Seton Hall Students Share Advice and Insights With South Orange Middle Schoolers

Seton Hall students learn through serving others, especially those from neighboring communities in need. Community outreach and service activities are aligned with the Catholic Mission and include several projects, including partnerships with local elementary and middle schools. 

On December 1, 2023, eleven Seton Hall students were invited by South Orange Middle School (SOMS) administrators to host a panel discussion for more than 200 eighth-grade students. The event was structured as a Q&A session, providing eighth graders with insights into college life and the pursuit of higher education. Seton Hall students shared their experiences, discussing why they chose Seton Hall, their majors, and career aspirations. The topics, which included a typical day in college, time management, and tips for preparing for higher education, offered valuable guidance to SOMS students. 

One of the Student Government Association's (SGA) overall goals is to develop and execute programs that promote community and unity throughout the University and beyond. The SGA Village Relations Committee, whose mission is to foster strong and meaningful connections between Seton Hall and South Orange Village, coordinated the event at SOMS. 

On January 30, Vice President Monica Burnette, Ph.D., interviewed SGA Village Relations Committee Chair John-Joseph Rieger on this impactful event. John-Joseph is a junior at Seton Hall, majoring in Biology and Chemistry. Additional comments were provided to John-Joseph after the event. 

What was the event's purpose, and why do you feel it was an important initiative for SGA, the Village Relations Committee, and Seton Hall?

John-Joseph: The recent event had a clear purpose: to strengthen the bond between the University and the local community, particularly with nearby schools like South Orange Middle School (SOMS). This initiative held significant importance for the SGA, Village Relations Committee, and Seton Hall as it perfectly aligns with the goal of servant leadership as well as the motto of Hazard Zet Forward. During the Q&A section, SOMS students engaged directly with Seton Hall University students, covering crucial aspects such as college applications, the most challenging parts of college, transitioning from high school, stress management, social life and more. Through this interaction, the event successfully inspired and informed SOMS students about the possibilities and challenges of higher education, reinforcing the importance of education and community engagement. 

The event had broad representation across Seton Hall students from several colleges and schools. Tell us more about who participated in this event.

John-Joseph: I coordinated this event with my fellow Village Relations colleagues, Clare Dueweke and Alexandra Carroll, from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations. We worked with the eighth grade language arts team leader and teacher at SOMS, Amy Rowe. 

Panelists included nine students from various Colleges and Schools, including Stillman School of Business (Jason Santos, Alexa Soloman, Ryan Rudnick); College of Arts & Sciences (Anna Holland, Lissy Artiles, John-Joseph Rieger), College of Nursing (Priya Verma), School of Diplomacy/ Stillman School of Business (Madeline Kruszczynski), and ROTC/ Stillman School of Business (Alexander Alvarez). 

What was most rewarding about participating in and organizing this event?

John-Joseph: As a student involved in organizing the event and participating in it, the most rewarding aspect was witnessing the direct impact on the middle school students from SOMS. Being part of a team that aimed to create a bridge between Seton Hall and the local community, specifically the nearby schools, provided a sense of fulfillment. During the event, seeing the engaged expressions on the faces of the eighth graders as they asked questions and absorbed insights about college life was truly gratifying. The opportunity to share personal experiences, discuss majors and career aspirations and offer practical tips for navigating higher education created a meaningful connection between us, the Seton Hall students, and the middle schoolers.

Alexander Alvarez: I was honored to be invited to participate in this event. There is a moral obligation to serve and give back to the community. Being the voice of hope and sharing the great value of pursuing higher education was very personal for me.

Ryan Rudnick: Having an event like this is good for middle schoolers to understand what is ahead of them even after high school so they can have an idea of what they want in the future. On an organizational level, I think it is good to have other clubs and organizations reach out to the community.

Amy Holland: I like working with kids and sharing what I've learned with people. We, as panelists, had a really broad range of interests, majors and involvement, and I think that that just provided everyone in the crowd some piece of what they could relate to.

Amy Rowe (SOMS): I think it is really important for kids to start thinking early on about the college experience, whether it is Seton Hall or another university, just so they can begin to think about what different career paths are and how to prepare. This event provided free access for students to be able to learn about the college experience early on to better their chances to go to a university that best serves them and their future.

What were some notable audience questions? How do you think the event was received? 

John-Joseph: I believe that some audience questions from SOMS students stood out for their curiosity and relevance. Noteworthy questions included inquiries about the most challenging aspects of college life, tips for applying to college and writing college essays, managing stress, transitioning from high school to college, and balancing social life with academics. These questions showcased the eagerness of the middle school students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the college experience. They demonstrated their thoughtful consideration of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in higher education. The engagement and interest expressed by the SOMS students added depth and value to the event.

Amy Rowe (SOMS): I think the piece about time management is something [SOMS students] can take away right now as our students are involved in a lot of extracurricular activities similar to college students. This is about building strong habits that are going to make them be able to succeed in high school, college and in the workforce.

What is the mission of the SGA Village Relations Committee, and how can one learn more or get involved?

John-Joseph: The mission of the Village Relations Committee is to foster strong and meaningful connections between Seton Hall University and the surrounding community, particularly the local village. This committee recognizes the importance of building partnerships beyond the University's borders and engaging with neighboring schools, businesses and residents. The goal is to create a positive and mutually beneficial relationship, promoting collaboration, understanding and support between Seton Hall and the broader community. 

To learn more about the Village Relations Committee and its mission, interested individuals can explore Seton Hall University's official website or visit the Student Government Association (SGA) page for relevant information. Additionally, attending SGA meetings on Mondays at 7 p.m. or events is an excellent way to connect with committee members, gain insights into initiatives, become valuable contributors to the committee's mission and actively contribute to building stronger connections between the University and the surrounding villages.

What are some future initiatives from the SGA Village Relations Committee?

John-Joseph: The Village Relations Committee has a dynamic set of future initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Seton Hall University and the local community:

• Host more Q&A events for middle and high schools on college life and the goal of pursuing higher education.
• Create partnerships for workshops to impart valuable skills to students and community members.
• Forge collaborations with local businesses to add off-campus merchants to the list of discounted shops for Seton Hall University students.
• Explore partnerships with The Village at SOPAC movie theaters to enhance cultural and recreational opportunities.
• Engage in committee member outreach at the annual village council public meetings.
• Develop internship opportunities for Seton Hall University students in Downtown South Orange Village to provide real-world experiences and strengthen community ties.

Categories: Campus Life, Education, Faith and Service