[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Menu Bar” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F7F7F5″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” sticky_position=”top” motion_trigger_start=”top” saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” background__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” background_color__sticky=”#F3F3F1″ background_enable_color__sticky=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”2560px” custom_padding=”1.25vw||1.25vw||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”139″ menu_style=”centered” active_link_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_bg_color=”#cba052″ dropdown_menu_line_color=”#d7d2cb” dropdown_menu_text_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#313436″ mobile_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_text_color=”#2f2f2f” menu_icon_color=”#25282a” mobile_menu_bg_color_tablet=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_phone=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” menu_text_color=”#313436″ menu_font_size=”1.3em” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”dark” menu_font_size_tablet=”2vw” menu_font_size_phone=”3vw” menu_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” mobile_menu_bg_color__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” menu_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” menu_text_color__hover=”#711421″][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Article Title Section” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_color=”#EAE9E5″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2021\/12\/Ramapo_Cross-Hatch_gold-e1638904380397.png” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”70px||0px||false|false” bottom_divider_height=”40px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” max_width=”1253px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”9px|2vw||2vw|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0.25vw|1vw|1vw|1vw|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|7vw||7vw|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”1.1em” link_font=”||||on|||#2f2f2f|” link_text_color=”#2f2f2f” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”0px||5px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#d7d2cb” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Roadrunner Alumni<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”62px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#25282A” header_2_font_size=”52px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#862633″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#25282A” header_4_font_size=”30px” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_font=”|800|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#862633″ header_5_font_size=”24px” header_5_line_height=”1.1em” header_6_font=”|700|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#25282A” header_6_font_size=”22px” hover_enabled=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”48px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_4_font_size_phone=”” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_font_size_tablet=”” header_5_font_size_phone=”” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”align-items: flex-end;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/08\/class-of-2024-image-circle2.png” alt=”Ramapo College graduating students taking a selfie outside of the Prudential Center” title_text=”Class of 2024″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” admin_label=”Image” module_class=”rowFlexChild” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” transform_translate=”-30px|0px” transform_translate_linked=”off” width=”800px” max_width=”120%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” max_width__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” max_width__hover=”120%”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Copy1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”63px||50px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n By Will Jackson, \u201925\u00a0|\u00a0 Fall 2024<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||7px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cIt was surreal,\u201d Mahogany Wheeler, a member of Ramapo\u2019s class of 2024, said of May\u2019s commencement ceremony at the Prudential Center. The class of 2024 graduates have a unique story as they are the first four-year class to have missed their high school graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. \u201cWe didn\u2019t know the mannerisms of graduation because of [COVID-19]\u2026 I don\u2019t remember much of it because I was in shock,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n Many class of 2024 graduates never had a \u201cnormal\u201d graduation. The COVID-19 pandemic forced their high school graduation in 2020 to be different, ranging from online ceremonies to car parades.<\/p>\n Every student who graduated from high school in 2020 could tell a different story of how their school attempted to make their graduations happen. \u201c[Union Catholic Regional] invited us back to do a mock graduation so we could walk on stage, but it\u2019s not the same thing as getting your name called and wearing everything,\u201d Mia Schutz \u201924, said. \u201cWe didn\u2019t have a high school graduation,\u201d Dynazia Holness \u201924, said. \u201cThey put our pictures on the news with our names and whoever gave speeches,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n Other options for the COVID-19 high school class included a drive-through style graduation, which Wheeler experienced, or a small, socially-distanced outdoor gathering, such as the ceremony for the homeschooled Anna Kozan. \u201c[May] was my first experience with a real graduation,\u201d Kozan \u201924, said. \u201cIt was a celebration of our last eight years in one graduation,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Pull Quote1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f5″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1024px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/08\/Anna-Kozan_circle-image.png” alt=”Anna Kozan speaking at a podium at Ramapo College” title_text=”Anna Kozan_circle-image” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald||||||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”35px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_5_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_5_font_size=”21px” header_6_font=”Oswald||||||||” header_6_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201c[May] was my first experience with a real graduation. It was a celebration of our last eight years in one graduation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Copy1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”63px||63px||false|false” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||22px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#862633″ header_3_font_size=”28px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Once the Ramapo class of 2024 embarked on their first year, the struggles and adversities continued to mount, as most of their first year-and-a-half was completed virtually. \u201cLuckily, I was able to meet people before my freshman year online through the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program at Ramapo,\u201d Holness said. \u201cI felt like that helped me. Having someone who has already been through this guide me, someone who isn\u2019t a family member and comes from a similar background,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n Once Holness completed her first year, she became an EOF mentor for her final three years at Ramapo. \u201cMy first year doing it, I was helping someone through college, guiding them and being there for them, academically or personally. I still keep in contact with many students I\u2019ve mentored,\u201d she said. Holness will spend the next year studying for the LSAT and hopes to volunteer as much as possible.<\/p>\n Despite only two-and-a-half full years on campus, the class of 2024 made the most of their time at Ramapo. As a four-year softball team member, Wheeler said she wouldn\u2019t trade her experience on the team for anything. \u201cThose girls are my family; I\u2019ll do anything for every class above and below me.\u201d<\/p>\n Schutz didn\u2019t live on campus until her junior year, but she savored every second of the Ramapo experience once she arrived. \u201cI joined the Disney Club, the Harry Potter Club, the Animation Club\u2026 One of my professors even wanted me to illustrate a children’s book, which was a cool experience.\u201d Schutz, who majored in visual arts, says she and three other classmates have begun developing their own video game company and are in the process of designing their own game.<\/p>\n Kozan, who graduated with a nursing degree, spent most of her time at Ramapo on the e-board of the Spanish Club, as a choreographer for the Ramapo College Dance Company and as an active participant in the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. \u201cThere were a lot of opportunities for leadership on campus,\u201d she said. \u201cI also studied abroad in Spain, which sparked my love for travel.\u201d Kozan will spend the next year traveling to Georgia through a Critical Language Scholarship, where she will learn Russian, and then go to India as part of a Fulbright Scholarship.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||23px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#862633″ header_3_font_size=”28px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Wheeler spent her time at Ramapo as a biology major, something that pushed her incredibly hard. \u201cThe degree was tough; emotionally, mentally, it took a toll on my [mental] state. Combining that with a sport that sees many failures and not a whole lot of success,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen the semester was over, I was like, \u2018thank goodness,\u2019 I wanted it to be over so bad\u2026 It was probably the hardest four years of my life,\u201d she continued. Wheeler is now a receptionist for Atlantic Medical Imaging and hopes to work her way into the medical field. Additionally, she is strongly considering taking an offer to coach a 12U softball team for Stars National.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/08\/Mahogany-Wheeler-playing-softball.png” alt=”Mahogany Wheeler playing softball at Ramapo College” title_text=”Mahogany-Wheeler-playing-softball” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”50px” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” text_text_color=”#545658″ text_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Mahogany Wheeler \u201924<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#862633″ header_3_font_size=”28px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n For the class of 2024, their commencement in Newark held an additional meaning, as it was the first time many of their relatives and close friends could see them in any graduation setting. \u201cMy grandparents from Trinidad flew in to see the graduation,\u201d Schutz said. \u201cI wasn\u2019t able to see them for three years; not having them at my high school graduation was a big deal, so it was important for me to have them here this time,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n Among those in attendance for Wheeler was her little sister, for whom she considers herself a role model. \u201cI paved the way for her. We\u2019re 10 years apart; we play the same sport; it was very important for me to have that goal and role model status for her.\u201d Wheeler said this graduation held a special meaning to her, given her status as a first-generation student. \u201cI doubted myself that I couldn\u2019t do it\u2026 It was significant for her and me [to graduate], and I guess that was another weight I put on myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeing at the Prudential Center that day made me realize I missed out on this in high school,\u201d Schutz said. \u201cIt was a long time coming for this to happen,\u201d said Wheeler. \u201cI\u2019m so glad I got to experience this with the people in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”image section” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#313436″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2023\/01\/element_right-corner_coolblack-cross-hatchAsset-10@2x.png” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_right” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/08\/052924_04342_Ramapo_Commencement-LAROSA-web.jpg” alt=”Ramapo College student and dean walking together during Commencement ” title_text=”052924_04342_Ramapo_Commencement-LAROSA-web” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/08\/052924_00519_Ramapo_Commencement-LAROSA-web.jpg” alt=”The back of Ramapo College’s President Jebb in front of a large audience in the Prudential Center at Commencement” title_text=”052924_00519_Ramapo_Commencement-LAROSA-web” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/08\/052924_06789_Ramapo_Commencement-LAROSA-web.jpg” alt=”Ramapo graduating student holding a diploma at Commencement” title_text=”052924_06789_Ramapo_Commencement-LAROSA-web” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Back To Homepage Fall 2024″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”45deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#f3f3f1 0%|#fcfffd 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#f3f3f1″ background_color_gradient_end=”#fcfffd” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” top_divider_color=”#ffffff” top_divider_height=”86px” top_divider_arrangement=”above_content” top_divider_style_tablet=”” top_divider_style_phone=”” top_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” top_divider_height_tablet=”52px” top_divider_height_phone=”25px” top_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_all=”#2f2f2f” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#f3f3f1″ global_module=”5612″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”center_left” z_index=”349″ max_width=”1024px” custom_padding=”15px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”24px” link_text_color=”#25282a” transform_scale_linked__hover=”off” transform_translate_linked__hover=”off” custom_margin=”6px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”21px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” transform_styles__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_scale__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_translate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_rotate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_skew__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_origin__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_translate__hover=”-5px|0px” custom_css_after__hover_enabled=”on|hover” link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” link_text_color__hover=”#c41e1e”]<\/p>\nStudent Perspectives on the<\/h2>\n
Class of 2024\u2019s Journey <\/span><\/h2>\n
to a Meaningful Milestone<\/h2>\n
\n
\u2014 Anna Kozan \u201924<\/h5>\n