Catching Up With Forman Scholar Quadier Adams!
Forman Scholar Quadier Adams graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham this spring with a degree in criminology – and he’s just getting started. We recently caught up with Quadier to learn more about his college experience and his plans for the future.
What was life on FDU’s campus like?
It was amazing! There were so many opportunities to get involved and make your mark on campus. As a campus leader, I founded the Diverse Student Union, served as president of the Campus Food Pantry and got involved with the True Crime Club as its vice president. I volunteered my time with local organizations, including the First Baptist Church of Madison and the Salvation Army of Morristown. I also completed a few internships, one with the Morris County Sherriff’s Office and another with the Warren Township Police Department.
It sounds like you were quite busy! So, what’s next?
I’ve decided to continue my education at FDU’s Metro campus in Teaneck, New Jersey, where I’ll be studying for a master’s degree in cyber and homeland security administration. I’ll also be serving as director of residence life. This is a fantastic opportunity for me because throughout my career, I’d like to give back to my community in the form of mentorship and other one-on-one supports for young people.
How did the Forman Acton Foundation support you throughout your college journey?
The Foundation provided so many tools and resources that proved to be indispensable throughout my college career, including the financial literacy program, the care packages during midterms and finals, and the mentorship – shout out to Ms. Kim and Rick Wilson! In all seriousness, these mentors constantly checked in on me and did whatever they could to answer my questions, cheer me on, and ensure I had everything I needed to be the best student, young adult and campus leader I could be. I couldn’t have done this without them – or any of the Foundation’s staff for that matter.
What’s the biggest difference between high school and college?
In college, never underestimate the power of relationships. The connections you make with everyone on campus are so, so important. Never take those for granted. College is a 24/7 networking opportunity – everyone knows someone. You never know when a connection you’ve made freshman year may come in handy five or so years down the road.
Why are organizations such as the Forman Acton Foundation so important?
Unfortunately, not every student has a support system to navigate college or the means to afford it. For those students like me who are fortunate enough to have an organization like the Foundation in their corner, the impact is extraordinary. Yes, the Foundation provided financial support to help me and my family cover the cost of attending FDU. But more importantly, the Foundation provided intangible support – assistance with navigating college life, advice about life after graduation, insight into financial literacy and other subjects not covered in the classroom – that truly made a difference in my life as a young person and as a student.