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Raritan Valley Community College student Elena Waddleton is set graduate with an Associate Degree in Social Sciences in May 2025.

Elena started her college journey at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she spent her freshman year. After some financial strain, she decided to move back home to New Jersey and attend RVCC to save on tuition. “RVCC was extremely generous and helped me get back on track,” says Elena. “Enough so that I have been able to work diligently on my academics all year in hopes of receiving a merit scholarship offer from the four-year schools I apply to.”  

RVCC’s Humanities and Social Sciences track appealed to Elena due to her personal interest in psychology. “Since I was young, I have always sought to understand myself better, and subsequently, those around me,” she says. “I believe everyone can learn from each other if they can understand how and why people act like they do, and what makes everyone so unique.”

Elena’s passion for psychology dovetails with a keen interest in sociology. “Sociology goes hand and hand with psychology in how to understand oneself,” she says One must first critically examine the world around them and how it has impacted them.”

At RVCC, Elena has been able to explore her interests in a hands-on setting and cites her sociology classes with Dr. Pearce-Morris as a true highlight. “Every class felt like an episode right from a sitcom and there was never a dull moment,” she says. “The class was always so engaged—riffing off of each other and building up discussions and theories. Dr. Pearce-Morris was able to teach us a lesson relevant to our coursework in a fun but intelligent way, making sure everyone was both learning and enjoying themselves.”

While at RVCC, Elena has been Vice President of Membership and Recruitment for the Criminal Justice Club, a member of the Open Mic Club, and Vice President of Information and Media for Project Cat Watch, where she has spent time feeding the stray cats in the RVCC woods.

A recipient of the President’s Award of Volunteer and Service, Elena also volunteers with Safe + Sound of Somerset, which provides comprehensive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. After 60 hours of training, she is now a certified Domestic Violence Advocate, enabling her to provide counseling and helpline services.

In addition, Elena is a Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society member and made the Dean’s List for both Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. “My favorite part of RVCC has been being a member of the Honors College,” she says. “Because of the Honors College, I have been able to form meaningful connections and networking skills with my professors and have learned more about my desired career path as a result.”

After receiving her Associate Degree in Social Sciences at RVCC, Elena hopes to transfer back to Temple University and double major in psychology and music therapy. “Music is a huge part of my life, something I have always been passionate about and willing to work into my career,” she says. “My passion for psychology makes me curious about music therapy and how the two are connected. I hope to be able to heal people through music in a therapeutic setting as a part of my career journey.”

Ultimately, Elena hopes to own a therapy practice where she can recruit music therapists, talk therapists, CBT therapists, and art therapists. “I am extremely passionate about psychology and the world of behavioral health and want to become as educated in its variations as much as possible,” she says.

Learn More About Social Sciences at RVCC

At RVCC, the social sciences program is an option of the Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree program. What is social science in liberal arts and what can you do with a social science degree? RVCC’s program is designed to prepare students to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in anthropology, criminology, political science, psychology, or sociology. The program provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in pre-law, social work, or public administration careers.

Learn more about careers in Humanities and Social Sciences, and discover if it could be the right pathway for you.

About RVCC

Have you been searching for “schools near me?” With so many education options in New Jersey, finding the best choice for your journey can feel overwhelming. 

Let Raritan Valley Community College make the choice easier for you. Ranked the #1 community college in NJ by WalletHub.com and Intelligent.com, RVCC offers 90+ degree and certificate programs, small class sizes, affordable tuition, a vibrant campus life, and so much more.

Apply today or visit https://www.raritanval.edu for further information.