CONTACT:
Traditional Admissions
800-360-1222
610-740-3780
admissions@cedarcrest.edu
Class of 2021
North Brunswick, NJ
Health Science Major
First-Year Experience Mentor
Reflection is a big part of the decision-making process, so when it came to choosing a college, Adamaris (Addie) Moncion ’21 really took her time. She weighed both her own and her family’s needs. Addie spent so much time reflecting that she did not apply to Cedar Crest until Decision Day. Though waiting that long is not typical of applicants, that was when an AP English classmate mentioned Cedar Crest College to her. Addie finally found exactly what she and her family were looking for.
For Addie’s family, they found a college close enough to North Brunswick, NJ, to visit but far enough to provide Addie with independence. And Addie found what she was looking for—strong academics, the right resources, accessible faculty and staff, and a supportive community.
“Cedar Crest College is a very warm environment. It is my home away from home,” says Addie.
A health science major, Addie enjoys reflecting on her college journey. “My biggest aha moment was getting adjusted to balancing everything,” she says. Learning how to be there for herself, her friends and her family was a process for Addie.
With the help of her faculty and staff mentors, Addie was able to balance her time better, get more involved on campus and incorporate positive study habits like taking breaks and asking for help.
“Whenever I had a question, I knew I could just walk over and ask the faculty,” says Addie. “Getting involved, and not isolating myself in academics, helped me understand balance and start ‘adulting.’ It exposed me more to the real world and helped me to understand that things are different from high school.”
Faculty and staff mentors also helped Addie when she changed her major from nursing to health science. Dianne Babbitt, Ph.D., chairperson and associate professor of health sciences, was assigned Addie’s new advisor and provided support and guidance. “She was very understanding and super helpful throughout the entire process,” Addie explains.
In her first semester as a health science major, Addie took a class taught by Allen Snook, DH.Sc., director of athletics, wellness and recreation, which broadened her outlook on sports medicine and contributed to her decision to pursue a career in athletic training. “As an athletic trainer, I can help others, which is important to me, and can follow my interest in caring for injuries and illnesses,” Addie explains. Addie also had the opportunity to shadow Cedar Crest athletic trainers, Kelly Fleming and Amanda Stopinski. Through her shadowing experience, Addie learned about a typical day for an athletic trainer and gained insight into the steps she needed to take to enter the profession.
Throughout her time at Cedar Crest, Addie also provided support for her fellow Falcons. For three years, she served as a First-Year Experience (FYE) Mentor, sharing advice, lessons learned and empowering messages with the incoming classes. Serving as an FYE Mentor was a significant experience for Addie, who compares mentorship to being like a big sister. “Transitions are scary, let alone transitioning into college,” she adds. “I always made sure that my mentees knew that I was reliable and had the best interests in them—being there for them when they needed me yet cheering them on from afar when they didn't.”
After graduation, Addie will attend Montclair State University to earn her master’s in athletic training.
