Academically advanced students Katriel Master and Charissa Foster accepted the Phi Theta Kappa All-State Academic Team scholarship award last month in Trenton, New Jersey alongside Rowan College at Burlington County President Michael Cioce, and RCBC Assistant Professor and PTK Advisor William Whitfield. The successful students were picked for their exceptional leadership skills and community efforts.

Katriel Master joined Rowan College at Burlington County in the fall of 2022, following a cycle of restrictive environments. After graduating from The King’s Christian School, she was held back from going away to college two times. Master’s three other siblings never went to college and she wanted to be the first. Filled with perseverance and a strong will, Master chose to start her college career at RCBC, studying psychology and political science.

“My family let me down in ways that a young girl should never experience; they went so far as to deny my ability to go away to college and more. Although far easier said than done, through it all, I learned that their issues had absolutely nothing to do with me when, on the other hand, my success did,” she said. 

During her time at RCBC, Master chose to participate in a number of extracurriculars related to her passion for government. After realizing a need for the political encouragement of her cohorts, Master became the president, co-founder and social media analyst for the Government and Politics Alliance.

“I realized that there is a massive misconception, lack of support and ignorance regarding my generation's political/civic engagement,” she said. “This alliance was formed to popularize and bring awareness to every kind of person – regardless of age, race, gender, declared major, etc.- and their individual role in this upcoming day and age.”

Additionally, Master participated in a naturalization ceremony at RCBC where she gave a speech as a welcoming guest speaker and guided new citizens afterward. Through the League of Women Voters, she helped register people to vote, organize informational political events and educate others on all things politics. 

Aside from participating in many clubs and community events, Master continued her academic journey while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She will graduate from RCBC in the summer of 2024 with two liberal arts degrees with options in Psychology and Political Science. She plans to transfer to Boston University and pursue a doctorate degree in both subjects. 

“By participating in my academic journey and many extracurriculars at RCBC, I learned valuable skills such as pushing myself to go further, team-building, leadership, good listening, problem-solving and more that help aid in accomplishing my dream of working for the government and as a psychiatrist,” she said.

Charissa Foster enrolled at Rowan College at Burlington County in the spring of 2023, despite balancing multiple obligations. Due to shifting circumstances, the financial responsibilities in her family all fell to her, forcing her to get a full-time job while attending college. Foster pushed forward toward her entrepreneurial and creative aspirations by pursuing a liberal arts and sciences degree.

“Overcoming personal obstacles instilled perseverance and the importance of maintaining strong moral values for me. I believe becoming successful is not only about personal achievements but also about using one's abilities to uplift others,” she said.

Foster didn’t shy away from adding more to her plate and joined many clubs at RCBC including the Film Club, the Creative Arts Guild and the Computer Science Club. Each club fueled her passion for creativity and her knowledge of leadership and organization. Additionally, Foster gave time to outside community service including volunteer work as an Income Tax Assistant and working as an Independent Videographer and Editor. All her extracurricular experiences helped shape her inclination to help others.

“My experiences have taught me that education unlocks potential, empowering people to make informed decisions, pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. We are all interconnected, and our well-being is linked to the well-being of our communities,” she said, “I am driven by the belief that we all have the potential to make a difference. By working together, we can create a world where everyone can thrive.”

Foster will graduate from RCBC this spring, with an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences and a 3.96 GPA. She plans to transfer to Kean University and obtain a doctorate degree in the future, while also running a new start-up business named Blossom Entertainment LLC which will provide opportunities for local talent and media professionals. Her career aspirations involve both art education and business.

“I am fascinated by the intersection of arts and business, and I am intrigued by the potential to leverage my skills and knowledge to contribute to the growth and development of creative industries,” she said.