Facing Life’s Challenges with Creative Spirit, Intellectual Curiosity, and Indefatigable Work Ethic
They include dancers, writers, scientists, and even one who’s ready to practice both law and medicine. But beyond the wide diversity of their fields and talents, the members of Rutgers’ Class of 2011 share a singular ability to meet life challenges, which will serve them long after commencement.
One student lost a parent who had been his biggest academic booster. Now, after achieving numerous honors, he stands poised to attend a prestigious dental school. A gifted dance student, meanwhile, had confidence and talent but needed a mentor to help him refine his technique into art. With help from a professor, he developed his own "melting pot of technique and artistry," and is carving out a busy professional career. Then there’s the history major who read many historical works but little in the way of literature. But after a professor encouraged him to broaden his reading, he has become passionate about great works of fiction and has started a campus reading club.
The students’ struggles and triumphs attest to Rutgers’ stature as both a leading public research institution and a diverse, engaging community where students can discover themselves, grow, and define their future.
Dominick Ambroise: Drive to Succeed Guided by Late Mother’s Spirit
His mother once promised him new sneakers if he achieved a 99 average in high school one year. He never got the sneakers – his mother died when he was just 16. But he went on to achieve one academic honor after another, and now stands poised to attend the prestigious Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Read More
Amanda Craig: Making her Mark in the Science Lab and the Softball Field
Whether she was playing first base, or working in the plant pathology lab, this senior from Virginia made outstanding accomplishments in both activities. She also learned a thing or two about time management. “That’s the hardest part,” she said. “You have to be really strict with your time to make sure you get everything done.” Read more.
His life’s direction was set at the age of 14 when he saw the dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet performing on a French news channel. “I was mesmerized. I turned to my parents and said, ‘This is what I want to do.’ ’’ His dream led him to a conservatory in Nice; then an arts high school in Nashville, and finally the Mason Gross School of the Arts. Read more
Eric Freeman: Army Reserve Experience Set the Stage for Law School
The skill set required for a company commander in the Army National Guard is strikingly similar to that required for a contract law specialist. Just ask this graduate of Rutgers School of Law–Camden, who has also spent 11 years in the Guard. “Those skills will help me for the rest of my life,” he said. Read more
Her love for glossy magazines was evident early on. In high school, she launched a fashion and style publication. This year, she was honored as Time Inc.'s 'Outstanding Intern' for her work at a national magazine geared to women. Now she’s ready for the big time. Read more.
Kevin Keogh: Left Lasting Imprint on Newark’s Educational Landscape
Last year, this passionate volunteer brought a noted Harlem-based digital literacy program to Newark, drawing 13 local families for Saturday training sessions. “I grew up in an extroverted family who was always helping out other people. That’s just the way we were,” he said. Now the political science major from Edison is looking forward to a career with a non-profit agency. Read more
He had decided his senior thesis topic would focus on the crises in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. But he aspired to more than an economic analysis. “I wanted to capture the deep humanistic and emotional aspects of malnutrition and starvation in these countries,” says this business major with a minor in African studies. Read More
Emily Rogalsky: Research Mission in Antarctica
She thought she would be working on basic lab experiments. Her accomplishments far exceeded those plans. She helped send robot gliders across oceans, collaborated with international scientists, and spent two months in the Antarctic aboard the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer. After graduation, she plans to continue her studies in graduate school. Read more
His mission to become a teacher was shaped by growing up in a tough district “riddled with violence, high teenage pregnancy rates, and an ill-equipped faculty.” Now this history major is planning to absorb the educational techniques of South Korea and then bring his skills to Mississippi classrooms. Read more
Amy Zhang: Gates Scholarship Winner and Tennis Captain
She is among 90 students from 29 countries chosen this year to receive the prestigious scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. On the tennis court, she has amassed a four-year home record of 28 wins and no losses. Read more