Student Stories


Rutgers students are smart, diverse, ambitious, and engaged with the world around them. Their hard work and academic achievements have been recognized with major national and international awards. Many of them receive help from the Offi ce of Distinguished Fellowships, which assists students and recent graduates in all stages of the application process for major fellowships. The offi ce is geared not only for students in their last year of college, but for all students — from fi rst-years to seniors — who want to pursue their academic goals beyond Rutgers with a fellowship.

Student Stories

Ezekiel M.

Ezekiel M.
Photo: Ezekiel in Santo Antão,
Cape Verde
Hometown: New Brunswick, NJ
Majors: Public Health, Latino and
Caribbean Studies

  • Rutgers Future Scholar
  • E-board member for Rutgers Union Estudiantil Puertorriquena, the oldest Latinx organization on campus
  • Mentor-in-Residence in Civic Responsibility at the Honors College
  • Peer Mental Health Educator through Health Outreach, Promotion, and Education (HOPE)
  • Member of the Honors College Student Wellness Committee
  • Member of the Cap and Skull Honor Society
  • Participated in two Alternative Spring Break trips, one to the Dominican Republic and one to the West African country of Cape Verde
  • Works with Rutgers Future Scholars during the summer to give back to his community
  • Future career aspirations: hopes to work in health policy that addresses the health needs of marginalized communities of color

“I’ve been around Rutgers since the seventh grade through my acceptance into the Rutgers Future Scholars program. I have been fortunate to give back to communities throughout the world through opportunities here on the banks. I will forever be grateful for the experiences and lifelong friendships I have gained along the way.”



Alexandra F.

Alexandra F.
Photo: Alexandra at Rutgers
University Dance Marathon
Hometown: Shillington, PA
Major: Psychology, 5-Year Teacher
Education Program for Elementary
(K-6) and Special Education (K-12)
Minor: Education as a Social Science

  • Vice President of the Women’s Club Lacrosse Team, which traveled to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to play in regionals
  • Ronald McDonald Chair of Project Sunshine
  • Peer Mentor for the College Support Program, which mentors students at Rutgers with autism and helps with their executive and social functioning skills
  • Participated in Rutgers University Dance Marathon and donated hair
  • Attended the Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Association (CIVSA) Student Development Institute in Alabama and participated in round table discussions
  • Future career aspirations: become an elementary or special education teacher

“One of my favorite things about Rutgers is the community of students and faculty. I have never been surrounded by so many hard-working individuals who support me and push me to new challenges every day. I would not be the person I am today without any of them.”



Assata B

Assata D.
Photo: Assata at the Zimmerli Art
Museum
Hometown: Roswell, GA
Major: Political Science
Minors: Spanish, Arabic,
Entrepreneurship

  • Studied abroad in Valencia, Spain
  • E-board member of the Women’s International and Multicultural Association and the Black Pre-Law Chapter
  • Tutors incarcerated students at the Mountainview Correctional Facility
  • Research Assistant in the political science department
  • Interned with renowned Judge Hatchett in Atlanta, Georgia
  • Artwork featured at the Zimmerli Art Museum
  • Future career aspirations: doing policy work, working as an interpreter, being an entrepreneur, and pursuing a joint M.B.A. and J.D. degree program

“I chose Rutgers because of the diversity of people and experiences available. You can find almost anything at Rutgers. If you can’t, you have access to resources and encouragement to create it yourself.”



Stephen R.

Stephen R.
Hometown: Mount Olive, NJ
Major: Finance

  • Participates in Little Investment Bankers of Rutgers (LIBOR), Entrepreneurial Society, Rutgers University Dance Marathon, and Alpha Sigma Phi
  • Vice President of the Interfraternity Council
  • Interned with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
  • Future career aspirations: work in the financial services industry

“As I enter my senior year, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible opportunities that Rutgers has offered me. Outside of the classroom, there is an endless amount of clubs, organizations, and other opportunities for students to get involved. As a student leader, I have been able to grow tremendously over these past few years. The key to a fruitful college experience is getting involved in things that help you grow as an individual both personally and professionally.”



Siddharth M

Siddharth M.
Photo: Siddharth doing cancer
research
Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ
Major: Molecular Biology and
Biochemistry
Minor: Statistics

  • Apartment Assistant and Learning Assistant
  • Participates in cancer research
  • Studied abroad in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico
  • Treasurer for the Building Research, Advocacy, and Innovation in Neuroscience (B.R.A.I.N.) Club
  • Founding E-board member for the Rutgers chapter of Alzheimer’s Buddies
  • Member of the Premedical Fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon
  • Future career aspirations: pursue an M.D./Ph.D. dual degree to improve healthcare and patient outcomes

“Somewhere in between classes and clubs, I found a home and a family at Rutgers. The incredible friends I’ve made have pushed me to be the best student, leader, and person that I can be.”



Brandon S.

Brandon S.
Photo: Brandon at the Philadelphia
Flower Show
Hometown: White Marsh, MD
Major: Economics
Minors: Psychology, Statistics

  • Interned at the Tennessee Valley Authority in the financial services department
  • Member of the Honors College
  • Won the Excellent Academic Achievement and Leadership award
  • Manager at the Livingston Student Center
  • Future career aspirations: hopes to work within government and better the communities he serves

“My favorite Rutgers memory is wearing the colonial costume down College Avenue while leading the alumni parade. At the end of that parade, I did a dance on Snapchat that got over a million views. Thanks Rutgers -- for making me famous!”