journey and effort pushes me to be better at my job and reminds me daily how rewarding it is to help people pursue their goals.
Who has helped you the most during your time at Atlantic Cape?
During my time at Atlantic Cape as a student, I received immeasurable support from professors and friends, with one of the most influential being Professor Keith Forrest in the Communication department. His Public Speaking class - the very first course I took with him - helped me overcome my social anxiety and inspired me to become a Communication major. After that transformative experience, I served as a public speaking class mentor for Professor Forrest for two years and also mentored his Journalism class for one year, supporting fellow students while deepening my passion for communication and service.
Before high school, I was homeschooled and struggled with severe social anxiety--I couldn’t even make eye contact with people. This program completely stopped my social anxiety and transformed me from an introvert into a proud extrovert. Being a Communication major alumna of Atlantic Cape is something I will always be proud of, and the growth I gained through the program is immeasurable. I will always be thankful for the Communication program and the profound impact it had on my life.
Tell us about your educational journey and what it has meant to you.
My educational journey started with homeschooling before high school, where severe social anxiety left me unable to make eye contact as a profound introvert, but Atlantic Cape became my turning point. Named the 2023–24 Communication Major of the Year, I found transformative support from multiple people who inspired my Communication major declaration, alongside hands-on leadership as a work-study Campus Closet Student Assistant and through various club positions. These experiences deepened my service passion, while the program's real-world focus - Communication Club & Professor Forrest's rigorous classes - prepared me for journalism, PR, event planning, public speaking, building lifelong connections and more.
I am now an employee at Atlantic Cape and a Rowan University Psychology senior also pursuing two, 12-credit certificates in "Professional Communication" and "Supporting Mental Health & Social Emotional Development." The educational path at Atlantic Cape built unshakeable confidence and deepened my commitment to helping others, fueling my aspirations to work in academic advising and counseling - where I aim to guide and support students through their own educational journeys. Atlantic Cape’s impact on my life brings me immeasurable pride and purpose.
Did you take classes and/or earn a degree from Atlantic Cape?
Yes. I graduated from Atlantic Cape in 2024 with my Associate Degree in Communication.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I find working with students, visiting schools and helping with career exploration events to be the most rewarding.