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by University Photographer Mike Peters

Horatio Wauchope’s story moves the way he does – fluidly, between the arts, fashion and social science. Growing up between Jamaica and New Jersey, he learned to express himself through music, photography and conversation, blending creativity with curiosity about how people connect.

A decade ago, after two semesters at �鶹��ý����, he left school to launch a career in photography and fashion as an agent and director. “I went deep into my career, but after a while I stopped seeing progress and felt my ideas weren’t being taken seriously,” Horatio, 34, explains. 

“Eventually I got fed up and started seeing signs pointing me back to school.”

�ѴDzԳٳ���������’s readmit program helps students like Horatio return to finish their degrees, offering flexible options to take courses online, in person or in a hybrid format so they can balance school with work, commuting and family commitments.​

When Horatio reapplied, financing his education was a major concern. �鶹��ý���� provided the Red Hawk Advantage Award, which helps eligible New Jersey students with tuition if they’re working on their first bachelor’s degree, have under 60 credits and meet income and GPA requirements. 

“I had no idea schools had their own funding like that. I thought I’d tried everything.”

Morning Hustle

“Coming back after 10 years, I’ve been surprised by how many people stepped up for me once I was honest about what I needed,” he says.

On a recent winter day, , inviting Photographer Mike Peters to ride with him while he made deliveries and sit in on his classes. “We met before my first class in Bloomfield so I could grab coffee and then squeeze in an hour of work. I did a couple of trips, picking up someone’s breakfast at Wawa and a pharmacy run for someone’s medication.”

In Class and In Motion

A Sociology major, Horatio took Spreadsheet Essentials at the Bloomfield campus to build data analyst skills because that location better fit his schedule. Students from both locations are able to take courses across campuses. “It was my first time on the Bloomfield campus since the merger, and it was interesting to experience a different environment while still being a �鶹��ý���� student.”

A decade ago, when Horatio first attended �鶹��ý����, he published a photography book for a class project called The Commuter, which mirrored his experiences as a college commuter. “I always had my camera with me, and I’d take photos of people going down the escalator at New York Penn Station or head to Hoboken to shoot birds. I got a really good grade for the class, which inspired me to keep pursuing photography.”

This time around, Horatio is focused on new interests. Last semester, he completed an internship at �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Project AROS (Applied Research On Social Issues) Lab, mentored by Arnaud Kurze, associate professor of Justice Studies and the lab’s director. “It’s an interdisciplinary research program,” Horatio explains. “No matter what field you want to go into – history, technology or medicine – it gives us room to learn how to do real-life research and shadow professionals on their projects.”​

Horatio’s research examined climate change in Liberia. “I learned how to map vulnerabilities and create graphs to visualize where floods hit hardest. It focused on erosion, flooding and how those changes affect communities, especially women who fish and provide for their families.”

Finding Mentors, Building Momentum

In addition to his internship, Horatio is finding mentorship in his classes. “Professor Parashar has been like a mom to me this semester,” he says. “Her class is tough, very old‑school – pencils, paper, lots of problem sets – but it gave me a strong foundation.”

I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up – data science, research or something else – but I know I’m on the right track. I’m taking every opportunity as it comes and trusting that the work, the mentors and the connections will lead me to the next step.”

Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Through this photo essay, part of an ongoing series, we highlight how �鶹��ý���� students, faculty and staff embody the University’s mission in the classroom, on campus and beyond – empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.

Ready to start your �鶹��ý���� journey?

• Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.
• Prospective Students: Visit campus and apply to �鶹��ý����.
• Journalists: Contact �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview.