As a student, Fryer joined prestigious national organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Alpha Phi Omega, a co-educational campus-based organization with a mission to provide service to the campus community and leadership development opportunities for its members. She was also a member of Rider’s Women's Club Volleyball team.
From day one, Rider’s strong, connected community supported Fryer’s ability to thrive.
Rhea Fryer always knew she wanted to make the most of her college experience. During her time at Rider, she became a highly involved student by participating in various activities that ranged from club sports to joining service-based and co-curricular groups and becoming a member of national Greek organizations.
Though being active allowed Fryer to expand her horizons, make an impact and establish strong networks she found herself in a difficult position trying to balance her commitments and manage the daily stressors of college life. Instead of caving into the pressure, she leaned on the connections she built at Rider to help her overcome the challenges.
“The relationships I created were integral to my success. Through these connections, I learned that it is okay to ask for help and that you will always be better off asking for help rather than trying, struggling and potentially failing on your own.”
Seizing opportunities led Fryer to develop valuable leadership and career skills.
Throughout her college career, Fryer continued to be involved on campus. This involvement allowed her to step into student leadership positions in social and academic organizations, and gain professional experience in an on-campus internship with Rider’s Office of Student Affairs.
“I think every experience I've had at Rider has taught me something valuable. I commend a lot of my leadership capabilities to being an orientation leader and working alongside our Vice President of Student Affairs [Dr. Leanna Fenneberg] as an intern. Being able to see a powerful and driven woman in a leadership position always inspired me and taught me to continue to keep my work ethic and standards high.”
How Rider’s Rebovich Institute for NJ Politics connected the dots to her current career
The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to public service and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey. The Institute serves as a home for politically engaged students to network, attend events featuring state leaders, study and gain practical experience in statewide politics beginning early in their college experience.
“In my freshman year, I got to sit in on teaching sessions when selecting the new director of the institute (Micah Rasmussen), and later took various classes through the institute and attended events that they held for the public and the group as well. I used essentially all the resources that the institute offered to help better my education as well as the skills I would need in the future.”
In addition to offering programming and related coursework, the Institute also facilitates the Rebovich Fellowship Program which works with students to find professional opportunities and offers stipends to assist those working in unpaid internships.
“Professor Rasmussen is great at setting students up for success. He helped me edit my resume when I was applying for my current job, and ultimately, my connection to the institute helped me to stand out from the competition.”
Every experience I've had at Rider has taught me something valuable. I commend a lot of my leadership capabilities to being an orientation leader and working alongside Rider’s Vice President for Student Affairs as an intern.”
Constituent advocate, Office of U.S. Senator Cory Booker
Now she’s working as an advocate with U.S. Senator Cory Booker.
“Currently, I work for U.S. Senator Cory Booker as a constituent advocate. As an advocate, I help constituents with various issues they may face with federal agencies, primarily immigration matters and unemployment. I also assist with community outreach for various counties and act as a representative of the Senator's office and our great state.”
College of Arts and Sciences: School of Humanities and Social Science
In Rider’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, there are limitless opportunities for exploration. You’ll challenge your perception of yourself and the world around you through cross-disciplinary learning that will provide you with the communication, critical thinking and research skills to successfully navigate today’s interconnected world.