Katherine Orefice

Health Administration/Human Resource Management Class of 2023

Monroe Township, NJ
Activities/Organizations: Eta Sigma Gamma honor society; Rutgers Italian Club 
Personal interests: spending time with family; playing with my dogs Nella and Talulah and my furry niece Winifred; listening to music of all genres; crafting with my Cricut

Following in the footsteps of her older sister Samantha (EJB Public Health, Class of 2020), Katherine chose Rutgers because it allowed her to gain independence while still being close to home. An animal lover since she was young, Katherine thought being a veterinarian was her calling. After taking a few classes that focused on pre-veterinary services, she realized that this was not the career for her. On the advice of her older sister, who went on to get a Master’s in Public Health, she reached out to the Bloustein School’s undergraduate advising team. They guided her through the majors and options, including the school-to-school transfer process.

As part of her health administration major requirements, Katherine interned at the Academy Learning Center in Monroe Township, a school dedicated to teaching and assisting those with autism and/or multiple disabilities. Her responsibilities included providing educational and behavioral support to students aged 3-21 to promote independence and learn everyday skills.

While not yet sure which aspect of health administration or human resource management she would like to work in after graduation, she knows that she wants to be in an environment where she can help people access equal health care and make a difference in the community. She would eventually like to get a master’s degree after determining what field suits her. Initially discouraged by the academic transition from high school classes to college classes and about to give up academically, a simple pre-advising appointment allowed Katherine was able to imagine her future as a college graduate of Rutgers University.

Advice to prospective students: Don’t give up! Remember the impact you can make on this world and what you want to change. Find a major that makes the hard times and work worth it. Always take advantage of having an academic advisor. They are there to help guide you through the complicated processes that come with college.