Two years ago, I made the decision to transfer to Drew University after completing two years at Union County College.
When I first began the transfer process in spring 2023, I didn’t expect to be involved at my next school. I assumed my time at Drew would mirror my community college experience: classes, work and little more.
I thought I would commute, attend class and leave. Quiet. Straightforward.
But that mindset shifted quickly after arriving at Drew.
After my tour with Emmily Bacca (C’24) and the incredible support I received from my admissions counselor, Sunita Bhargava (C’11, G’14), I fell in love with the campus environment. For the first time, I saw a community where I felt I could truly belong.
The only other school I seriously considered was Kean University, located back in my hometown. Looking back now, I have no doubt that Drew was the right choice.
I arrived at Drew with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, unsure of what my place would be in this new chapter. What I found was a university that welcomed me with open arms, and a version of myself I didn’t yet know existed.
Determined to make this experience different, I spent the summer before my first semester browsing Drew’s student engagement website, The Path, and signing up for every club that caught my interest. I promised myself I would commit to something more this time.
I hit the ground running that fall semester—first joining the Gaming Club, then getting involved with the Commuters Association. Before I knew it, I was staying on campus late almost every day, surrounded by fellow students, events and opportunities that made Drew feel like a second home.
Club life became a cornerstone of my experience and success here. From reviving the Anime Club to founding the Transfer Student Organization, I found joy in building spaces that brought people together.
Being involved wasn’t just about filling my schedule. It was about creating a campus culture where students like me felt seen, supported and celebrated.
Alongside my club work, I embraced on-campus employment opportunities. Whether giving tours to prospective students, welcoming admitted students at orientation or mentoring first-years in DREW 110, I found a deep sense of purpose in helping others find their place at Drew.
My internships with Gourmet Dining, Rainbow Secure and A Work of Heart Productions allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, especially in marketing—a field I’ve grown deeply passionate about.
Through civic engagement programs like Changemakers, I learned how powerful service work can be. I completed volunteer hours with community partners, participated in reflection-based workshops and challenged myself to think bigger about my impact on others and the world around me.
At Drew, I learned how to lead—but more importantly, how to listen. I learned to advocate for first-generation students, commuters and transfers—communities whose stories are often left untold.
The more involved I became, the more I realized I wasn’t alone. There were others with similar journeys, and together, we built communities rooted in shared experiences and mutual support.
Building a network here never felt like networking. It felt like a connection—like reaching out and finding people who wanted to grow alongside you.
Faculty and staff saw more in me than I saw in myself. Their encouragement and mentorship helped me develop my voice, my vision and my confidence.
Classmates became colleagues. Colleagues became close friends. And every project, every meeting and every late-night editing session added to a chapter I’ll always carry with me.
This campus gave me more than just an education. It gave me a home I never expected to find, and a version of myself I didn’t know I was capable of becoming.
To every person who opened a door, offered support or believed in me—thank you. Your kindness shaped my journey more than you know.
Thank you, Drew University, for showing me what’s possible when you say yes to growth. Thank you for the friendships, the challenges, the memories and the Forest I now proudly call home.
Benjamin Castro is a senior majoring in Marketing & Business.
