Reflections and next steps for Drew’s graduates
May 2026 – As the academic year ends, we turn our attention to the first steps the Drew University Class of 2026 will take as they share memories and appreciation for their time in The Forest.
Read on to learn where some of Drew’s outstanding students are headed next, and how their Drew experiences helped them reach their goals.
Andzani Mthenjane
Major/Minors: Physics major and double minor in Mathematics and Environmental Studies & Sustainability
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Post-graduation plans: To pursue a Master’s in Geography and Environmental Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
Clubs/Sports/Interests: I’ve participated in many clubs throughout my time at Drew including track, Rangerettes, DEAL, student government, and more, but have kept an active involvement as the President of the Drew African Students Association (DASA), social media coordinator of Society of Physics Students, and member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and Empowerment in STEM.
Advice for future Drew students? 1. Pray. 2. No one is going to simply hand you what you want. You need to get aggressive about going after the life you want.
Achievements at Drew: This year I was inducted into Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, and accepted my invitation into the Golden Key International Honor Society. I also received the Arnold S. Boxer Memorial Award in Physics at Drew’s CLA Awards, and the Drew Wellness Award at Drew’s Community Leader Awards.
Reflection on your time at Drew: I would summarize my time at Drew in three words: Remarkable. Growth. Launchpad.
Shoutouts: I absolutely loved the shortTrec to Australia for environmental psychology. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
I’d also like to shout out Mr. Chen who makes incredible hibachi and fried rice in the Commons.
Julianna Vivino
Major/Minor: Biology major and Chemistry minor.
Hometown: Wayne, New Jersey
Post-graduation plans: I will be applying to medical schools during my gap year while working as a Medical Assistant, in the hopes to begin medical school in the summer of 2027.
Clubs/Sports/Interest: Throughout my time at Drew, I have tutored fellow students in Biology- and Chemistry-related courses, participated as a board member of GSE (Chemistry Honors Society), and engaged as an active member of Tri-Beta (the Biology Honors Society). Additionally, I have worked in both Chemistry and Biology laboratories to conduct research with RISE mentors.
Advice for future Drew Students: I would advise future Drew students to find what they enjoy by trying multiple different activities and experiences on campus. Drew offers many types of extracurriculars for multiple different fields, and integrating yourself in these experiences is a great way to prepare yourself for future endeavors.
Accomplishments at Drew: Recently, I had the honor of being inducted into Drew’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, an academic honor society that celebrates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.
Reflection on your time at Drew: My time at Drew has significantly influenced my integration into the science community. Through my classes, professors, and research, my love for science has grown and has inspired me to pursue a career as a physician.
Shoutout: I would like to acknowledge my experience as a tutor and the profound impact that has had on me. The opportunity to educate and connect with my peers through science has given me the opportunity to not only build meaningful relationships but also to promote concepts in a clear and engaging way. In doing so, I have strengthened my own understanding and developed a deeper appreciation for the subject.
Pim van Hilten
Majors/Minor: Triple major in Finance, Economics, and French & Francophone Studies and minor in Statistics
Hometown: Haarlem, The Netherlands
Post-graduation plans: I will be joining Ernst & Young in New York City for a summer internship in Financial Risk Management Consulting. After that, I plan to continue at Drew through the Master’s in Finance 4+1 Dual-Degree program, while also serving as a graduate assistant for the soccer teams. My goal is to eventually return to Ernst & Young in a full-time role.
Clubs/Sports: I’ve been proud to be part of the men’s soccer team and The Fund, both of which have played a big role in my Drew experience.
Advice for future Drew students: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Networking, adaptability, and staying open to opportunity can take you a long way, especially in today’s job market. Good grades matter, but learning how to position yourself and grow through change matters just as much, if not more.
Achievements at Drew: Finding a strong balance throughout my time at Drew. Coming from another country and adapting to a new environment, while pursuing a triple major and a minor, playing on the men’s soccer team, studying abroad, and taking part in the Wall Street Semester has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding. At the same time, I’ve been able to make the most of my time socially and build lasting friendships along the way.
Reflection on your time at Drew: I never regretted coming to Drew. It is a special place where you can get the absolute most out of your experience if you are willing to take advantage of everything it offers. I have seen both myself and my friends grow into people who are ready to take on the real world, and I will always value the close community and the friendships I built here. Drew never made me feel alone, and that is something I will always appreciate.
Shoutout: A special shoutout to Cesar Barrientos [Athletics Equipment & Facilities Manager], who has supported me in so many ways during my time at Drew. He has been an incredible goalkeeper coach on the field, and off the field he has always been there to support me as an international student and was always able to listen and give me great advice.
Eva Esqueda
Major/Minors: Media & Communications major and French, Film Studies, and American Studies triple minor.
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Post-graduation plans: I will be moving to Hoboken following graduation and am currently in the interview process for United Talent Agency where I aspire to be a trainee in their Agent Trainee Program.
Clubs/Sports/Interests: Captain of the fencing team’s women’s sabre squad, Editor-in-Chief of the Drew Acorn, and a community advisor.
Advice for future Drew students: I encourage Drew students to take advantage of the resources offered at Drew, and to build off of those offerings to best carve a path for themselves and their careers. Even if there are obstacles or a student finds themselves unsure of how to make the most of Drew’s assets, I believe students should do everything in their power to find opportunities themselves.
Achievements at Drew: I’ve had the privilege of interning at Warner Bros. for two summers in a row: the first as a Creative Affairs intern for WB Animation and the second as the Creative Affairs intern for DC Comics. I also earned a spot at NCAA Fencing Mid-Atlantic Regionals all three years that I competed on the fencing team. Finally, I will be defending my honors thesis, Chicano Communities’ Cinematic Representations from the 1980s to Today at the end of the month!
Reflection on your time at Drew: My time at Drew has taught me to rely on myself to create and find new opportunities. I’ve also made so many genuine connections with the people at this school and have made plenty of memories during my time here.
Shoutouts: I want to shout out all the advisors on my thesis committee not only for their huge help and support with that project, but also because James Carter’s [Associate Professor, History] History of Rock and Roll class the best class I’ve ever taken, Jeremy Blatter’s [Assistant Professor, Media and Communications] New York semester on Media and Communications opened my eyes to what it would be like to work in New York City and offered insight to the entertainment industry there, and Poe Johnson [Assistant Professor, Media & Communications] has been a great advisor who has guided me through my success here.
