James Vernillo

I have been loving my time at the College of New Jersey, the people are affable, caring, and respect students' time and well-being, and have helped me develop my character greatly. As a Sophomore Public Health student, I am offered the invaluable opportunity to be with professors who are dedicated to their work and sharing opportunities with us students. Some of these opportunities have come in the form of volunteering.

I have enjoyed 18+ hours in the Mercer Medical Reserve Corps where I worked alongside compassionate individuals, dedicated to improving the health of their communities. I earned my certification for the MRC through the courses I participated in and the medical needs shelter training. The medical needs shelter training was my favorite experience in the MRC, as it replicates how we would need to set up the shelter in case of an emergency. Other notable experiences in the MRC were the CBRNE(Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) awareness training, ICS 100, as well as NIMS 700 which taught about MNS shelters and federal response to national disasters.

Participating in the New Jersey Department of Health's Project was an enjoyable experience. While it was a fun event, I learned a lot, considering that it was an educational escape room. NJDOH also hosted an event on stopping the spread of infectious diseases. The event primarily focused on the spread of COVID-19. However, we also learned how to use PPE properly, as well as what surfaces are most likely to host a large degree of germs.

TCNJ's community-engaged learning was also a great experience. It was a four-day course, however, one of the days was able to work with the local Ewing community, where we learned about people with disabilities, the history of mistreatment of individuals with disabilities , and how we need to do more to accommodate people with disabilities in society, to ensure they have an equal opportunity to education and promote their well-being.

Working with Best Buy has also been a great experience, providing for the company while also learning communication skills on the job has greatly benefited me. Working with my co-workers at the story has also been a great opportunity.

Working at BJ's Wholesale during the college year has also taught me invaluable skills. From managing a hectic seven day week, to strict deadlines at work.

I hope to gather more experience by working along with my peers and future co-workers to help the well-being of our future society and do my absolute best to give back to my ever astonishing community.

Working in retail with two fortune five hundred companies part time. These two companies being Best Buy and BJ's Wholesale. At these companies I learn vital skills needed for communication and delivery. Learning to become a team player and work with co-worker to strive for excellence.

Enrolled in a undergraduate Public Health program at the college of New Jersey, minoring in business.