ss ue ! NT I RT AI NM E EN TE AR TS &
JUNE 5-11, 2024
www.mtlaurelsun.com
FREE
‘Accomplished, supported and grateful’ Despite cancer, Rowan awardee committed fully to her education By JON DIAZ The Sun
Special to The Sun
Jessica Bennett (second from left), a paramedic science graduate, received Rowan’s director’s award at commencement.
was going through, she had the help of her professors and other staff at Rown to alleviate complications.
130 TWINBRIDGE DRIVE PENNSAUKEN, NJ 08110 856-779-3842
A few semesters into her paramedic science education at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), Jessica Bennett faced an unimaginable situation: After experiencing debilitating symptoms from a lump in her neck, doctors informed Bennett that the mass on her salivary gland was most likely cancerous. Uncertainty immediately loomed over the rest of her college career. But her dedicated spirit convinced Bennett that continuing her studies was what she wanted to do. “I just didn’t want to lose the progress that I had already made,” she recalled. “I just don’t want to give up my life. I know a lot of people would have stopped going, and I was like, ‘I can’t. I literally will lose myself.’” After surgery in December of 2022, Bennett took some time to relax during winter break, but she was right back in class the following month. She was candid about her struggles post-surgery, including hearing loss that resulted because the lump was located directly under one ear. Simple classroom exercises like working with feedback mannequins became difficult for her. Five days a week, immediately after class, Bennett went from campus to the hospital for radiation. But despite what she
“They’ve been nothing but extremely supportive,” she noted. The decision to return to school ul-
timately proved fruitful: Bennett was given Rowan’s director’s award by its president, Dr. Michael A. Cioce, in front of family, professors and peers to acknowledge her unwavering commitment to education. “It was awesome, in front of my family and friends and the whole nine yards to receive that award,” she recounted of receiving the award during Rowan’s May 16 commencement. “It’s even better that, you know, the president was there. I was able to talk to him afterward. So it was really cool. “It was a really great experience.” The award was the culmination of Bennett’s efforts. After everything she experienced, she took particular pride in crossing the stage at graduation, receiving her diploma and switching her tassel from right to left. Bennett had three words to describe her feelings: “Accomplished, supported and grateful.” Bennett’s cancer has been in remission since March of 2023 and the next steps regarding her health will include scans every three months. She then plans to visit hospitals in the area – specifically Virtua, where she has already applied – and start her career. As she awaits her first day on the job, Bennett has made other necessary plans to follow 27 months of schooling: a vacation with periodic hospital visits.
NEED NEW CARPET OR FLOORING?™ Schedule your FREE estimate today!
1-800-526-RUGS ( 7847 ) smartcarpet.com
Look INC for our
NEW YREDIBLE EA SAVINR SALE INSID GS E!
ECRWSS Local Residential Customer
PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Newspaper Media Group