He can be seen as a comedian, always making people laugh with the things he says and always making people feel excited with the energy he has. With his bright mind and his dedication to do whatever he can during his lifetime, Andrew Cornelio, a senior majoring in therapeutic recreation, is a person everyone has to know.
Cornelio is an executive board member of the organization FUNK, otherwise known as Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean. “I joined [FUNK] because I wanted to get the name of FUNK out there on campus… [and] to learn more about the Filipino Culture,” comments Cornelio. “FUNK is just more than a club, it’s a family. People who aren’t a part of FUNK and see us even say ‘FUNK is not a club, it’s a movement.’” Not only is Cornelio a part of FUNK but he is a also member of the programing board of Student Government, otherwise known as The Programming for Unique and Lively Student Experience (PULSE).
To accumulate to his interesting lifestyle, Cornelio also explains how he was a part of a man pageant called the NY/NJ's Mr. Philippines Man-Pageant. At this pageant he was able to represent the organization FUNK. “Students from 19 colleges in New Jersey, such as Rutgers, Seton Hall and Montclair, competed,” comments Cornelio. He continues to comment on how at the pageant there were several categories to compete in which included a talent category, an opening dance category, and a cultural wear category. “Unfortunately,” Cornelio says, “I did not make it to the last category, but I was able to be a part of a photoshoot for a magazine. All men running for the man pageant were able to do so.”
“I love to sing and act, and just entertain,” explains Cornelio, which is perfect for someone going into a field of recreational therapy. “You know the best thing of going into this kind of field is that you can do anything. But if…this [idea I have] falls apart, I will probably go to the Philippines to pursue a career in entertaining.” He would like to become a physical therapist in the near future, after he goes to Graduate School. He is very passionate of his goals, especially his one goal of becoming a therapist, “you know, not too many people know what recreational therapy is. A lot of people know what occupational therapy is, but not recreational.” Recreational therapy is where therapist are allowed to use music, dancing sports, games and more to help those who are in need of therapy. “With recreational therapy I can do something with a purpose… [and]that is important to me.”
Cornelio will be missed after he leaves campus next spring semester. His lively attitude and selflessness brings smiles to people’s faces. His whimsical phrases brings laughter to crowds and his creative mind will never stop being creative. So in the near future, be on the lookout for Cornelio…entertainers never stop entertaining.
