This is the third time we’ve checked in with Nasir Mack, Meredith Orme and Robert Zurzolo, three Fox students who were among the first to participate in the school’s new Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Core Curriculum. Now juniors, the group reflects on their experience at Fox, the trends they are into and what they would put in a time capsule that represents 2020 to them.
Robert Zurzolo, Finance and Accounting double major
Photo by Joseph V. Labolito
Reflecting on your experience at Fox, how have you transformed as a result of your business education?
From freshman year to now, the biggest transformation I’ve experienced is becoming comfortable in any professional setting and having a clear career path that I see myself moving through over the next five years. I mostly have The Owl Fund to thank for those developments, which has been the most impactful class I’ve taken during my time at Temple. Through that class, I’ve had the opportunity to gain industry-standard experience. I’ve helped manage a portfolio of about $700,000, as well as learning important broad skills like public speaking, professional report writing and analytical thinking.
What 2020 trend are you most excited for?
The new season of the show Ozark and possibly the prequel of Game of Thrones.
What would you put in a time capsule that represents 2020 to you?
A watch, because in 2020 I’ll be focusing on taking advantage of the free time that I have and enjoying the time I have left at Temple.
Meredith Orme, Accounting and Legal Studies double major
Photo by Joseph V. Labolito
Reflecting on your experience at Fox, how have you transformed as a result of your business education?
Fox has changed my life. Beyond enhancing my technical skills, Temple has helped me with soft skills such as communication. My professors and classmates helped me feel like I belong in business, especially being a woman in a male-dominated field. I’ve learned to command space in a room and to be more assertive (but still polite) when I communicate. These aren’t things I even considered when I was starting in 2017, but they are some of the most valuable things I’ve learned. Fox’s location in Philadelphia has also given me the incredible opportunity to intern with the Flyers, and Temple’s flexibility has allowed me to spend eight months in Florida interning with Disney. Being here has given me a really varied and interesting experience.
What’s your favorite 2020 trend?
My favorite 2020 trend would have to be TikTok (unfortunately). It’s a big distraction but very entertaining!
What would you put in a time capsule that represents 2020 to you?
I would put in a map of the area. Philadelphia is continually changing, but our location specifically is seeing really significant growth. I think it would be interesting to reference the changes on campus in the future!
Nasir Mack, business management and media studies and production double major
Photo by Joseph V. Labolito
Reflecting on your experience at Fox, how have you transformed as a result of your business education?
Since my freshman year, I have grown immensely. I have more balance and clarity for my future. I am much more patient. Also, due to Fox, I now consider myself a full-fledged entrepreneur. I created my own student professional organization, Fox for Balance, and joined the 1810 accelerator space in order to launch my business in the next two years upon graduation. I have also pioneered a few other ventures outside of school this past summer—and made some money.
What’s your favorite 2020 trend?
The viral video of Kobe Bryant explaining to his daughter, Gianna, the rules of basketball. While this is an incredibly heartbreaking moment, it truly captures the essence of a father-daughter relationship. It signifies what all men should aspire to be for their daughters.
What would you put in a time capsule that represents 2020 to you?
So far, I would drop in a picture of the Fox sky bridge and Charles Library. Not to sound cliche, but this year for me has really been nothing less than clear. I have my vision and I know what I’m going to do. Ten years from now will be the manifestation of that vision.
Like my own vision, I don’t think the future of Fox and Temple has never been so clear until this moment. I foresee a bright bright future ahead for Fox. A lot of things need changing, but we’re changing them.