Kean has had many successful students enter the university. Their involvement really shows how dedicated they are to making a difference on campus which will shape them beyond college. Getting involved in a Greek-Letter organization also helps students find their true calling while making new friends and lifelong connections.
Chris Sclafani, a sophomore majoring in forensic psychology is making his presence known at Kean getting involved in organizations such as the Leadership Institute and his fraternity, Nu Sigma Phi. Sclafani realized right away that Kean was his dream school and instantly applied without any questions. He saw Kean as a place to become more involved and felt a family connection that the university had to offer compared to other schools.
"Coming to Kean seemed like a no-brainer to me. It was almost like I was destined to come here. Being at Kean now for two years, I don't think I can see myself going anywhere else even if I was offered a full-ride scholarship," said Sclafani. "I saw a sense of community at Kean and from the minute I stepped foot on campus at New Student Orientation and the bronze retreat at Leadership to my first day of classes, was a life changing experience."
Sclafani believes involvement is beneficial to having a successful college career. Joining the Leadership Institute made the transition to college easier and eventually lead to his decision of becoming involved in Greek life on campus. Sclafani recently crossed into Nu Sigma Phi in the fall of 2020 and said that joining was by far one of the best decisions he ever made.
"I heard about Greek life through Leadership and if it wasn't for that, I don't think I would have applied. I learned about my organization through a few friends and it encouraged me to apply. Joining Nu Sigma Phi was easily one of the best decisions I have ever made," said Sclafani.
Reflecting back on his decision to cross, Sclafani talks about the mission of Greek life and all the great opportunities it offers to members. Such benefits include community service, having a strong brotherhood/sisterhood and access to many networking events.
"Greek life gives you a certain sense of confidence in that, you are not alone. Once you show interest in joining an organization, they will help you every step of the way and I felt that bond while meeting the members of Nu Sigma Phi. Joining increased my confidence because I know the brothers of my organization will always be there for me. I also have friends in other Greek organizations on campus as well boosting my connections. It really is cool that the Kean Greek community is one big melting pot and you can meet so many people through this community," said Sclafani.
Sclafani encourages students who wish to get more involved with Greek life or in general to step outside of their comfort zones because they may never know what opportunities lie ahead of them. The college experience can go by in a flash without students realizing it.
Sclafani's future plans include attending graduate school at Kean with the marriage and therapy program to one day becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. After that, he plans on also getting a doctorate degree at Kean with the School and Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program. Students such as Sclafani are prime examples of the success stories Kean University has to offer and he is only getting started.
