“I feel so fortunate to be part of this incredible community where ideas are turned into action and impact”
March 2025 – After earning an associate degree from Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, New Jersey, Sandra Faragalla C’26 was seeking “a close-knit community, a small campus where everyone feels supported, and a place where students truly care about one another’s success.” She found all that and more at Drew University.
A first-generation college student, Faragalla is pursuing a major in media & communications with a minor in marketing. She is actively engaged on campus as a member of the South Asian Student Association, the Drew University Commuters Association, the service-oriented fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, and the Student Government Association, where she represents commuter students as senator.
Initially planning to transfer to Rutgers University, Faragalla’s trajectory was changed after a phone call from Drew. “Drew had always been my dream school, and at that moment, I knew I was making the right choice. Drew offered everything I was looking for.”
Faragalla describes her transfer experience as seamless, thanks to the dedicated support of Transfer Student Service Coordinator Katie Murray and Director of Transfer and Continuing Education Sunita Bhargava. “I feel incredibly grateful for the entire transfer process and for all the support I’ve received,” she said. “I am especially thankful to be a first-generation college student and the oldest in my family, as Drew has truly opened doors for me that I never imagined possible.”
“My experience at Drew has been truly unique,” shared Faragalla. “Adjusting to a new school always takes time, but one of the most defining aspects of Drew is the sense of community. Everyone is incredibly friendly, and there is a strong desire to help each other succeed. The campus is diverse, welcoming international students, students from various backgrounds, and those who have studied abroad. I’ve met people from all walks of life, and it has been a fulfilling experience.”
She also acknowledged the University-wide support offered at Drew, including the Office of Student Engagement, the Office of Civic Engagement, and the Office of Admissions, as well as her academic advisors, who have all played a significant role in shaping her journey.
Faragalla offered advice for those thinking about transferring to Drew. “Take a tour of the campus and see if it feels like home,” she said. “When you know, you know. I couldn’t have asked for a better match between my dreams and where I ended up.”
After graduation, Faragalla is hoping to break into the field of communications, with a focus on project management and event planning, perhaps in the nonprofit sector. “My long-term goal is to pay it forward and help others navigate their own journeys, just as I’ve been helped along mine,” she said.
