Randolph, NJ
Bridge to Employment
I was compelled to join the Bonner Scholars program here at TCNJ because I wanted to become an active member within the Trenton community in a beneficial way. I’ve always felt a strong desire to serve and support those around me, and Bonner had provided the perfect opportunity to do so. Throughout my participation in this program, I wanted to make a positive impact on the community while developing my professional skills by engaging in service-oriented work while balancing my college experience.
My favorite memory from Bonner was the First Year New Orleans Service Trip, where we were able to help remodel a home that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina in years prior. It was a meaningful experience, as I was able to apply the construction skills I learned from my parents while serving a community in need. Working in the culturally significant area made the trip even more impactful and opened my eyes to many new experiences.
My advice for prospective Bonner students is to embrace every opportunity to serve and learn from the communities you work with. The Bonner program isn’t just about volunteering, it’s about building meaningful relationships, growing as a leader, and making a lasting impact. Be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The more you invest in the program, the more you’ll grow both personally and professionally.
Center for Community Engagement
Forcina Hall, Room 337
The College of New Jersey
P.O. Box 7718
2000 Pennington Rd.
Ewing, NJ 08628