Rowan College at Burlington County alumnus Gregory Hays is living proof that change is always within reach. His journey began several years ago, when he ended his first semester of community college with a 1.0 GPA and an ultimatum from his mother to either join the military or move out. 

For the next eight months, Hays, of Mount Laurel, supported himself as a customer service representative while gaining valuable perspective. Although this was a suitable temporary solution, he knew he wanted more. 

“I spent New Year’s Eve 2015 begging my mother to allow me to move back in and continue college. She agreed, but I was on a one-strike policy with her. No exceptions,” Hays recalled. 

Hays enrolled at RCBC that spring due to the affordability and supportive environment. Steadfast in his desire to succeed, he earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester. He also expanded his social circle and met many unforgettable professors. 

“It may sound cliche, but most of my experiences at RCBC are memorable. I met friends in my classes that I have to this day and had professors that I will remember for the rest of my life. Their investment in my success meant a lot to me; I will forever be an advocate for RCBC,” Hays said. 

A self-proclaimed “personal finance geek,” Hays creates Microsoft Excel budgets for fun, audits himself and pores over personal financial theory books during his free time. It’s only natural that he chose to study finance at Rutgers University-Camden. He graduated with honors and interned with J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Bayada Home Health Care before accepting a full-time position with Campbell Soup Company. 

“Some might find it weird, but finance is my passion, and in the future, I envision myself helping others clean up their personal financial messes,” Hays said. 

Hays undoubtedly made the right decision and is on a path toward greater success. He gained quite the following on LinkedIn after he shared an intimate post detailing his journey from academic probation to graduating with honors and earning his dream career. 14,000+ likes and nearly 1,000 comments later, he’s blown away by the tremendous outpouring of support he’s received. 

“The journey was a long, tumultuous one. As for the post, I knew it would make an impact but not at the level that it has with over one million views,” Hays shared. 

Gregory’s story is an installment of Behind the Baron, a series that shares real stories from real RCBC students and alumni. Anyone interested in being featured can contact rcbcnews@rcbc.edu. To follow along on social media, use #BehindtheBaron.