Maria Lopez Bautista
Maria Lopez-Bautista had always wanted to become a nurse.
I always had this mindset since 8th grade. Being the first one in my family to go to college is something big for me. My classmates weren’t really (interested in) college; they were mostly the type to say that they would drop out and just work for the rest of their lives. I did not want to do that: I wanted to become someone big that could help out so many people.
To achieve that, Maria applied for and got accepted to Stockton University. That’s when she participated in the Educational Opportunity Fund’s Summer Academy, a five-week experience that introduces first-year students to life as University students.
One of the many things I look forward to for the fall is seeing all my friends, getting to see my girl Naheel again and just getting that Stockton air again. I am excited to start my classes because I want to be closer to my goals in life. This will be the beginning of more new memories at Stockton University.
During the Summer Academy, I would wake up every morning at 6 a.m., put on the outfit I had chosen the night before and make sure I looked presentable. I would make it to the morning meeting on time, go to breakfast and then head to my classes.
After, I would head to lunch, and my friends and I would head to the gym to work out. We were newbies together, so it was so much fun joking and laughing with them. Then, we would continue our day by finishing our homework so that we could all hang out and watch movies later.
Maria didn’t just make great friends at the academy; she learned more about herself in the process.
During the academy, I learned that I am a great writer once I put my mind to it. I also learned that I could get along really well with other people once I pass my shy phase around them: I am great at making people laugh and cringe at the same time. Lastly, I learned that I can be independent and responsible by waking up early, getting to class on time, and doing my homework.
She considers the connections she’s made among both the EOF–Galloway and EOF–Atlantic City cohorts during what she calls “The Best Day” to be the most memorable part of her experience. Maria is now ready for the upcoming fall term.
All of Galloway and Atlantic City EOF came together and bonded with games and music at the EOF Block Party in the Multicultural Center. Some of us got to paint art, and others were playing “Just Dance” in the back. It was a great time to spend with each other and get to know one another better.
One of the many things I look forward to for the fall is seeing all my friends, getting to see my girl Naheel (Naber)* again and just getting that Stockton air again. I am excited to start my classes because I want to be closer to my goals in life. This will be the beginning of more new memories at Stockton University.
Let's go, Stockton! We are Ospreys!
*Naheel Naber is a Student Success Coach for EOF–Galloway. She is also a previous Choose Stockton student.
Meet Ja'Dir Greer-Turner
In celebration of Educational Opportunity Fund Month, student Ja'Dir Greer-Turner shared his experience in the Summer Academy and the lessons he learned prior to officially becoming an Osprey!
EOF Summer Academy Celebrates Conclusion, Ready for the Fall
August 8, 2023
Galloway, N.J. – The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program of both Galloway and Atlantic City celebrated the end of its five-week-long Summer Academy with two closing ceremonies on Thursday, Aug. 3, that recognized the accomplishments of their students.
The Summer Academy is an exclusive experience for EOF students— they live in the dorms, take placement tests and classes and learn about student life on campus, which gives them a head start amongst their peers and prepares them for university life. Students also learn about service-learning and engage in the community with community partners.
