“Community.” For me this is not just a buzzword that Rutgers-Newark uses, but real-life experience. My definition of community has evolved and expanded during my years at this institution.
What began as me being in a school with thousands of other students has grown into an opportunity to be in the classroom, and be challenged by my professors while getting to know them and my fellow students.
It has evolved into me having the opportunity to live as a resident assistant in Woodward Hall, and creating new relationships with students in the building, especially those on my floor. I can also point to my Health Promotion community. As health advocates, we have the opportunity to educate our peers on a variety of issues, ranging from sexual health to the principles of harm reduction.
My community has also come to include the citizens of this great city. Not only am I part of the Rutgers-Newark community, but in the process of working to improve the lives of people in this city, my fellow activists and I have been welcomed into the larger Newark community.
Just as important has been my community of friends. Being at Rutgers-Newark has provided me with the opportunity to create friendships with a variety of people – students, faculty, and administrators. I believe, and I hope, that many of these will be life-long friends and mentors.
As I think back to what Rutgers –Newark means to me, it has undeniably brought endless opportunities and a deep sense of community.
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