# @rutgersu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CdGfmQmLonz
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/180226-rutgersu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/697a76a516.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-05-03T15:47:27.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Rutgers University (@RutgersU) — https://gondola.cc/RutgersU

## Caption

It is time to celebrate the #RUClassOf2022 as they transition to their next chapter! Over the next few weeks, we will share stories from our soon-to-be graduates about how their time at Rutgers has shaped them into who they are today 📚

Meet Jake Rattigan, a graduating senior at @rutgersartsandsciences majoring in Psychology and Economics while minoring in Spanish. 

“Above all else, I have internalized the importance of compassion for oneself and others during my time at Rutgers. Having grown up in a small farming town, I’ve always embraced robust community bonds and serving others, but Rutgers taught me how to channel this love to form meaningful connections with diverse peoples abroad and become an active global citizen.

Rutgers University Alternative Breaks (RUAB) allowed me to take part in a larger mission to provide community-centered education and service regarding various social and environmental issues. From supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness to assisting in an asylum-seeker’s case, RUAB afforded me the ability to develop and practice greater cultural humility, as well as emphasized the necessity of serving people how they want to be served.

Amidst my drive to assist others, I sometimes forwent concerns for my own well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to reflect on—and confront—the personal struggles I habitually ignored. It was (and sometimes still is) difficult to reject my perfectionism, quell my inner-critic, and manage my anxiety. But I learned to find peace in connecting with nature, accepting and forgiving myself for my mistakes, and engaging in self-compassion practices. I learned that taking care of myself is not selfish, but necessary; you cannot fill the bucket for others if you have no water left to give.

I am thankful that my journey at Rutgers has engrained in me the values of compassionate leadership, self-kindness, and intentional, collaborative service that meets the needs and desires of a given community. I know there is still much more to learn moving forward, but I am ready.”

Check back each week as we feature #RUClassOf2022 graduates.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,046
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 30

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rutgers University | @RutgersU | https://gondola.cc/RutgersU | University |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photographer |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Social Media Manager |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Copywriter |
| Marques Ruiz | @digitallysober | https://gondola.cc/digitallysober | Photo Editor |

## Tags

ruclassof2022

## Events

grad profiles | rutgers u 2022

---
Copyright (c) Gondola