GRAD SAYS CALDWELL COLLEGE MADE ME A "HARDER WORKER"
Jaclyn Capalbo says Caldwell College made her a "harder worker" and her advisors and professors made sure that she developed professionally. A 2008 graduate of the College with a double major-B.A. in Elementary Education and Music, Jaclyn says Caldwell gave her a foundation to be able to go out into the working world. "The College made me more responsible. I felt prepared when I did my student teaching."
One of the aspects of Caldwell College that she appreciated most was the one-on-one attention students receive. A resident of Mine Hill, New Jersey and a commuter, she still felt like she was very involved and that the College was like a family, especially in the Music Department. A clarinet player and president of MENC, the Music Club, Capalbo said her work in the Music Department "was very hard," but the professors helped her develop her talents. "I never saw myself playing Mozart and now I feel that I've become more proficient and competent in my instrument. Now, I can play Mozart."
Capalbo was awarded the Kappa Gamma Pi St. Catherine of Alexandria Medal, which is given to a student who represents the high ideals of a Catholic College Education and displays leadership and service to his or her college. Active in Campus Ministry at Caldwell for four years, her favorite ministry was traveling to rural Kentucky in spring 2008 for alternative spring break to re-build homes for those in poverty. It was a powerful experience to be with the group, pray the rosary with the others and be "where people feel the same way as me about faith," she said. She has also been involved in the Midnight Run ministry where a campus ministry group travels into New York City to feed the homeless. She volunteered at St. Catherine's Health Care facility across the campus from the College. There, she fed Alzheimer's patients. "It was really hard." But, "The priests and nuns, they helped us, why can't we help them when they are older?" She also feels deeply about respect for life for the most defenseless. She and her father traveled to Washington D.C. with their parish, St. Mary's in Wharton, for the annual March for Life. She was struck by the many young people there defending the sanctity of life. "Not enough people from my generation voice this. It was nice to be there where everyone feels the same," Capalbo said. "My dad was adopted. If he had been aborted, I would not be here."
On campus, she was also recognized by the Student Government Association for her leadership as President of the MENC and was involved with the education fraternity KDE (Kappa Delta Epsilon). She was awarded the Marina Carroll & Dr. Charles Labelle Scholarship Award in 2005 which recognizes passionate, dedicated musicians who persevere towards their goals, while serving their colleagues and their community with a generous and charitable spirit.
Capalbo is looking forward to her teaching career. "I want to be able to inspire children. I want to be a role model for children and make learning fun for children."