Story and photos by Prachi Shashidhar 

What better way to highlight the importance of  “Women’s History Month” than by highlighting the dedicated work of a group of driven students who have been working on the Period Poverty Project for over a year. The team of five, Cindy Do, Christine Do, Anisha Snell, Yaren Aykit, and Shaan Mody are a group of dedicated sophomores and juniors who have witnessed and understood the hardships that women and young girls endure, monthly, specifically in the city of Camden. As great changemakers, they came up with a solution to this pressing problem through designing a novel project, born in the First Year Forum Class of Spring 2023 instructed by Dr. Westman at the Honors College. 

Cindy Do, Founder of the project,  says through the class and learning what a “just community was”, she hoped  to”learn more about menstruation, inequity, and explore this in our campus and community as a whole” in the class alongside other students interested in shining light on the stigmatized and underspoken topic of menstruation, and as a result the project was born.

The Period Poverty Project housed in Caring for Camden (a student organization on campus) currently has two facets- education and awareness, and donation. Anisha Snell, President of Caring for Camden and one of the leaders of the Period Poverty Project, says that through this project, “we hope to tackle this issue through multiple facets of making tangible donations to a local highschool, Leap Academy, and through hosting events on campus to de-stigmatize the topic and increase awareness”. 

The passionate team has been doing so and more, as many members of the Rutgers–Camden community have seen the eye-catching boxes that creatively capture the attention of many passers by -many of whom stop by and take a long look at their intricately designed drop off donation boxes in the Campus Centre and Honors College and are moved to donate. Christine Do, another leader of the Period Poverty Project, mentioned how the boxes were “designed to reduce stigma and bring awareness”, but one might also say that it is a playful approach to education. 

Yaren Aykit, another leader of the Period Poverty Project,  stressed on the importance of “menstrual education and awareness.” Yaren, who is currently focusing her efforts on education through working on a research paper, alongside other members set to be published soon, believes that through education many of the problems surrounding inequity and access to period products can be assisted to a great extent. 

Shaan Mody, another leader of the Period Poverty Project, is also focusing his efforts on his desire to promote “social justice and health equity”, through the research paper that he hopes will create a magnified impact. Eventually, he hopes to collaborate with policy makers, at legislative levels to ultimately “ create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment for all individuals.” 
As Women’s History Month comes to an end, as cliche as this sounds, it is not the only month where women should be recognized for their achievements, but every day of every month should highlight women. The Period Poverty Project is one important organization that aims to support young girls and women in our community–to uplift, educate, and support more individuals on menstruation, and the importance of the matter.

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By Prachi Shashidhar

Rutgers University–Camden is distinguished by its status as a well-regarded research institution, but also by how well it prioritizes student excellence. The university accomplishes this in a variety of ways–by hiring distinguished professors and faculty members, promoting engaging clubs and student organizations, and creating on-campus professional opportunities. Additionally, the university is well known for having an expansive alumni network, and connections within the city of Philadelphia and large companies and hospitals.

Rutgers–Camden consistently makes strides towards creating a campus that nurtures students from all backgrounds by ensuring that a variety of interests and fields of study are represented, both in the course catalogs and student organizations, to help them make the most of their college education–always with the end goal of teaching them how to be well-rounded citizens of the world. This February, the campus was buzzing with more energy than usual. It was the beginning of the spring semester, the last for some students, as well as admitted students day and, perhaps most importantly, Black History Month.

In honor of commemorating the month and celebrating alongside fellow black students, two heavily involved and academically excellent black students spoke on their time at Rutgers University–Camden, sharing their advice on navigating college, making the most of the college experience, and offering a few “trade secrets” that helped them find their path to success

Lelah Tekhna is a graduating senior double majoring in Global Studies and Spanish with a minor in Latin American studies with aspirations of being a housewife & corporate attorney.

During Lelah’s four years as an undergraduate student, she has been involved in multiple student  organizations, and explored her passions by getting involved. She holds roles in several on-campus organizations–President of the Pretty Pi Epsilon chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and President of the newly chartered chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), all while being a Bonner Civic Scholar, and a member of SAATH (South Asian Appreciation for Tradition & Heritage) and SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance).

From her experience as the successful wearer of many hats, Lelah’s advice to fellow students is to embrace the idea that “college is really what you make of it.” She says that putting yourself “out there” is key to finding like minded individuals, and making meaningful connections. Additionally, this gives students something to work on and enhances their skills and resume overall–setting them up for success beyond their time at the university. Lelah further highlights how leaning into support from professors and faculty truly helped her mold into the well-rounded student she is today–from finding the right professor and being able to connect with them, to consistently venturing out to make the most of her education through asking questions and reaching out to the right people. According to Lelah, time management is essential to becoming a more well rounded student and being able to juggle the many hats she wears.

Andrea Monet Sellers graduated from Rutgers University–Camden in the Summer of 2023. However, she returned this past fall to pursue her Masters Degree in Psychology, with research interests in Black women’s health, and the stigma around mental health, as well as African American communities, and colorism. She is also serving in the New Jersey National Guard. Andrea’s path to success was unique. She first enrolled as a computer science major, but after taking multiple classes in the field, didn’t feel that this was the type of profession that would compliment her inherent nature to serve and make the world a better place. 

She switched majors successfully and pursued a double bachelors degree in Psychology and Childhood Studies after realizing the need within the African American community for shedding the stigma around mental health and creating readily available mental health resources, which paired well with her complimenting interest in Childhood Studies. Similar to Lelah highlighting the importance of learning on professors and faculty, Andrea discussed her passions and field of study with trusted advisors and instructors to figure out the best path for her and landed on Clinical Psychology. 

While an undergraduate, Andrea presented her research at the Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA) at Rutgers–Camden, which she describes as an “eye-opening” experience. Additionally, she got further involved on campus when she crossed for the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated sorority with the goal of giving back to the community. Andrea stresses the importance of educating fellow students of the existence of the Student Success Coach Office, the Food Pantry (open on Tuesdays & Thursdays), and advises students to be “patient with yourself and advocate for yourself.” She also urges her fellow students to take advantage of the fun events happening on campus, to immerse themselves in the campus community, and to “really get comfortable with being uncomfortable” to make the most out of the college experience.

Lelah Tekhna and Andrea Monet Seller are exemplary students making the most of their college experience and are serving to inspire younger students and show what is possible here at Rutgers University–Camden. 

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The leaves are starting to wilt, change color, and take on the hue of warm, sultry feelings and the sun of a zesty, wistful summer that everyone once knew and now awaits again. As the seasons change from breezy, sunny days to dusky, grim, and cloudy afternoons, so too do our closets, attitudes, and, most importantly, our cravings.

Gone are the quintessential summer Starbucks orders—the icy-caramel frappuccinos and cooling pineapple refreshers—which are readily replaced by the soothing pumpkin spice lattes and fine apple crisp caramel macchiatos (delicious!) Everyone is seeking to embrace the Fall and accept that ‘Winter is coming.’ As we realize that the best parts of the next few months are more than living in layers, dealing with constantly chapped lips, or the muscle tags, there is hope. Rather, we’re growing to see these months of cold ‘imprisonment’ as ways to embrace the indoors, to cozy up with a bowl of tomato soup while watching a cheesy rom-com, or read a nostalgic tale, or even work on that long-needed room cleanse while listening to some classical music.

However, with ongoing midterms, quizzes, presentations, and our countless other assignments, frenzied freshmen to experienced seniors are all looking to comfortably push through the next few days and only romanticize Fall when the pressure’s all gone and the work is all submitted.

“Enjoy the season,” is all one can say! Enjoy the season! Take a moment to witness the spectacle of the changing colors, the fiery scarlets, ambers, and golds. Sip on a warm drink (or two) when you’re all cozied up in a fleece sweater, and then dive back into the hustle and bustle of the usual college life.

Cover Photo by Monstera Production from Pexels

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Cover Photo by Pushpak Dsilva on Unsplash

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It is no lie to state that tuition plays a significant, if not one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to selecting an institution to study in- no matter the course offerings, location, student to faculty ratio, prestige, etc. Recently, changes were introduced to the Rutgers University budget, with an expected 6% increase in tuition, 5% increase in housing, and 7% increase in meal plans respectively. This increase in tuition plays a larger role on the Camden campus, as compared to the two other campuses in New Brunswick and Newark. The Rutgers University branch in Camden provides a significant amount of financial aid to students, who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost – to attend. 

 Recently, in response to the increase in tuition, Matthew Brodsky who serves as President of the Rutgers University Camden Student Government Association (RUCSGA) released a statement in response to the change- expressing his disappointment about the Board of Governor’s decision.  In the RUCSGA President Matthew Brodsky’s statement, he says “since recently Rutgers University-Camden was deemed a minority serving Institution (MSI) and one that serves as an accessible institution that serves many minority students, non-traditional students, first generation students, student veterans, among others who rely on financial assistance.” “The support plays a crucial role in alleviating the financial burden associated with earning a valuable education which is essential for students in Rutgers University.” The change is unreasonable and simply upsetting. The approved tuition increase could lead to limiting the access of a collegiate education to many, and making the beautiful and inspiring hopes for the future of these youngsters a distant dream. 

Image of Statement issued by the RUCSGA by President Matthew Brodsky

Additionally, the President claims that this university-wide increase will “create considerable barriers” for students who primarily rely on financial aid and other financial resources offered through the University, and will be required to seek new ways to address the costs tied to attending and receiving their degree from Rutgers. 

Moreover, Matthew urges the school officials, legislators, policy makers to understand the scope of the matter, this issue, from a student’s perspective.  He calls on the university to “explore new and emerging revenue channels to help offset future increases to the operating budget so that current and future students can afford education.” Furthermore, Brodsky emphasizes that it is “essential for educational institutions and their leaders, legislators, and policymakers, and society at-large to acknowledge the urgency of addressing the college affordability issue and taking concerted action.”

The RUCSGA, Rutgers University-Camden Student Government Association, is an organization known for advocating for noble causes, to increase equity and fairness within that system and overall management. The SGA is the voice of the students and works to “promote and inspire” students, as their mission states. Ultimately, providing students the platform to share their thoughts, feelings, and insights about the University to increase awareness and inspire change from the higher up. 

With key organizations such as the RUCSGA, the students at Rutgers-Camden can trust and ultimately believe that their voices, regarding crucial issues such as these, will be heard and will reach the right ears through the vigilant e-board and members, frequently raising apprehension of such pivotal changes. While there is much the university as a whole must do to ensure that the college is affordable to all students, we can hope that the SGA’s advocacy can help make real noise to these issues.

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Dorming on campus comes with its set of pros and cons, pros being freedom to explore, adventure, meet new people, live with new people, work on your own schedule, and more. However, when it comes to the cons aspect of dorming on campus, one’s immediate answer is the cleanliness of the living space, “how hygienic and safe is it?”

Simply, as a norm, we, as students, are all conditioned to believe that college life of living on-campus is bound to be unhygienic, scrappy, and stingy; instead of digging deeper into the reality of this notion.

Rutgers University-Camden is a minority -majority populated school- where many attending students are first-generation students coming from complex backgrounds, and environments to come learn, grow, and move on to be successful in their own fields. However, how is all of this possible in an unsafe, unjust, and unclean environment? Where several aspects in the system are designed to work against you? Making the already existing obstacles harder to cross over. Students are expected to accept this narrative of the dorm room life, or scrappy ‘service’ on campus, a life of cutting corners, making adjustments simply because it’s been like that and is simply just like that, instead of retaliation, questioning the standards established and the basis of this very notion of unjust.

 According to Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote, “Be the change you wish to see” a group of staunch first year students, became the change they wished to see within this system of unjust. Shaan Mody, a freshman and lead researcher of the Campus Conditions and Physical Health research paper, saw this matter as a pressing problem, analyzing the deep rooted issue within the overall students and staff performance in regards to the overall infrastructure, dorm conditions, impacting overall performance academically. Shaan, along with his team, dug deep into the disparity between the potential of what could be versus what should be, and sought to make amends in the immoral system existing.

As a result,  uncovered the intricate web of reasons college going students and staff, in the Rutgers University-Camden campus, might find it hard to succeed academically due to the external barriers existing within the school. Through methodical surveys, meetings with the heads of individual schools, offices, The President of the University, The Chancellor, and active collaboration with powerful  student body organizations such as the SGA, and consistency in their mission to bring about change and equity in the school, here. The group worked, and is working, to bring about more change, within the campus community to better every student and staff member’s experience on campus, and ultimately “level the playing field for all”, not just for students but for staff and faculty alike, and make success more reachable.  

Shaan Mody, Emma Bogdan, and Joseph Lescht led the research for the 30-page research paper that they remarkably researched, analyzed, wrote, and published all within one semester of just being here, as active change making freshman-driven and motivated to question and change the wrongs. 

The team designed a PhD level research paper, the incredible team took to researching the campus population, surveying as many as possible to identify the key aspects of their external obstacles, that can be fixed, through a gradual system of new implementations. Once the data was collected, they distinguished this data into various categories based on responses, critically analyzed the information, and drew intellectual conclusions as such. Upon publishing their findings, through the 30-pg research, they reached out to the representatives of different schools within the university, and representative faces of the University itself, such as President Holloway, Chancellor Tillis, Mary Beth Daisy, and more to inform them of the wide scoping problem of the environmental role plays in the student/staff success, bring about awareness, and seek to change through the top onwards, identifying the necessary steps needed to take in order to tackle this deep rooted problem through systemic steps; bring awareness and hope that they can make change and bring about equity. 

Personal statements from the leading researchers of the paper include the following, as they detail their personal connection to the project, as well as their experiences in the process. 

Shaan: 

“When I first heard about the conditions of the facilities at Rutgers University-Camden, I was shocked. As a student, I understand the importance of having a safe and functional learning environment, and the fact that students and faculty were experiencing such difficulties was unacceptable to me. That’s why I was motivated to conduct research on this topic and see if there was a correlation between campus conditions and physical health, academic performance, and execution of faculty/staff duties. The ideation process for this project started with brainstorming ideas with my . We all agreed that this was an important topic to explore and we wanted to find a way to give voice to the students and faculty who were experiencing these issues. From there, we created a survey that we disseminated to both students and faculty over a 4-week course period.

The journey was both challenging and rewarding. We had to navigate the complexities of collecting and analyzing data while also ensuring the efficacy of survey respondents. However, seeing the results of our survey and the impact it could have on the Rutgers-Camden community made it all worth it. The survey results were concerning, but not surprising. It was clear that the poor conditions of the campus were affecting both the physical and academic well-being of students and faculty. Mold, insects, and  present in the facilities posed significant health risks, and the overall dissatisfaction with the facilities was a major academic distraction. 

I am pleased to report on the progress made by the administration in response to our findings. Since the report’s publication, the administration has taken several steps to address the issues identified in the survey. Firstly, the administration has ensured the prompt resolution of mold, water leakage, vent, and air quality issues within one business day of reporting. For larger issues, the administration leverages other campus expertise to quickly address the issue. This has greatly improved the cleanliness, functionality, and safety of the campus facilities. Secondly, the administration has taken proactive measures to educate students on how to maintain a clean and hygienic environment through regular communication in their newsletters. This includes guidance on using fans, removing trash regularly, and reporting issues that need attention.

The Associate VP Shulack and the IPO Department are leading efforts to address campus items, including those highlighted in the paper summary. Furthermore, the administration has ongoing prioritization and action regarding the maintenance of buildings at both the systemic and individual room levels. This includes deep cleaning during summers, addressing issues during breaks, and replacing air conditioning units when needed.

Overall, the administration’s efforts have been commendable in addressing the issues highlighted in the report. As we move forward, I hope to see more improvements in the campus facilities to create a conducive environment for learning and working for students, faculty, and staff.”

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