I am attending William Paterson University to fulfill my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. Because of my family’s socioeconomic background, college wasn’t insisted upon, encouraged, or even discussed during my high school years. While I had always wanted to be a teacher, it wasn’t until I became a mother that I actually believed I could be a teacher. And now,as a first generation college student on both my side of the family as well as my husband’s, my commitment to earn the degree I’ve always hoped for could not be more resolute.

— Mary Campomizzi ’10, Elementary and Early Childhood Education/English

It is difficult sometimes to be aperformance major, because you are putting a lot out there, and all you have is what you can do on stage. It is a very vulnerable degree to go for. But my parents always taught me to follow my dreams, and go for what I want. This encouragement was reinforced by the support I received at William Paterson, including my scholarships. In times like these, when the arts are being cut, it means so much to know that people are still out there, supporting the arts. It is so inspiring, and I plan to go on to graduate school to further my education in performance and pedagogy.

— Ashley Benson ’11, Classical Performance

William Paterson University has given me the opportunity to find my true passion forwhat I want to do. I was honored to be accepted into the Sales Leaders Program at the Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales, and have been on the Dean’s List since my first semester here.

— Joshua Schiller ’10, Professional Sales

As I am the first individual to attend college in my family, being a part of the student body of William Paterson University has been an honor for my family and me. I am devoted to my education, and am proud of my academic achievements. I also work part-time, do home tutoring, and mentor the youth in the City of Newark, where I was born and raised.

— Krystle Whitlock ’09, Business Administration