Curious about how to sustain life on Mars? How to rehabilitate injured wildlife? Or how to maintain a 4.0 GPA through each of your college years? Just ask Rowan College at Burlington County’s newest alumni trustee Rebekah Feinberg.
Feinberg, who earned RCBC’s President’s Award at the 51st annual commencement ceremony, has accomplished a great deal over the past two years at RCBC. She earned the college’s prestigious Vincent J. Sollimo scholarship for chemistry after participating in a research project in which she focused on sanitation efforts on Mars. She’s clocked in over 300 community service hours at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. And she even spoke with the college’s President Dr. Michael A. Cioce and faculty members at a Facebook Town Hall.
Now, she’s prepared to tackle a new role on the college’s Board of Trustees, as she officially joined at the August 17 meeting and will serve through the 2021-2022 academic year.
“I am honored to be welcomed into this new position at RCBC,” Feinberg said. “It has been an amazing experience working with multiple departments at RCBC, such as the STEM department as a student worker and the Liberal Arts department as a Service-Learning Scholar. I look forward to working with the members of the board to broaden my knowledge of the inner workings of RCBC, as well as be a part of continued positive change within our community.”
Feinberg plans to accomplish a great deal in her new role at RCBC. She aims to increase transparency between the decision-making process of the Board of Trustees and the college’s students. In doing so, she hopes to bring heightened awareness to the college’s student body regarding changes and innovation that the board advocates for, which directly benefits all students.
“I have also deemed myself, in this position, to be the voice of all RCBC students so that I will be able to provide the Board of Trustees with an inside look into their student body’s opinions and thoughts,” Feinberg said.
A third-year 3+1 Biology student, Feinberg is pursuing a career as a cardiovascular surgeon.
“Due to the limitations that the ongoing pandemic has brought, I have moved toward alternative methods of gaining healthcare field experience in preparation for my medical school application,” Feinberg shared. “I have recently completed training as a hospice volunteer with Bayada Home Health Care as well as training as a medical scribe with ScribeAmerica. These professions will provide me with hands-on experience in the healthcare field and enable me to continue my desire of caring for others. I have also begun my studies for the MCAT, the Medical College Admissions Test.”
As for her advice for RCBC students, Feinberg says to get involved immediately -- whether it means get involved in your school, get involved in your community or get involved in your workplace, put yourself out there and meet new people.
“In order to achieve your aspirations and dreams, you must be willing to put in the work and effort,” Feinberg said. “In accordance with being involved, you must also advocate for yourself and your future. You’ll be amazed at the sheer amount of aid, support, guidance, and mentorship that you will receive.”
To learn more about RCBC’s Board of Trustees, visit rcbc.edu/board-of-trustees.