Raphael Riendeau

Journey to GMercyU

After graduating high school in 2019, I had began my college journey at another University as a nursing major. For the first two semesters everything seemed like it was going to plan. Then I started my actual introductory nursing courses. I immediately realized that I was not passionate nor happy about my initial decision.

By fall 2020, I began to think of other majors I could switch to, but never truly felt confident in my decisions. It was not until fall 2021 that the light bulb finally turned on for me. I remembered touring Gwynedd Mercy University back as a junior in high school.

I decided to transfer into GMercyU’s Social Work in spring 2022. After completing a semester of the social work program, I still did not feel as if I had made the right decision. Thankfully, in fall 2022, I read about the University’s marketing program and believed that my creative skills could and would serve me well in this type of a major. I could not have been more correct.

Transfer Process

As this was my first true impression of the university, I was completely thrilled as the university and its excellent team stood behind me all the way. Not only was the admission transfer process fairly simple and straightforward, but the team also made sure I received all transfer credits from past courses I had completed. The beauty of Gwynedd Mercy University did not stop there, however. The team truly helped me to find my way and belonging in a major where I could not be happier.

My advisor from the Social Work program recognized my dilemma and worked with me to help me transfer to the Marketing program. Once transferred, my Marketing advisor jumped on every opportunity for Business courses that I could complete that semester, helping me to ultimately get the ball rolling to my future success. This helpful attitude and understanding of the students and their individual success stories, is truly what stood out to me and allowed me to realize that I made the correct choice in transferring over to Gwynedd Mercy University.

When faced with the choice of either living on-campus or commuting, there was only one decision I could make that would ultimately fulfill my wants and make me happy. Being that I really love to spend time with my family, I chose to be a commuter. I enjoy this ability as it not only allows me to spend time on campus, but ultimately with my own family as well. I enjoy being able to relax after a long day of studies and classes to a great television show with my family in the evening. Being a commuter offers me the perfect balance of both family and school so that I can have great experiences and make many amazing memories.

Experience in Marketing Program

Being that I had started off as a Nursing major, I never could have imagined that I would end up truly happy in Marketing. In fact, my passion to help others was my inspiration for nursing, though I had no desire to learn the medical jargon that was not clicking with me. After a journey of wisdom and understanding, I came to realize that I did not like science as a whole, and thought that I may enjoy business a bit more. That was ultimately how I came to choose marketing as my major. Not only do marketers help others by creating products and services which they then market to the various industries, but they get to use their own unique creative talents to better existing products and services or even create new ones.

As I have ventured through many of marketing courses, I have come to greatly appreciate my time spent with Dr. Harper, Dr. Dennis, and Dr. Rakus. Each of these professors have worked with me on a number of levels to achieve success. They have each believed in me and my passionate abilities that I can share and bring to the marketing world, and I could not be more grateful. In fact, it was through Dr. Rakus’ that I got an internship with Gwynedd Mercy University’s Marketing Department. I am so grateful to Gwynedd Mercy University’s faculty and staff, and in particular, my business professors that I have journeyed with.

Path to Graduation

Up until the current semester, I have not really engaged with much activity around the university. As I was slowly discovering my path, I felt that I did not have much free time to explore many of the campus events and activities that are offered. As of fall 2023, I am proud to be interning for GMercyU’s Marketing department for a number of reasons. First of all, it allows me to get a backstage view of the University. Second, it will ultimately offer me many opportunities to engage in campus events and happenings. Lastly, it will allow me the chance to get to know more of my fellow Griffins who are embarking on their own individual journeys just as I am.

I graduate in December 2024 so I plan to make the most of my next three semesters at Gwynedd Mercy University. Course work is essential and I am set to strategize how to plan each semester so that can graduate as expected. I also am hopeful to actively participate in many of the events and activities the university is hosting between now and my graduation, so that I can fully immerse myself in the college experience.

Once I have graduated, I intend to take each of the skills and traits I have learned at Gwynedd Mercy University and apply them to my career and make the most of it. I want to be as understanding and caring about new hires and others who may transfer jobs, just as Gwynedd Mercy University’s team was when I transferred in spring 2022. I passionately believe that Gwynedd Mercy University is an excellent college that strives and prides itself on its core values and mission statement. It truly works with its students and ensures that they can graduate having fulfilled their individual journeys and missions with excellence and passion.