In a candid reflection on her educational journey, Alexandra Paskhaver details her experiences as a student at Rutgers University. Graduating in January 2025, Paskhaver offers insights into the challenges and value of her time at the institution, challenging prevailing perceptions of university prestige, particularly in comparison to Princeton University.
Confronting Stereotypes
Paskhaver begins by addressing a common perception among students from elite institutions, particularly those from Princeton, who often consider themselves superior due to their school’s reputation. She asserts that Rutgers, known for its diverse course offerings, stands on equal footing. “How can Rutgers, which offers classes on American lawns and turfgrass and dance in Istanbul, ever be beneath you?” she questions, emphasizing the breadth of subjects available.
Joining the Rutgers community in August 2021 as a freshman, Paskhaver approached her education with high aspirations, particularly regarding her pursuit of a degree in Computer Science. She humorously recounts her initial naivety, believing she could easily achieve financial success by mastering programming. Yet, she admits to struggling with even the smallest challenges, such as mastering the semicolon in coding. “Now I rake leaves to make enough to buy Taco Bell,” she reflects, highlighting the often unexpected paths of university life.
The Educational Experience
Despite her struggles, Paskhaver expresses deep appreciation for her education at Rutgers. “I also learned a lot,” she states, noting that her coursework extended beyond the technical aspects of computer science to include knowledge about desert plants and literary analysis. This multifaceted approach is a hallmark of Rutgers’ educational philosophy, which requires students to complete a core curriculum across various disciplines.
The contrast between Rutgers and Princeton becomes more evident as Paskhaver discusses the differences in academic structure. At Princeton, students often delve deeply into theoretical frameworks and develop entrepreneurial ventures. In contrast, Rutgers emphasizes a well-rounded education, incorporating subjects like sociology and history into the curriculum. “Nobody knows why they’ve just been doing it that way since 1766,” Paskhaver quips, highlighting the long-standing tradition of comprehensive education.
Among her most challenging classes was Computer Architecture, led by Professor Santosh Nagarakatte. Paskhaver describes the difficulty of the course while humorously noting how, if she were to throw her laptop out the window, she could confidently declare that every component would be broken. Another demanding class was Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms, taught by Professor Jie Gao. The final exam featured complex questions that left her feeling bewildered, yet she persevered through these academic hurdles.
Paskhaver’s determination culminated in her graduation a semester ahead of schedule, completing her degree in three and a half years rather than the traditional four. While she acknowledges that this achievement does not elevate her above her peers from Princeton, she feels a sense of pride in her accomplishments. “Am I better than the Princeton kids? Obviously not, but you have to give me credit for trying,” she asserts.
Now, with her state school degree in hand, Paskhaver finds herself pursuing a career in writing rather than programming. Despite the financial investment in her education, she maintains a positive outlook on her time at Rutgers. “Did I make good use of the thousands of dollars of tuition money? I hope so. At least I can count to 101,” she concludes, underscoring the blend of humor and sincerity that characterizes her perspective.
Paskhaver’s reflections serve as a reminder of the diverse paths education can take and the value of experiences beyond the classroom. As Rutgers continues to shape the lives of its students, her story exemplifies the transformative power of education, regardless of institutional prestige.
