Jen Castro '2025

Learn More About Me

My Hometown

Paterson, NJ

Bonner Site

PEI Kids

Why Bonner?

Incoming as a first-generation college student who did not know what to expect with college, I received an email to apply to the Bonner Scholars program, where it stated this was a community of hard working individuals doing quality service in the surrounding mercer county area. When I looked into the instagram and the website further, I knew that Bonner was going to be a place where I was going to have a fulfilling college experience while serving and helping the community around TCNJ. I decided to participate after getting accepted to TCNJ as I knew I could not let this opportunity pass by me. The more I participated in Bonner activities, the more I fell in love with the space, people and program and have prided myself in always exceeding my hours and being a helping hand in different aspects such as All Bonner meetings, recruitment efforts and now serving as the Bonner Leadership team president. Bonner has given me a space all throughout my time at TCNJ where I have been heard, appreciated and supported while also being uplifted and motivated as a students engaging in community service and college studies. Bonner truly was the place to give me and provide me with countless opportunities which I am forever blessed and grateful for.

Favorite TCNJ Bonner Memory

My favorite TCNJ Bonner memory is my second ever orientation during sophomore year as this was directly after my first full year at the College and within Bonner. This orientation strengthen our cohort after bonding for a year and it was also the first time I was able to connect with people younger than me who also had the same feelings of anxiety and excitement the year before. Now a little older and a little wiser I was able to connect with upperclassmen and underclassmen in different capacities. This was also the orientation where I received my littles in Bonner Francisco and Jason and it was a wonderful experience to welcome new students to TCNJ and Bonner as I welcomed a year before.

Advice for Prospective Bonners

My advice to prospective Bonner Students is to be Be open-minded! College is an experience. It is the time to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. In Bonner there are so many different avenues where you can take your journey and service and being open minded and knowing that you can ask questions to anyone, goes a long way! Bonner is not only a scholarship program, but a community of people who have your back and want to see you succeed and thrive not only within the program but anything you do outside of it. It may be scary at first, but there are so many people who are just as excited and nervous, and you just have to take that step forward and do whatever you put your mind to! Remember once you've entered the Bonner community, you're in it forever! B-Love!