December 22, 2023 • 21 mins
The first of our three-part commencement series special checks out the inaugural RCBC Winter Commencement, which kicked off with Health Sciences. We'll speak with President's Award winner Rahaf Alsharif, catch up with Health Sciences graduates interviewed by RCBC Marketing Intern Eli Booth, and hear a few clips from this memorable event.
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Jason Varga (00:01):
Welcome to the program pod a national award
winning program on the rcbcPodcast Network which takes a
deep dive into the programsoffered at rcbc through
different perspectives ofstudents, faculty and employers.
And we're actually doing aspecial like we did this spring
in the summer, as it is JasonVarga here host of the program
pod and usually taking a deepdive into perspective, as you
(00:22):
heard my little intro in there,but the first time ever in rcbc,
history, Winter Commencement2023. We're going to be all free
ceremonies on Wednesday,December 20. So whenever you're
going to be listening to thispodcast, it may have already
happened and it could be on ourYouTube channel for rcbc. But
we're taking the PresidentialAward winners from each ceremony
from stem Health Sciences andliberal arts movement, have, you
(00:45):
know, adult basic education arepart of the next big three
presidential award so we'regonna speak with them. I'm going
to have one of my interns andone of our students on the
streets with Eli. So nice littlecommencement special, which
we're going to kick things offwith one of our Presidential
Award winners. Rahaf Alsharif,is that right? Right. Right.
Okay, so how are you doing?Good. Thank you. Thank you for
(01:06):
having me. Well, first of all,congratulations on being one of
the three presidential awardwinners here at rcbc.
Unknown (01:12):
Thank you.
Jason Varga (01:13):
So obviously you have an incredible story. I was
just listening to do your yourspeech to Are you ready for the
for the speech?
Rahaf Alsharif (01:19):
I'm ready. Yeah, it's something I have dreamed to
do it long time before and I amI can't be more ready than this
moment. Yeah,
Jason Varga (01:32):
I mean, you sounded great. Obviously you know you
get through some of the thehiccups because you know when
you're preparing for the speech,want to make sure you're doing
everything right. But then youget to hear a voice for the
first time coming through thefor the PA have that sound to
hear in your voice back in anauditorium because we're doing
it for again, for people thatare listening. We used to do our
commencement outside becauseit's obviously it's May so the
weather is fantastic right thereon the stage. We do it over two
(01:52):
days. This is the first timeever we're doing Winter
Commencement. We're inside votohall here. So here we're gonna
be in a packed auditorium with500 people. Yeah, not to make
you nervous, but
Rahaf Alsharif (02:02):
it is like it's out of my comfort zone. It's
okay to get ourselves out of ourcomfort zone from time to time
and coming here and practicingit's definitely going to help me
because this is the real stageand real place and voice as you
(02:22):
said the voice when we talk inthe microphone. Yes, it's really
changed a little bit in myperspective.
Jason Varga (02:30):
Yeah, so hearing your hearing your voice in there
it's you know, it's different aspeople when they get up there
and you're hearing you're kindof like the reverb in the room.
So it's a little bit differentbut I know you're gonna crush it
you sound even better the nexttime so when it actually goes
you know you go to tell yourstory it's going to be
incredible experience foreverybody so and again we'll
have it on our YouTube channelsbut let's hear your story
(02:52):
because I got the I was readingit from Victoria and our
marketing team who does all oursocial media accounts and all
the news stories that go outover the college and stuff and
you know, your your backgroundwhat you went through to get
here to America you know I wouldlike you for the share that with
our listeners. So
Rahaf Alsharif (03:08):
we came here in 2012 as a World Refugee and it
was a very difficult journeylet's say for me having four
children I give birth for myfifth children here in America
and raising them and havinglosing all your support system
(03:28):
no home I remember myself in myvery first days here in America
and was looking in the kitchenwhen we rented out an apartment
where is the parts where is thespoons? Where is the plates like
nothing here and it was reallyhard for me to open the window
and imagine myself that when I'mgoing to be stepped out that
(03:49):
home I have to figure figure outa way to interact with people
because I have no English zeroEnglish like only by and hello
that's it. So it was reallydifficult it's something I don't
want anyone buddy to experiencethat one but it made me it came
(04:14):
made who's really I am likehelps me to to know who I am.
I'm was really spoiled in Syria,a spoiled wife spoil rooms you
came from Syria for years yeah,yes. Really like my parents, my
husband, my sisters, my in lawsall of them was like really my
support system. So I'm reallywas in a conference zone and
(04:38):
when I came here it was Ifigured out who's I am I thought
I'm someone who's only can livean easy life. But when I came
Jason Varga (04:50):
here No, I know. I knew. You said you came here
without any English at all. No,
Rahaf Alsharif (04:54):
only hello and goodbye some like red, blue,
black these like basic bye Toget I couldn't understand any
conversation even my go when Igo to my school, my kids school
I have to go I take my laptopright in Arabic to translate in
English, they will type inEnglish and that will translate
(05:15):
in Arabic then I will understandwhat that. Yeah, so
Jason Varga (05:18):
where did you learn English?
Rahaf Alsharif (05:20):
So first two years, I wasn't learning that
much even if I was in let's sayI have a computer I have YouTube
but um was in that in, um, umwas focusing to go back to Syria
don't want to stay here. Butafter that, in 2015, I went to a
(05:45):
mosque in named UCLA in CherryHill that mosque i There is only
non Arabic people, like peopledoesn't speak Arabic that much.
So you have to find a way tocommunicate with them. So when I
was there, I learned so muchfrom there. And from there, I
started to heal. I started tofeel I'm healing and to be here.
(06:09):
Yeah. And now, from there. Iknow there is something named
rcbc. There is ESL program inrcbc. So you can go there. So
Jason Varga (06:18):
English as a second language. Yeah, she's referring
to Yeah, yep. So yep.
Rahaf Alsharif (06:22):
And from there, did the ESL program with Dr.
Moreau. Nia, Sir, she's my,she's something amazing in my
life. Yeah, she's somethingamazing. I could give her credit
for so many things in my life,and in our CBC here. And then,
from the journey from there,it's begin from that ESL
(06:45):
program.
Jason Varga (06:46):
And now you're getting ready to speak on my
husband for me English, no, verylittle red and blue to hi and
hello to actually giving aspeech in front of about 500
people. I'm getting chills,like, you know, talking about
that. So what made you actuallywhat we'll get into? You're
going to, you're going tonursing, right? Yeah. Okay. So
before we touch base on that,what made you actually want to
(07:08):
give this speech? Like, why didyou want to apply to be a
president's award winner,inspiring
Rahaf Alsharif (07:11):
people, most of the time, like, that was my
goal. My goal is to inspirepeople, and especially people
who had a hard time in theirlife,
Jason Varga (07:20):
or possible war, refugees and or other hard,
difficult times. I mean, we getthem all the time from the
President's Award winner andhearing the other two stories as
well. You know, it's great, I'mglad, you'd want to be able to
share your story of inspiration,cuz that's what it's about, you
know, in this environment. Sowhy, why nursing though, because
you ESL, but why nursingspecifically?
Rahaf Alsharif (07:42):
It is because it's connected deeply to my
value I like to care for aboutpeople. And if you know me in my
life, if you know me enough,like for several months, we
close together, you will knowthat this is going to be a good
career for her. Because Ireally, it's, I really care
(08:04):
about people. And if you want tobe a nurse, and you care, that's
it.
Jason Varga (08:08):
No, I know, my mom's a nurse, my wife, my
wife's a nurse. Oh. So I'm wellused to that. And then I'm
taking care of me but but thebedside manner and taking care
of people and putting themselvesbefore anybody else and stuff to
once I get that total vibe fromyou. And obviously, being a
mother of five, which isincredible. I have one and that
she's, she's a little energyball. So imagine having five
(08:30):
little energy balls runningaround. So after nursing, do you
have another an end goal? Or youjust want to, you know, the
whole nursing thing? Is thereother aspirations that you have?
Rahaf Alsharif (08:41):
Um, I'm really interested to be in midwifery
school. That will take a littlebit time after graduation,
because I need to run mybachelor degree. And yeah,
that's one of my goals. And Ithink that's the ultimate goal
is not almost one of my goals innursing field to be a nurse
midwife.
Jason Varga (09:00):
Yeah, just keep on learning, lifelong learning as
they say. We're off again, Iwant to thank you for coming on
the show. But before I do go andyou kind of put it in a little
bit into your message, but whatis an inspirational message or
quote that you'd like to shareto your fellow classmates or
just anybody listening ingeneral?
Rahaf Alsharif (09:17):
Um, I want to really say don't give up but I
want to say don't hesitate toask for help. I know so many
people struggle, and evenstruggle to ask for help. Don't
what get me here in nursingschool. So many people in my
back, even including my nursingschool year, my nursing school
(09:41):
students, they know themselves,they know who helped me they
sent me notes, I asked them forhelp. They send me their notes.
They helped in everything. Theysupported me they told me you go
do this because you arequalified for this. Asking for
help. There is nothing Don't beashamed of to ask for help. This
(10:02):
is important. But more thandon't give up. I know, like
really important, don't give up.But go ask for help. If, and
don't be shy. And also trust theprocess and have faith. And I
know when you will stumble andyou will fail, you will fit, you
will feel so heavy. Don't giveup your face. That will keep you
(10:26):
on your feet too. Because that'swhat keeps me
Jason Varga (10:29):
that's awesome. Again, I'm getting chills again.
So very, very inspiring, verymotivational. And I know you're
gonna crush it on Wednesday forthe for the Winter Commencement.
So again, Ralph, congratulationson your presidential award, your
nursing. Everything else, youknow from what you're doing an
excellent story to hear. Sothanks for coming on the show.
Thank you so much for having mewhat an incredible interview
(10:50):
with her half and pretty easy tosee why she was selected as one
of the President's Award winnersfor the first ever Winter
Commencement here at rcbc. Nowlet's take you over to voto Hall
on the Mount Laurel campus wherethe health sciences students
were getting ready for their bigday and our marketing intern on
student worker Eli booth had achance to catch up with a few of
them.
Unknown (11:07):
i There's Eli I'm here with Brock Brooke, I want to ask
you what is the moment thatyou're most grateful for your
submission
this graduation? It's everythingI've been looking forward to and
everything I've been working sohard to get to
if you had to sum up yourjourney rcbc In three words,
what three words would you use?
Stressful, grateful? This is themain two? Yeah,
yeah, I think those are good.And it was good. Thanks so much,
(11:28):
Brooke, take care. My name isEli. My name is Mackenzie, any
teacher professor in particularthat you know, you're super
grateful for Glad you're able tohave their your time here. Our
CBC has
glad to have Professor Nina lawfor intro to theater. She was a
really great teacher andeverything great. It's
just kind of a tough question.But if you had to some of your
rcbc experience in three words,what three words would you use
(11:51):
powerful, hardworking andgrateful?
I love that. Thank you so much.My name is Eli, I'm here with
Sapphire. If you had to sum upyour experience your rcbc in
three words, what three wordswould you use?
Pleasant, challenging andfulfilling?
What would you say you're mostgrateful for during your time
here at our service?
I'm grateful for therelationships that I've made.
(12:13):
You know, classmates turnfriends turn family, and just
the opportunity to get a goodeducation.
Yeah, no, I love that. I lovethat. What advice would you give
to fellow graduates are cominggraduate? See rcbc
work easier? Not harder. Don'tsay no for an answer.
I love that. Thanks so much thatfar. Take care. All right,
congratulations. My name is Eli.I'm here.
(12:34):
Hey, my name is Caitlin,
Caitlin, nice to meet you. Iwant to ask you, what would you
say you're most grateful forduring your time here are
severely
probably my friends andclassmates. We really supported
each other through the wholeexperience and through clinicals
and everything. So
okay, so would you say like themost stressful times where you
need that support? Where duringclinicals? And that sort of
(12:56):
thing. And that's how you foundthat those relationships came to
be would you say, Oh,definitely,
I mean, clinicals are a littlebit stressful. It's always new,
and you're practicing new skillsin an environment you're not
familiar with. So just havingsupport, and we we really all
kind of watched out for eachother and helped each other when
we were unsure. And I love
that. Love that. And then lastquestion, what advice would you
(13:18):
give to fellow graduates orupcoming graduates that you've
just stuff that you've learnedduring time RCPCH you can pry
teach others who are going to bethe same shoes as you
read? Because nursing is, youknow, you really need to know, a
lot of different things. Butsomebody sent this to me when I
started like, don't keepbelieving in yourself. Like if
(13:39):
you manifest it and you believeit like you can do it. So I
would just say you know,support, support your friends
and ask them to support you too.And you're down. And yeah,
there's so much Caitlin.Congratulations as well.
Jason Varga (13:53):
I love how Caitlin's first inspirational
message is simply just to readthe basics, right. But also a
common theme from the rest ofthe students that Eli
interviewed is just simplybelieving in yourself. But now
let's take a listen topresidency OSI welcoming the
crowd for the first ever WinterCommencement rcbc, along with a
snippet of our President's Awardwinner Ibrahim Al Sharif, who we
(14:13):
had on earlier in the show. Goodafternoon.
President Cioce (14:17):
Thank you. My name is Mike COC. I'm the
President here at rcbc and Iwould like to welcome everyone
to Rowan College, Burlingtoncounty's first ever winter
graduation ceremony
very nervous. Okay. We are soglad that you could join us to
(14:40):
celebrate the success of all ofour students. While I'm reading
from a script. I will say thisfirst line is entirely accurate.
The emotion in this room ispretty palpable. I'm humbled to
be among inspirationalgraduates. They're proud and
supportive friends and familiesand those of us who are
privileged to work with all ofthem ceremony this afternoon
celebrates grit Graduates fromprograms within our Health
(15:01):
Sciences Division. I had theopportunity to meet Rouhani
earlier this year when we hadshared her story. I had sent a
note out to the campus communityin support of Turkish and Syrian
students who had been affectedby the earthquake. And she had
reached out and I said, Hey, youwant to you want to tell me a
little bit more about yourstory? She did. And I said, Oh,
(15:21):
can we profile you? And shesaid, I don't want to jinx it.
I'm in this nursing program.It's like super tough. The
faculty are like super mean. Shedidn't say that. But she did say
the first part is, you know, soshe didn't want to jinx it. I
said, I would love to share yourstory publicly once you're at
graduation. So I'm thrilled thatshe will keep her promise today
(15:43):
and share her insights with theclass of 2023 as the health
sciences Presidents Awardwinner, please welcome behalf Al
Sharif.
Unknown (15:59):
Ladies and gentleman, esteemed faculty, honored
guests, proud families, and mostimportantly, my fellow
graduates, I would like to startby saying in the name of God,
the Most Gracious, the MostMerciful witch in my mother
language, Arabic is BismillahiRahmani Raheem. Each and every
(16:20):
one of you is an example thatpeople look up to. Each and
every one of you has a uniquejourney that many are unaware of
your hard work, dedication andpassion to care for others have
gotten you here. And let me tellyou, my friends, the route to
success, that was one that weworked together, we studied each
(16:42):
other and when we stumbled andwe begged each other when we
fail. And let's not forget tocongratulate our loved ones who
supported and cheered us onevery step of the way. This
diploma is theirs as much asit's ours without their
unwavering support.Congratulations, class of 2023
(17:02):
whether you are going intonursing or paramedic, or
continuing your education, mayyour journey be filled with
fulfillment, growth and profoundcertification of making a
positive difference in the livesof those you care for. Thank
you.
Jason Varga (17:25):
And there you have it, our first ever Winter
Commencement for Health Sciencesgraduating class of 2023 winter
style in the books. If you wouldlike to watch the whole health
sciences commencement you canhead over to RCPCH YouTube page,
and you can stream itaccordingly. But for now, the
students would then proceed tothe Student Success Center for
selfies with Barry and theirloved ones to continue this
special occasion where Eli onceagain had a chance to speak with
(17:47):
some worth how sciences studentsHello,
Unknown (17:49):
my name is Eli I'm here with Alyssa T bear. How you
feeling? postgraduation?Surreal. Yeah. If you had to sum
up graduation three words, mostof the three words be best day
ever. That's perfect. That'sperfect. Okay, all right. And
then what would you say is aboom at your boat most grateful
for their your time, your rcbc.Um,
honestly, it's really just beenthe support of everybody. It's
(18:11):
been really wonderful. I havereally gotten to know a lot of
these ladies and gentlemenwho've been through the program
and the staff have been amazing.My family support has been
really, really amazing. I justthe support in general, I think
has been the best experience.
We share support and thoserelationships you formerly came
from those like inside theclassroom outside the classroom,
(18:31):
like we're extracurriculars,what would you say that really
came,
I would say from my peers, andfrom my professors inside the
school. Everyone's kind of like,you know, knee and deep. Yeah,
they're all up in it togetherwith you. And you know, they're
getting up at the crack of dawn.They're doing all the same hard,
you know, homework andeverything. I think that's
really where it is, is like,just your peers and your friends
(18:53):
that you make in your classes
and your favorite professors oryour presser particularly will
give a shout out to Dr.
William she was my fundamentalsprofessor and honestly, she
really inspired me to just, youknow, continue on with my
education after this. And shewas just really amazing. It was
really good conversations we hadtogether and she's been the one
that's uh, you know, stuck outwith me. Yeah, cuz everyone here
(19:15):
is really amazing. The staff hasjust been, you know, profound.
Alyssa, thank you so much.Congratulations once again. All
right. Take care. Hello, my nameis Eli. I'm
here with Ashley corvid.
Okay, this is post graduation.How you feeling?
It's surreal honestly, like I'mjust so grateful to God for
really carrying me through so Ican't believe it. But I'm so so
grateful.
All right, what would you whatwould you say is one moment from
(19:38):
your journey RCPCH you're mostgrateful for
I would have to say makingmemorable friends like there's
there's no community, like thecommunity you have in the
program that you're in.Somebody's in the trenches with
you like it's it's really niceto have that support,
support. What advice would yougive to fellow graduates or
people who are going to begraduates are going to be the
same shoes that you are rightnow.
(20:00):
I see fellow graduates andgraduates to come, graduates to
come know that you can do itwhen you get here. It feels so
surreal. And to my fellowgraduates, congratulations, we
made it we're done and I thankGod Okay.
Jason Varga (20:17):
Sounds like Eli in his students are having a great
time in a student success centerpost graduation, enjoying the
cookies and celebratory memoriesbeing made, which the day still
would have two morecommencements coming up with
STEM and liberal arts, whichyou'll hear on the next two
podcasts coming up over winterbreak. For now. If you have an
interest in RCB C's HealthSciences program or any program
at the College you can check outrcbc.edu for more information
(20:39):
where spring registration isunderway. For now, this has been
Jay Varga for part one of thefirst ever Winter Commencement
coverage taking off on my littlesleigh ride here into the
holidays wishing you and yoursthe very best in the new year
and thanks so much for listeningand making this a nationally
award winning show on theprogram pod gratulations
President Cioce (20:57):
to the members of the Class of 2023. Graduates,
you may now move your tasselsfrom your right to your left
now Now we're cooking with gas.I love it
Welcome to the program pod a national award
winning program on the rcbcPodcast Network which takes a
deep dive into the programsoffered at rcbc through
different perspectives ofstudents, faculty and employers.
And we're actually doing aspecial like we did this spring
in the summer, as it is JasonVarga here host of the program
pod and usually taking a deepdive into perspective, as you
(00:22):
heard my little intro in there,but the first time ever in rcbc,
history, Winter Commencement2023. We're going to be all free
ceremonies on Wednesday,December 20. So whenever you're
going to be listening to thispodcast, it may have already
happened and it could be on ourYouTube channel for rcbc. But
we're taking the PresidentialAward winners from each ceremony
from stem Health Sciences andliberal arts movement, have, you
(00:45):
know, adult basic education arepart of the next big three
presidential award so we'regonna speak with them. I'm going
to have one of my interns andone of our students on the
streets with Eli. So nice littlecommencement special, which
we're going to kick things offwith one of our Presidential
Award winners. Rahaf Alsharif,is that right? Right. Right.
Okay, so how are you doing?Good. Thank you. Thank you for
(01:06):
having me. Well, first of all,congratulations on being one of
the three presidential awardwinners here at rcbc.
Unknown (01:12):
Thank you.
Jason Varga (01:13):
So obviously you have an incredible story. I was
just listening to do your yourspeech to Are you ready for the
for the speech?
Rahaf Alsharif (01:19):
I'm ready. Yeah, it's something I have dreamed to
do it long time before and I amI can't be more ready than this
moment. Yeah,
Jason Varga (01:32):
I mean, you sounded great. Obviously you know you
get through some of the thehiccups because you know when
you're preparing for the speech,want to make sure you're doing
everything right. But then youget to hear a voice for the
first time coming through thefor the PA have that sound to
hear in your voice back in anauditorium because we're doing
it for again, for people thatare listening. We used to do our
commencement outside becauseit's obviously it's May so the
weather is fantastic right thereon the stage. We do it over two
(01:52):
days. This is the first timeever we're doing Winter
Commencement. We're inside votohall here. So here we're gonna
be in a packed auditorium with500 people. Yeah, not to make
you nervous, but
Rahaf Alsharif (02:02):
it is like it's out of my comfort zone. It's
okay to get ourselves out of ourcomfort zone from time to time
and coming here and practicingit's definitely going to help me
because this is the real stageand real place and voice as you
(02:22):
said the voice when we talk inthe microphone. Yes, it's really
changed a little bit in myperspective.
Jason Varga (02:30):
Yeah, so hearing your hearing your voice in there
it's you know, it's different aspeople when they get up there
and you're hearing you're kindof like the reverb in the room.
So it's a little bit differentbut I know you're gonna crush it
you sound even better the nexttime so when it actually goes
you know you go to tell yourstory it's going to be
incredible experience foreverybody so and again we'll
have it on our YouTube channelsbut let's hear your story
(02:52):
because I got the I was readingit from Victoria and our
marketing team who does all oursocial media accounts and all
the news stories that go outover the college and stuff and
you know, your your backgroundwhat you went through to get
here to America you know I wouldlike you for the share that with
our listeners. So
Rahaf Alsharif (03:08):
we came here in 2012 as a World Refugee and it
was a very difficult journeylet's say for me having four
children I give birth for myfifth children here in America
and raising them and havinglosing all your support system
(03:28):
no home I remember myself in myvery first days here in America
and was looking in the kitchenwhen we rented out an apartment
where is the parts where is thespoons? Where is the plates like
nothing here and it was reallyhard for me to open the window
and imagine myself that when I'mgoing to be stepped out that
(03:49):
home I have to figure figure outa way to interact with people
because I have no English zeroEnglish like only by and hello
that's it. So it was reallydifficult it's something I don't
want anyone buddy to experiencethat one but it made me it came
(04:14):
made who's really I am likehelps me to to know who I am.
I'm was really spoiled in Syria,a spoiled wife spoil rooms you
came from Syria for years yeah,yes. Really like my parents, my
husband, my sisters, my in lawsall of them was like really my
support system. So I'm reallywas in a conference zone and
(04:38):
when I came here it was Ifigured out who's I am I thought
I'm someone who's only can livean easy life. But when I came
Jason Varga (04:50):
here No, I know. I knew. You said you came here
without any English at all. No,
Rahaf Alsharif (04:54):
only hello and goodbye some like red, blue,
black these like basic bye Toget I couldn't understand any
conversation even my go when Igo to my school, my kids school
I have to go I take my laptopright in Arabic to translate in
English, they will type inEnglish and that will translate
(05:15):
in Arabic then I will understandwhat that. Yeah, so
Jason Varga (05:18):
where did you learn English?
Rahaf Alsharif (05:20):
So first two years, I wasn't learning that
much even if I was in let's sayI have a computer I have YouTube
but um was in that in, um, umwas focusing to go back to Syria
don't want to stay here. Butafter that, in 2015, I went to a
(05:45):
mosque in named UCLA in CherryHill that mosque i There is only
non Arabic people, like peopledoesn't speak Arabic that much.
So you have to find a way tocommunicate with them. So when I
was there, I learned so muchfrom there. And from there, I
started to heal. I started tofeel I'm healing and to be here.
(06:09):
Yeah. And now, from there. Iknow there is something named
rcbc. There is ESL program inrcbc. So you can go there. So
Jason Varga (06:18):
English as a second language. Yeah, she's referring
to Yeah, yep. So yep.
Rahaf Alsharif (06:22):
And from there, did the ESL program with Dr.
Moreau. Nia, Sir, she's my,she's something amazing in my
life. Yeah, she's somethingamazing. I could give her credit
for so many things in my life,and in our CBC here. And then,
from the journey from there,it's begin from that ESL
(06:45):
program.
Jason Varga (06:46):
And now you're getting ready to speak on my
husband for me English, no, verylittle red and blue to hi and
hello to actually giving aspeech in front of about 500
people. I'm getting chills,like, you know, talking about
that. So what made you actuallywhat we'll get into? You're
going to, you're going tonursing, right? Yeah. Okay. So
before we touch base on that,what made you actually want to
(07:08):
give this speech? Like, why didyou want to apply to be a
president's award winner,inspiring
Rahaf Alsharif (07:11):
people, most of the time, like, that was my
goal. My goal is to inspirepeople, and especially people
who had a hard time in theirlife,
Jason Varga (07:20):
or possible war, refugees and or other hard,
difficult times. I mean, we getthem all the time from the
President's Award winner andhearing the other two stories as
well. You know, it's great, I'mglad, you'd want to be able to
share your story of inspiration,cuz that's what it's about, you
know, in this environment. Sowhy, why nursing though, because
you ESL, but why nursingspecifically?
Rahaf Alsharif (07:42):
It is because it's connected deeply to my
value I like to care for aboutpeople. And if you know me in my
life, if you know me enough,like for several months, we
close together, you will knowthat this is going to be a good
career for her. Because Ireally, it's, I really care
(08:04):
about people. And if you want tobe a nurse, and you care, that's
it.
Jason Varga (08:08):
No, I know, my mom's a nurse, my wife, my
wife's a nurse. Oh. So I'm wellused to that. And then I'm
taking care of me but but thebedside manner and taking care
of people and putting themselvesbefore anybody else and stuff to
once I get that total vibe fromyou. And obviously, being a
mother of five, which isincredible. I have one and that
she's, she's a little energyball. So imagine having five
(08:30):
little energy balls runningaround. So after nursing, do you
have another an end goal? Or youjust want to, you know, the
whole nursing thing? Is thereother aspirations that you have?
Rahaf Alsharif (08:41):
Um, I'm really interested to be in midwifery
school. That will take a littlebit time after graduation,
because I need to run mybachelor degree. And yeah,
that's one of my goals. And Ithink that's the ultimate goal
is not almost one of my goals innursing field to be a nurse
midwife.
Jason Varga (09:00):
Yeah, just keep on learning, lifelong learning as
they say. We're off again, Iwant to thank you for coming on
the show. But before I do go andyou kind of put it in a little
bit into your message, but whatis an inspirational message or
quote that you'd like to shareto your fellow classmates or
just anybody listening ingeneral?
Rahaf Alsharif (09:17):
Um, I want to really say don't give up but I
want to say don't hesitate toask for help. I know so many
people struggle, and evenstruggle to ask for help. Don't
what get me here in nursingschool. So many people in my
back, even including my nursingschool year, my nursing school
(09:41):
students, they know themselves,they know who helped me they
sent me notes, I asked them forhelp. They send me their notes.
They helped in everything. Theysupported me they told me you go
do this because you arequalified for this. Asking for
help. There is nothing Don't beashamed of to ask for help. This
(10:02):
is important. But more thandon't give up. I know, like
really important, don't give up.But go ask for help. If, and
don't be shy. And also trust theprocess and have faith. And I
know when you will stumble andyou will fail, you will fit, you
will feel so heavy. Don't giveup your face. That will keep you
(10:26):
on your feet too. Because that'swhat keeps me
Jason Varga (10:29):
that's awesome. Again, I'm getting chills again.
So very, very inspiring, verymotivational. And I know you're
gonna crush it on Wednesday forthe for the Winter Commencement.
So again, Ralph, congratulationson your presidential award, your
nursing. Everything else, youknow from what you're doing an
excellent story to hear. Sothanks for coming on the show.
Thank you so much for having mewhat an incredible interview
(10:50):
with her half and pretty easy tosee why she was selected as one
of the President's Award winnersfor the first ever Winter
Commencement here at rcbc. Nowlet's take you over to voto Hall
on the Mount Laurel campus wherethe health sciences students
were getting ready for their bigday and our marketing intern on
student worker Eli booth had achance to catch up with a few of
them.
Unknown (11:07):
i There's Eli I'm here with Brock Brooke, I want to ask
you what is the moment thatyou're most grateful for your
submission
this graduation? It's everythingI've been looking forward to and
everything I've been working sohard to get to
if you had to sum up yourjourney rcbc In three words,
what three words would you use?
Stressful, grateful? This is themain two? Yeah,
yeah, I think those are good.And it was good. Thanks so much,
(11:28):
Brooke, take care. My name isEli. My name is Mackenzie, any
teacher professor in particularthat you know, you're super
grateful for Glad you're able tohave their your time here. Our
CBC has
glad to have Professor Nina lawfor intro to theater. She was a
really great teacher andeverything great. It's
just kind of a tough question.But if you had to some of your
rcbc experience in three words,what three words would you use
(11:51):
powerful, hardworking andgrateful?
I love that. Thank you so much.My name is Eli, I'm here with
Sapphire. If you had to sum upyour experience your rcbc in
three words, what three wordswould you use?
Pleasant, challenging andfulfilling?
What would you say you're mostgrateful for during your time
here at our service?
I'm grateful for therelationships that I've made.
(12:13):
You know, classmates turnfriends turn family, and just
the opportunity to get a goodeducation.
Yeah, no, I love that. I lovethat. What advice would you give
to fellow graduates are cominggraduate? See rcbc
work easier? Not harder. Don'tsay no for an answer.
I love that. Thanks so much thatfar. Take care. All right,
congratulations. My name is Eli.I'm here.
(12:34):
Hey, my name is Caitlin,
Caitlin, nice to meet you. Iwant to ask you, what would you
say you're most grateful forduring your time here are
severely
probably my friends andclassmates. We really supported
each other through the wholeexperience and through clinicals
and everything. So
okay, so would you say like themost stressful times where you
need that support? Where duringclinicals? And that sort of
(12:56):
thing. And that's how you foundthat those relationships came to
be would you say, Oh,definitely,
I mean, clinicals are a littlebit stressful. It's always new,
and you're practicing new skillsin an environment you're not
familiar with. So just havingsupport, and we we really all
kind of watched out for eachother and helped each other when
we were unsure. And I love
that. Love that. And then lastquestion, what advice would you
(13:18):
give to fellow graduates orupcoming graduates that you've
just stuff that you've learnedduring time RCPCH you can pry
teach others who are going to bethe same shoes as you
read? Because nursing is, youknow, you really need to know, a
lot of different things. Butsomebody sent this to me when I
started like, don't keepbelieving in yourself. Like if
(13:39):
you manifest it and you believeit like you can do it. So I
would just say you know,support, support your friends
and ask them to support you too.And you're down. And yeah,
there's so much Caitlin.Congratulations as well.
Jason Varga (13:53):
I love how Caitlin's first inspirational
message is simply just to readthe basics, right. But also a
common theme from the rest ofthe students that Eli
interviewed is just simplybelieving in yourself. But now
let's take a listen topresidency OSI welcoming the
crowd for the first ever WinterCommencement rcbc, along with a
snippet of our President's Awardwinner Ibrahim Al Sharif, who we
(14:13):
had on earlier in the show. Goodafternoon.
President Cioce (14:17):
Thank you. My name is Mike COC. I'm the
President here at rcbc and Iwould like to welcome everyone
to Rowan College, Burlingtoncounty's first ever winter
graduation ceremony
very nervous. Okay. We are soglad that you could join us to
(14:40):
celebrate the success of all ofour students. While I'm reading
from a script. I will say thisfirst line is entirely accurate.
The emotion in this room ispretty palpable. I'm humbled to
be among inspirationalgraduates. They're proud and
supportive friends and familiesand those of us who are
privileged to work with all ofthem ceremony this afternoon
celebrates grit Graduates fromprograms within our Health
(15:01):
Sciences Division. I had theopportunity to meet Rouhani
earlier this year when we hadshared her story. I had sent a
note out to the campus communityin support of Turkish and Syrian
students who had been affectedby the earthquake. And she had
reached out and I said, Hey, youwant to you want to tell me a
little bit more about yourstory? She did. And I said, Oh,
(15:21):
can we profile you? And shesaid, I don't want to jinx it.
I'm in this nursing program.It's like super tough. The
faculty are like super mean. Shedidn't say that. But she did say
the first part is, you know, soshe didn't want to jinx it. I
said, I would love to share yourstory publicly once you're at
graduation. So I'm thrilled thatshe will keep her promise today
(15:43):
and share her insights with theclass of 2023 as the health
sciences Presidents Awardwinner, please welcome behalf Al
Sharif.
Unknown (15:59):
Ladies and gentleman, esteemed faculty, honored
guests, proud families, and mostimportantly, my fellow
graduates, I would like to startby saying in the name of God,
the Most Gracious, the MostMerciful witch in my mother
language, Arabic is BismillahiRahmani Raheem. Each and every
(16:20):
one of you is an example thatpeople look up to. Each and
every one of you has a uniquejourney that many are unaware of
your hard work, dedication andpassion to care for others have
gotten you here. And let me tellyou, my friends, the route to
success, that was one that weworked together, we studied each
(16:42):
other and when we stumbled andwe begged each other when we
fail. And let's not forget tocongratulate our loved ones who
supported and cheered us onevery step of the way. This
diploma is theirs as much asit's ours without their
unwavering support.Congratulations, class of 2023
(17:02):
whether you are going intonursing or paramedic, or
continuing your education, mayyour journey be filled with
fulfillment, growth and profoundcertification of making a
positive difference in the livesof those you care for. Thank
you.
Jason Varga (17:25):
And there you have it, our first ever Winter
Commencement for Health Sciencesgraduating class of 2023 winter
style in the books. If you wouldlike to watch the whole health
sciences commencement you canhead over to RCPCH YouTube page,
and you can stream itaccordingly. But for now, the
students would then proceed tothe Student Success Center for
selfies with Barry and theirloved ones to continue this
special occasion where Eli onceagain had a chance to speak with
(17:47):
some worth how sciences studentsHello,
Unknown (17:49):
my name is Eli I'm here with Alyssa T bear. How you
feeling? postgraduation?Surreal. Yeah. If you had to sum
up graduation three words, mostof the three words be best day
ever. That's perfect. That'sperfect. Okay, all right. And
then what would you say is aboom at your boat most grateful
for their your time, your rcbc.Um,
honestly, it's really just beenthe support of everybody. It's
(18:11):
been really wonderful. I havereally gotten to know a lot of
these ladies and gentlemenwho've been through the program
and the staff have been amazing.My family support has been
really, really amazing. I justthe support in general, I think
has been the best experience.
We share support and thoserelationships you formerly came
from those like inside theclassroom outside the classroom,
(18:31):
like we're extracurriculars,what would you say that really
came,
I would say from my peers, andfrom my professors inside the
school. Everyone's kind of like,you know, knee and deep. Yeah,
they're all up in it togetherwith you. And you know, they're
getting up at the crack of dawn.They're doing all the same hard,
you know, homework andeverything. I think that's
really where it is, is like,just your peers and your friends
(18:53):
that you make in your classes
and your favorite professors oryour presser particularly will
give a shout out to Dr.
William she was my fundamentalsprofessor and honestly, she
really inspired me to just, youknow, continue on with my
education after this. And shewas just really amazing. It was
really good conversations we hadtogether and she's been the one
that's uh, you know, stuck outwith me. Yeah, cuz everyone here
(19:15):
is really amazing. The staff hasjust been, you know, profound.
Alyssa, thank you so much.Congratulations once again. All
right. Take care. Hello, my nameis Eli. I'm
here with Ashley corvid.
Okay, this is post graduation.How you feeling?
It's surreal honestly, like I'mjust so grateful to God for
really carrying me through so Ican't believe it. But I'm so so
grateful.
All right, what would you whatwould you say is one moment from
(19:38):
your journey RCPCH you're mostgrateful for
I would have to say makingmemorable friends like there's
there's no community, like thecommunity you have in the
program that you're in.Somebody's in the trenches with
you like it's it's really niceto have that support,
support. What advice would yougive to fellow graduates or
people who are going to begraduates are going to be the
same shoes that you are rightnow.
(20:00):
I see fellow graduates andgraduates to come, graduates to
come know that you can do itwhen you get here. It feels so
surreal. And to my fellowgraduates, congratulations, we
made it we're done and I thankGod Okay.
Jason Varga (20:17):
Sounds like Eli in his students are having a great
time in a student success centerpost graduation, enjoying the
cookies and celebratory memoriesbeing made, which the day still
would have two morecommencements coming up with
STEM and liberal arts, whichyou'll hear on the next two
podcasts coming up over winterbreak. For now. If you have an
interest in RCB C's HealthSciences program or any program
at the College you can check outrcbc.edu for more information
(20:39):
where spring registration isunderway. For now, this has been
Jay Varga for part one of thefirst ever Winter Commencement
coverage taking off on my littlesleigh ride here into the
holidays wishing you and yoursthe very best in the new year
and thanks so much for listeningand making this a nationally
award winning show on theprogram pod gratulations
President Cioce (20:57):
to the members of the Class of 2023. Graduates,
you may now move your tasselsfrom your right to your left
now Now we're cooking with gas.I love it
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