"Hey Barbie, where's Ken? I'm so used to hearing that when I tell people what my name is," Barbie says. However, we're talking about life size Barbie; Barbie Barone, junior Occupational Therapy/Recreational Therapy major, Not the doll little girls race to pick off the shelves of toy stores across America. "My mother's name is Barbara and so is my grandmother's. So they wanted to keep the similar tradition, but make it modern", Barbie explained. If you didn't know, Barbie is quite the student leader on campus. She's actively involved with Student Organization of Kean University, Inc. (Student Org), works for the Council for Part-time Students (CPTS), and a proud member of her sorority. We recently, we sat down with her to figure out what really goes on in the wonderful world of Barbie.
Click here to view this slideshow

D: Tell me a little bit about how you became involved on campus.

B: I got involved with Student Council. I saw there were elections for freshmen. I was involved with student council in high school, so I knew I wanted to be a part of it. So the first thing I did was run for Class of 2009 representative. Then, I became the secretary my sophomore year. Now I'm the class junior Vice President. Through my involvement with student council, I met some people who are in my sorority. Shortly after, I joined Delta Phi Epsilon. And I currently hold two positions which are Sunshine Chair and Senior Events Coordinator. I also work on campus for Tara Higgins in the Council for Part Time Students.

D: What exactly do you do in Delta Phi Epsilon?

B: As the Sunshine Chair, I work with our Members-at-Large. I try to create events for our sisterhood. When people are down and upset, I'll bring stuff to the meetings. For example, if someone had a really bad day and I know about it, then I'll come with a cupcake, a gift card, or something little to make them happy. I also bring articles and happy things to the meetings and I read them. If there's a death in one of our sister's families, I'll organize something.There was a death in one of our sister's families last year and I got the stuff together and we cooked dinner. I also passed around a can and raised money for her family, and made her mom a basket.

For Senior Events, I help the seniors out their last semester. I try to keep them as involved as possible. I'll type up notes for them, or give them a copy of the agenda. And at the end, I'll make a power point or slideshow, to honor them.

D: What are some of your off campus activities?

B: I take a ballet class and I belong to a church. I am a part of our church's National American Carpatho Russian Youth Organization (ACRY) and church choir. I tutor elementary kids in English and Science, because it's really easy. I'm also very family oriented. I have a huge family.

D: What is your favorite music/band?

I like classical music, it helps with studying. I also like Broadway show tunes. My favorite band is The Dave Matthews Band.


D: With everything you have on your plate, how are you with time management? I know everyone has a different way of doing things. What helps you?

B: (Showing her planner) This planner from the book store has my life in it! I highlight important things, I draw pictures. My planner is my life. Pre-calc, voice lessons, even my relationship, like my boyfriend is in here. I try to do things in time order. I like calendars and stuff.

D: What attracted you to Delta Phi Epsilon in particular? You said you met people through Student Org.?

B: Yeah. I also had class with one of the girls, one of the older sisters. And she was wearing her letters to class and it was just something that interested me. The main thing about our sorority, we're a very behaved sorority. We have one of the highest G.P.A's for all the fraternities and sororities on campus. We do a lot of community service. We volunteer at an underprivileged kindergarten school. I wanted to be social too, but I wanted to be part of an organization that I can fit in.

D: What negative stereotypes about Greeks do you want to clarify?

B: Well, that we're not all partiers and not all alike. We're very classy, and I know I can say this about a few other sororities on campus. Being a in sorority has brought my standards up, not brought me down, I study more, I go to class more. There are certain things we get rewarded for; we get rewarded for going to class.

D: What advice can you give to students who want to get involved?

B: First, I want to say definitely go to the Campus Awareness Festival, that's also where I learned. I'm in theater and I learned how to make theater a part of my life. And also don't be shy. Try and talk to people because everyone here is cool. Don't be afraid to ask people things, because they are here to help and probably have the answers.

D: Where do you see yourself in five years?

B: Hopefully, I'll be working as an Occupational Therapist. I want to work in pediatrics, so probably a children's specialty hospital. I also would like to see myself in Community Theater. Possibly being engaged, I want to get married early.

D: Where do you see Kean in ten years?

B: Even more developed. Hopefully, I'll see a parking deck! I definitely see it becoming a bigger University. It was my first choice; I'm hoping other people see that.


D: Do you have a quote that you live by?

B: Never lower your standards, but you can lower your expectations.


D: Is there something about you most people don't know?
B: My Dad has cancer. It takes a lot from my life. I'm involved in so much, but I go home on the weekend and I help my mom. Also, alot of people don't know about my theater life. They think oh she's a sorority girl, and she's crazy, but I'm also a theater person and I'm very proud of it!