In summer 2024, twelve RCBC students became student models. In 2025, six more Barons joined, appearing in campus marketing materials.
Each student also took the time to sit down and tell their story. Where they came from, their life at RCBC, and where they’re going after, they divulged it all. Read on to learn more about each student in this Q&A format.
Samarah Schwaeble
What was your first impression of RCBC?
“I was shocked because a lot of times when you hear about community colleges, it's not what you expect, but the campus was beautiful. A lot of the people and the staff were kind, which I really enjoyed.”’
What made you choose nursing as a career choice?
“Ever since I was younger, I've always wanted to be in healthcare. It was difficult trying to figure out if I wanted to be a nutrition student, if I wanted to go into dermatology. And from here, I figured I'd start with nursing, be in the hospital, and then from there go into cosmetic dermatology.”
What’s the most exciting part of health sciences/nursing?
“I love a lot of the lab classes, especially microbiology, and seeing the lab for health sciences for where we're going to work on with the mannequins and all that stuff, the simulation lab. It just looks so realistic and it wasn't what I was expecting.”
Who’s your favorite instructor?
“Ryan Reader, who I had as my instructor for Microbiology lab. I always loved microbiology. I took it in high school and then having her, I feel like the microbiology teachers are always so outgoing and energetic. I always did well in that class… She just presents the material really well. And then also Nazneen Mandeanvala, that's my English professor. I had her last semester and also this semester. I learned a lot in her class, and I feel like I became more outgoing because I talked to more students in that class and became good friends with one of them.”
How do you feel about the quality of education you’re getting here?
“Amazing quality. I feel like it would be the same quality you're getting at say Rutgers or one of the other colleges. I have friends that go there and we're learning the exact same thing.”
What would you say to someone to convince them RCBC is a good choice?
“It's funny because I just had this conversation with my friend… I told her how beautiful the campus is, about the students that go here. And I post on my Instagram story here and there and she sees for herself how much fun the campus is and the activities that we do. I feel like a lot of times when people think of community colleges, you don't think about the same resources that you would have as another college, but you're getting the same education but for a more affordable cost, and it's closer to home… I feel like it's important to not put the financial stress on your parents as well, because at the end of the day, if you choose to go to community college, you'll be able to pay that back quicker and not be in student debt.”
Kohen Aselin
What are your career goals with film and audio production majors? Do you see yourself in front of the camera or behind the camera?
“I just want to go through the media industry in every way. I just want to tackle any different setting I can, finding the different environments that fit me, flowing through them as life flows… I see myself in front of the camera, but I feel like there’s going to be a point where I’m going to want other people to be in that camera light, that I’m going to want to push them to be that and embrace it.”
How does RCBC support your future goals?
“The facets that they have are extraordinary. The professors that I’ve spoken to within my major are so educated and so well-connected to people outside of RCBC, so I feel like I don’t feel limited to stay here. As much as I love it here, it’s a very good place to push my growth and push who I’m looking for.”
What was the definitive moment when you knew you were a Baron?
“I think it wasn’t until I started getting involved in the clubs and I started to go to events and see what everyone here was doing, where everyone is at in life and seeing how this campus reflects the different interests of our society.”
What clubs are you involved in?
“So, I’m president of the music club. In the music club, we work on just bringing an atmosphere of learning and creativity, embracing whatever sounds and instruments are found there… We have a lot of events, we have the open mic night, the jam sessions, and a few other less formal things every now and then throughout the semester… At RCBC Music Club, we’re going to get you an instrument or a space where you can listen to the music and listen to other people and listen to their stories, where they’ve come from… Come try it out, make some noise.”
What’s your favorite genre of music?
“Oh, boy. I like experimental, I like electronic. I’m tapping more into reggae recently. I really like anything. I also like some old soul, like 60s, 70s soul. I’m everywhere on the charts.”
What would you say to somebody, a friend, maybe, who’s thinking about RCBC and they’re not sure?
“I’d say just go, because there’s always stuff going on and there’s always events there, and no matter what, there’s going to be somebody who’s educated on something, and if they aren’t, they’re going to push you to someone who is. Just by going, you’re going to get that step of, hey, I’m here. There’s also this energy of bettering, people who are there to better their future, their studying, it’s a very collective energy that… I just think when people get on campus, it’s very inspiring. So, I’d just tell them to go, just get out there.”
