After retiring in 2003 after 25 years in business, Jacqueline Cudworth is a non-traditional student pursuing a degree in English and Women’s Studies as well as certification for teaching at the secondary level.  She also plans to pursue graduate studies in order to someday teach at the college level. She is married with two children. In addition to her studies, she has interests in art, antiques, film, gardening, reading, music, theatre, gender studies, philosophy, travel, and writing.

Hi my name is Chloe Farrell and I am still very new to Phi Theta Kappa. I joined in Spring 2008, even though I've been eligible since fall 2006, my first semester of college. I am a dance major here at Raritan Valley and will be graduating in December of this year. I was home-schooled all of my life so RVCC was my first experience inside of a formal classroom setting. In high school, most of what I did was related to dancing as I performed in "The Nutcracker", "Coppelia" and was a championship level Irish dancer. I have also worked with children quite a bit since high school and the past three summers, I worked as a counselor in both day and sleep-away camps for underprivileged children in San Antonio, TX and in New Jersey.  I am currently a Sunday school teacher for middle-school kids at my church and often volunteer for Vacation Bible School and other community events.

I am excited about getting more involved with Phi Theta Kappa during my last stretch of time at Raritan Valley. I know it will give me a great opportunity to keep working with people and to take part in being a blessing both in my school and my community. Phi Theta Kappa is a great organization and I wish I had joined sooner. But that certainly will not stop me from being involved as much as possible!

Hello to all!! My name is Salima Hammadi. Fall 2008 will be my third semester at Raritan Valley Community College.  I graduated from Somerville High School as a National Honor Society Member. During my senior year, I was also involved in various clubs and was president of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions).  Currently, I am a Galileo Scholar as well as a NJ Star student at RVCC.  I plan on graduating with an Associates of Science Degree and transferring to a four-year university.  I am very excited about joining the Alpha Epsilon Pi Chapter. I am sure that I will love getting to know such a diverse, accomplished, and involved group of friendly people. 

My name is Saidell Jiménez and I am 33 and have a 14 year old daughter as well as a 2 ½ year old son. I am a full time student at RVCC seeking a dual degree in education and human services. As this is my first time attending college I am very excited and grateful and plan on making the most of this wonderful experience. My goal is to ascertain my Masters in Education at Rutgers University in New Brunswick and procure a teaching position as an elementary school educator.

I feel I have the qualification necessary to become the next administrative secretary as I am reliable, responsible, punctual and well organized. Moreover, I have over 7 years experience as a paralegal wherein I rendered services similar to those needed as administrative secretary including, but not limited to, arranging client meetings, maintaining office files, answering phones, taking messages, maintaining court calendar and responding to clients requests via telephone/email/correspondence.

Lastly, I am extremely proud to have received an invitation to be a part of Phi Theta Kappa and would love to be more involved with the local chapter.

Hello everyone! My name is Maria Palar. I am twenty-nine years old and a mother to one.  I have been attending RVCC since Spring 2007. My major is Mathematics and I plan to transfer to Rutgers in Fall 2009 to further pursue my studies.

I was truly inspired during the induction ceremony by all of the current officers. The positive energy that they projected throughout the room was actually refreshing. This is my first semester with PTK and I am looking forward to becoming a part of this family.

I am running for treasurer because for one- my major is Mathematics. I love numbers! Beyond that, I feel the need to contribute as much as possible given the opportunities allotted to me and being an officer will allow me to be a greater part of something so significant such as PTK!

Hi everyone! My name is Virgil Cebrian and this is my second semester at RV and I'm enjoying it. I recently graduated Franklin High School in 2007. In high school, I was a member of many activities Teen Pep and National Honor Society and held a VP position in my concert choir and was section leader in marching band. When not found at RV (specifically the 2nd floor of the library doing homework!!!), I'm usually waiting tables at On The Border or working at the mall. I hope to have a great time this semester and in semesters to come!

Hi, my name is Katie MacDade and I would like to take the time to introduce myself as a candidate for Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations.  I am 18 and in the process of completing my second semester here at Raritan Valley.  I live with my family in East Amwell Township and am a 2007 graduate from Hunterdon Central Regional High School. 

At Raritan Valley, I am studying Education and will be transferring to major Special Education at a four institution.  I am a very friendly and outgoing person who is always willing to listen and to encourage others.  I believe that everyone has the power within himself or herself to accomplish anything they desire. 

Being an officer of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa will allow me to encourage others, and myself, to succeed both academically and personally.  I enjoy brainstorming and planning events and always am open to new ideas.  Working as a part of a team has always been an important value to me, and I believe that I have the cooperation skills in order to get along with others easily. 

One of my favorite things to do in life is to take pictures.  You will often find me with a camera in my hand grabbing snap shots of my friends and family or amateur interpretations of nature and its serenity.  In addition to taking pictures, I also love to make scrapbooks in order to preserve the memories I have made. 

 I have strong computer skills in a variety of publishing software and am also knowledgeable in building web pages.  I know I will be dedicated to capturing the excitement of Phi Theta Kappa and will do my absolute best to share it with the entire campus.

eceived Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy 2001
Received Mastrer's Degree in Physiology 2005

Currently pursuing Pre-Medical Associates at RVCC for Spring 2008 and taking classes at Rutgers-Newark

Seeks admission to University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey for Joint Phd-MD program 2008

Currently working as Lab Assistant at UMDNJ, department of Physiology and Pharmacology Laboratory

Currently Galileo Scholar at RVCC

Attended Joint leadership conference with PTK with other community colleges in NJ

My name is Meghan Cannizzaro, I’m 18 years old and this is my second semester at Raritan Valley Community College. I’m attending RVCC on the NJ Stars scholarship with the intentions of transferring to a New Jersey state school with NJ STARS 2. I am an early childhood major, and love working with children! I currently work in a day care and am a nanny for two young girls.

I graduated from Somerville High School in June 2007. At SHS I enjoyed working with my peers to make a difference in the school and community. I was a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in their child care program. As a peer leader in my senior year, I mentored a class of incoming freshman throughout the year.

I hope to have the same opportunities to make a difference with my peers here at RVCC as Vice President of Leadership.

My name is Jacki Vena.  I just graduated Hunterdon Central in 2007, and this is my second semester at RVCC.  My major is Liberal Arts, but I hope to transfer to TCNJ for the fall 2009 semester and switch to Biology.  My ultimate goal and dream would be to become a doctor, specifically, an anesthesiologist.  During high school, I was involved in activities such as Student and Class Council as well as writing for the Yearbook.  I also just recently started tutoring English and Spanish at the Academic Support Center.

I am an extremely organized person, which I believe will help me to be an efficient Vice President of Membership. Even though this will be my first semester in Phi Theta Kappa, I feel that my previous experiences will help me to take on this responsibility.  I know how to be a part of and work effectively on a team.  I enjoy being a leader, but also a follower when needed.  I am fully ready to give all the time and dedication that is necessary for this position.  It doesn’t hurt either that it was mandatory for students at Central to take a Computer Applications course, so I’m pretty good with Excel!  I really look forward to getting to work with everyone involved in PTK, whether I am elected or not!