Enrolling in a new college and adapting to a new culture can take time for international students. Despite this, two Brazilian students overcame challenges and began their journey to success at �ƹ���Ƶ (RCBC).

�ƹ���Ƶ alum Chimere Nicole Haskins has won International Mrs. USA 2023, her second nationally recognized title, after winning Mrs. New Jersey America in 2020.

Growing up in Trenton, Haskins found her passion for helping and connecting with others. She began her journey in cosmetology, a career of 20+ years, and soon after, she began running her own salon styling looks for models and pageant queens alike. 

Beverly Sweeney, a native of Burlington County, has been attending �ƹ���Ƶ (RCBC) since 1972. After graduating high school, she earned her nursing license and discovered her passion for caring for children. She enrolled at RCBC and completed her associate degree in early childhood education to work full-time with children.

“Why settle?” - RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce

Abby Crawley is a communications student who graduated from the Burlington County Institute of Technology and is now a �ƹ���Ƶ Baron. Growing up in a working-class family, Abby’s career goal is to be a social media manager. As an intern in the college’s marketing and communications office, Abby shared her own perspective and that of other first-gen students. November 8 is National First-Generation College Celebration Day.

As a child, Bret Weeden never considered joining the military or moving to New Jersey. However, when he learned that his family was about to be evicted from their home in Philadelphia, he knew he had to change and start anew.

Shortly after, Weeden relocated to New Jersey and resided with his sister in search of a fresh start for his upcoming phase in life. He aimed to forget all the poor choices and hardships he had faced due to lack of guidance from his family and was keen on living in a safer locality than the Kensington area of Philadelphia.

Amanda Hartman, a recent addition to the RCBC Strategic Marketing and Communications team, bravely shared her personal story as a military dependent and veteran, along with the challenges and obstacles.

Having a father in the Army, Hartman moved around a lot at a young age – starting with her birthplace in Montana, Arizona, Texas, Utah and Germany, all before age 15. Unfortunately, her father became injured while stationed in Germany, and his mental and physical disability weighed on him, ultimately leading him to take his own life.