I officially have my Bachelors Degree of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a Minor in International Business, and I wanted to share my experience and some tips with you all!
*Cue the champagne popping*
I had written this blog post back in June, after I finished my last semester of college, but I decided not to post it since college these days isn't so "normal" as it used to be. Now, after seeing virtual club fairs and recruitment sign ups, I thought it actually might be a good idea to go ahead and post it anyways...so let's go!
Looking back to when I was a senior in high school, I was not quite sure what I wanted to major in. Going on a campus tour to Ramapo College and some other universities, I was very interested in their business programs...and criminal justice programs surprisingly. When it came time to apply to schools, I applied to 6...5 as a Criminal Justice major and only 1 as a Business major (at Ramapo College).
Well...
I guess I picked right because here I am, a Graduate of Ramapo College, enjoying all there is about Marketing and what I am currently doing now as a freelance social media strategist and former public relations assistant. Looking back, it's really interesting to think about how college worked out. If I had chosen a different college, like Stockton University, I would have been studying Criminal Justice, going to school with my twin sister and best friend, who was also a criminal justice major. If I had picked the University of New Haven, I would have been four hours away from home, instead of a short half hour, also studying a complete different major than what I'm doing now. Same with the other colleges as well- I would have had a completely different life planned for me.
This brings me to tip #1!
1. While I am happy that I never had to change my major during the course of my four years at Ramapo College, it is completely fine if you do so. I myself thought about it before and ALWAYS second-guessed whether I was in the right program. It is very stressful when deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life, especially having to know which classes to register for and if you'll be able to graduate on time. Still, if it doesn't work out for you the way you wanted it to, it is completely okay. It is 100% worth it to make sure you are taking all the time you need to figure out what you are passionate about and what you want to do.
"What's meant to be will always find a way."
Besides academics, colleges work hard to make sure their students have an enjoyable campus life outside of the classroom, and I feel that Ramapo College does a great job with this, even being virtual now. Every week, they have multiple programs planned and plenty of events to take part in for their students. Throughout my time at Ramapo, I have been able to find amazing friends, take on leadership positions, get more involved with community service, and, overall, build a better future for myself. Of course, this past year has been challenging with in-person events, but that's even more a reason to get involved with more virtual programming and being able to meet new faces (through a computer screen)!
Starting out freshman year, I signed up for the Relay for Life club at the Involvement Fair. At the time, I really just wanted to join a couple clubs, get to know more people, and be involved on campus. Never did I think that I was going to meet the greatest people and be actively involved in the club for all four years and on the executive board for over two years. The American Cancer Society has been so important to me, ever since my family had been affected by cancer, and I am so grateful that I was able to get so involved the past four years raising money for this cause and continue with it the rest of my life.
Sophomore year, I decided to try out Greek life. I went through sorority recruitment and found my forever home, in Alpha Sigma Alpha. The sororities and fraternities at Ramapo are so motivated and always achieve great things every year through academics, leadership, philanthropy, and Greek bonding, and I am so proud to have been a part of that. Alpha Sigma Alpha has given me so many opportunities for leadership, community service, and being able to meet even more wonderful people that have become a huge part of my life. I also recently started volunteering for Alpha Sigma Alpha's Nationals, working with some chapters across the country, and I love being able to continue my commitment to the sorority post-graduation.
Through these campus activities, and my academics and leadership, I was also able to join three honors societies: Alpha Lambda Delta, Order of Omega, and Omicron Delta Kappa.
This brings me to tip #2!
2. Take advantage of ALL the opportunities your college has to offer, like clubs, honors societies, Greek life, programs, and other organizations and events. Colleges have so many programs and resources to offer so it is best for you to take advantage of them, since you are paying for it. You will also make plenty of connections that can help you in the future. All these opportunities will build up your resume and benefit your future tremendously.
"Success is about taking advantage of opportunity."
Looking back at my college career, from accepting my offer to Ramapo College to receiving my diploma right on the college lawn, I am so grateful for all the memories and experiences my college has given me for my future endeavors. Especially with having my senior year cut short unexpectedly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am very grateful for a great four years and wouldn't want it any other way.
This leads me to the last tip, #3!
3. Cherish EVERY moment of your college career. Every year that went by, went by too quick, and I never really thought about what I was going to do after. Well, here I am, in a global pandemic, looking back at all the amazing times I've had. I am lucky enough to still stay in contact with a lot of my friends that I made a long the way and continue to make memories, and I hope you are able to as well.
"Things end. But memories last forever"
For all the Juniors and Seniors in college right now, I hope you make the most of the rest of your college career. Although things are very different right now, continue to make the most of it and do whatever you can to stay as active as possible. There are still clubs and organizations to join, Honors Societies to apply for, and virtual events to take part in. Take the time to appreciate your college days with all the friends and connections you have made, and think about what is next for you post-grad because it will come sooner than you know, trust me!
Xoxo,
Steph
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