With three goals in mind, Pamela Zahn conquered the odds and is now graduating with her Addictions Counseling Certificate. Zahn never let her past stop her from becoming the person she knew she would be. As a recovering alcoholic and drug addict for six years, she reflects on her past in a positive light and views it as a measure of how far she has come.
Jennifer Welwood, a native of Medford, New Jersey, lacked access to proper guidance and financial resources, preventing her from understanding the importance of higher education.
Upon completing her high school studies, she worked at a standard job. However, she soon realized that this position was unlikely to offer her the growth she needed to achieve her goals and reach her desired destination. “Ultimately, I wanted better for myself, and getting a degree was the only option, no matter where or in what.”
Marilyn Bozarth, a Southampton resident, started her college journey much like many others, filled with both excitement and trepidation. Through all four years, she pushed through to achieve her dream of finding a job in which she can help people every day.
In 2021, she was one of the first 3+1 graduates at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), the first-generation graduate of her biological family and the first granddaughter graduate of her adopted family.
Carly Gels, an RCBC student majoring in music and scheduled to graduate in spring 2025, never saw herself attending college due to her disability.
In 2015, Gels was diagnosed with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. These conditions made it challenging to concentrate and learn in traditional classroom settings. As a result, Gels’ parents opted to enroll her in an alternative school close to RCBC, which prioritized hands-on learning. Fortunately, due to its proximity, Gels could visit the RCBC campus frequently on walks or during her free time.
For community leader and professor Dr. Meral Muyesser, following her goals meant taking the biggest risk of her life. She achieved her dream occupation through bravery and perseverance and found a community at Rowan College at Burlington County.
Kristen Abriola dropped out of high school at 17 during the COVID-19 pandemic to help her family during tough times. Four years later, she returned to school, enrolling in Rowan College at Burlington County’s Adult Basic Education program to earn her high school equivalency degree.
Ekene Okechukwu, a determined man from Nigeria, has always been passionate about healthcare and photography. He is a nursing student at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), consistently striving to expand his knowledge. His dedication to his studies and hobbies reflects his desire to make a difference in the world through his work in healthcare and art.
Since high school, Codi Korhammer has focused solely on musical theater. He played the leading roles in multiple plays and set his sights on Broadway. Only after leaving his first college as a theater major and joining Rowan College at Burlington County did he realize his true life’s passion.
Mount Laurel, NJ—After 36 years as an Underwriting Manager, Laura Jaskot retired and set her sights on a new learning opportunity that had nothing to do with how she had spent most of her career.
She had begun editing videos through her church to publish services on YouTube. Despite having no editing history, she liked it and wanted to learn more.
See for yourself: See and vote for Laura Jaskot’s public service announcement by clicking here
MOUNT LAUREL – Aislynn Fait is a shining example of overcoming adversity. Although she faced many obstacles in her educational career, she is graduating this May with a 3.8 GPA and endless possibilities.
Fait struggled with her education before entering college. Due to family health and financial troubles, she was homeschooled until 17. Her schooling often departed from traditional curriculum courses, leaving gaps in her knowledge. Fait said she entered college with a 5th—or 6th-grade education level in certain subjects.