Rutgers Today set out to meet people doing ordinary things on campus. We asked four students to share what has changed about them since coming to Rutgers and to describe their plans for the future.
Year: First-year student
Hometown: Flemington, N.J.
Major: Environmental Science
Rutgers Today: What do people not know about you?
Smith: I like to yo-yo, specifically the around the world, walk the dog, and other classic tricks. Unfortunately, the one I was using broke right when I got here.
Rutgers Today: What is one way in which you've changed since coming to Rutgers?
Smith: I know a lot more about culture. I wasn't aware of all the different cultures here at Rutgers. Back at home, it was really just black and white.
Rutgers Today: Where do you go to unwind on campus?
Smith: I just go on the buses and go bus hopping. I check out the different campuses to go sightseeing.
Rutgers Today: What do you want to be doing 10 years from now?
Smith: I think I want to be in a lab working on global issues, trying to stop pollution and helping the environment.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Union, N.J.
Major: Double Major in Social Work and Africana Studies
Rutgers Today: What do people not know about you?
Osias: I sing in the gospel choir here at Rutgers. I've been in it since my first year.
Rutgers Today: What is one way in which you've changed since coming to Rutgers?
Osias: I've become more mature and my eyes opened up to the diverse community around me. My city isn't as diverse so I've experienced a wide range of cultures.
Rutgers Today: Where do you go to unwind on campus?
Osias: I usually go to the recreational center or the gym.
Rutgers Today: What do you want to be doing 10 years from now?
Osias: I want to open up my own orphan facility or adoption agency. I've done a lot of community service and I've seen firsthand the way children can be mistreated. I want to make a change in that area, especially with the problems of child trafficking.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Cherry Hill, N.J.
Major: Exercise Science
Rutgers Today: What do people not know about you?
Maeng: A lot of people don't know that I've been to 15 countries just in the past two years. I studied abroad and then transferred here. I studied in Malaysia and have been throughout most of Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Japan. I also went to South Korea to visit my parents' hometown.
Rutgers Today: What is one way in which you've changed since coming to Rutgers?
Maeng: I would say I've become more social. Traveling has really influenced that. You can't use English as much abroad so it has encouraged me to be more outgoing. When I came home, I found I was naturally more social.
Rutgers Today: Where do you go to unwind on campus?
Maeng: I go to the library and just walk around different campuses to take in the scenery.Rutgers Today: What do you want to be doing 10 years from now?
Maeng: I would like to work at a hospital helping people who are in need of rehabilitation, specifically those who have been in accidents and need help regaining motor functions.
Year: Graduate student
Hometown: Jackson, N.J.
Major: Social Work
Rutgers Today: What do people not know about you?
Maldari: I form relationships pretty easily. I like to get to know people, to find out what makes them unique, and how they got to where they are today.
Rutgers Today: What is one way in which you've changed since coming to Rutgers?
Maldari: I have learned more about different diverse groups, including socio-political groups. I've broadened my horizons from working with a lot of people.
Rutgers Today: Where do you go to unwind on campus?
Maldari: I usually go to the computer labs, the Rutgers Student Center, and Au Bon Pain.
Rutgers Today: What do you want to be doing 10 years from now?
Maldari: I want to have my own private practice, working with children, families, and couples.