Long before she arrived at Raritan Valley Community College, Manuela Bulgaro had already faced more challenges than many of her peers ever will. Her family migrated from Brazil to the United States in 2013, but soon after, her parents were required to return to Brazil to complete a lengthy residency process. 

During her freshman year of high school—and after eight years apart from her parents—Manuela’s father passed away from COVID-19. “Losing him was the most difficult experience of my life, and it affected every part of me, including my motivation in school,” Manuela shares. “For a while, I struggled to see a clear future.”

A Fresh Start 

By senior year, things began to shift for Manuela. She enrolled in AP and dual-enrollment courses with RVCC, which helped her reconnect with her academic strengths and rebuild her confidence. When she graduated high school, she chose to continue that momentum by beginning her full-time college journey at RVCC—an environment she already knew would offer the support and renewed sense of direction she was looking for.

“I came here seeking a new beginning,” she says. “A place where I could focus on growth, rediscover my purpose, and build the foundation for the future I wanted. RVCC has become exactly that. It has given me a second chance and the space to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.”

Finding Her Path in Law

Manuela became a student at the RVCC Honors College—one of the best community college honors programs in NJ. She is majoring in Social Sciences with a focus in political science and philosophy and is set to graduate in May 2026. 

Her passion for law and democratic systems is deeply personal. “I grew up watching both of my parents, who were criminal defense attorneys, fight for justice in the courtroom,” she says. “Since childhood, I have aspired to become a lawyer and serve society with the same dedication and integrity that my parents demonstrated throughout their careers.”

Having lived in both Brazil and the United States, she has seen firsthand how institutions shape opportunity, fairness, and public trust. After graduating from RVCC, she plans to transfer to a selective university to major in political science, then attend law school. “I hope to work toward ensuring that justice and equality are not just principles, but realities accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

A Leader on Campus—and Beyond

As a student, Manuela has embraced leadership at every turn. She serves as President of the Criminal Justice Club, a Senator in the Student Government Association, and the Vice President of Finance and Logistics for the Debate Team. She is also a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member and Voter Engagement Ambassador through Service Learning.

Outside the classroom, she volunteers at Feeding Hands Food Bank and has completed over 100 hours of civic work with the Hillsborough Democratic Committee, where she conducted research on the New Jersey State Constitution and local governance for the Township Committee. For this work, she earned the 2025 President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Inspiring Future Innovators

Manuela’s passion for service also drives her to empower the next generation. In August 2025, she helped launch the first Annis Young Innovators Initiative workshop in Hillsborough, NJ, introducing local fifth- and sixth-graders to MISSION: SAFE LANDING—a hands-on STEM challenge built to spark curiosity and problem-solving skills.

The success of the workshop has inspired Manuela to think even bigger. Her goal is to expand the program across school districts throughout the state, making affordable STEM learning opportunities available to all children—and ensuring that more young students can experience the confidence and excitement that come from building something of their own.

Amplifying Civic Voices

Just as she inspires young students to think boldly in STEM, Manuela is equally passionate about helping her peers engage thoughtfully in democracy. As a Kesselman Fellow, Manuela co-founded The Republic We Keep, a podcast rooted in the belief that “democracy doesn’t maintain itself. It must be questioned, understood, and actively protected.” 

Each episode features conversations with people whose lives intersect with civic systems—from immigrants to professors to healthcare workers. “We ask hard questions, listen to unheard voices, and empower the next generation to build a republic worth keeping,” she says.

Manuela also organized Why Local Elections Matter, a nonpartisan campus event designed to emphasize the importance of participating not only in national elections, but also in state and local elections that directly impact and shape our communities.

Prepared for What’s Next

“What I value most about RVCC is its supportive environment and the many opportunities it offers students to lead and grow,” Manuela says. “It’s been the place where I transformed challenges into motivation and began building the future I always envisioned.”

As she prepares to take the next step at a four-year college, Manuela feels confident knowing the foundation she built here will support her wherever she goes. “There are countless opportunities available on campus, and I believe that the RVCC experience is truly defined by what each student chooses to put into it.”

More About the RVCC Honors College

What is honors college? At RVCC, it means joining a small cohort of motivated students who dive into seminar-style, interdisciplinary coursework and receive dedicated support from faculty mentors. If you’re searching for the “best honors colleges” or “schools near me,” RVCC could be the right fit. Click here to learn about honors college benefits and get answers to common questions like: “What are honors college admission requirements?” 

Ready to experience the RVCC difference? Explore our site or apply today!