Sean DiGiulio is a student in Masters of Public Administration within the International Public Service Development program:

We are all familiar with these bigger institutions: Rutgers-Camden, Cooper Hospital, Government Buildings, Waterfront Attractions – Campbell’s Field, Adventure Aquarium, Susquehanna Bank Center, and Battleship New Jersey.  But give me a list of your favorite restaurants or shops on the main streets in Camden.  Until recently, I could not do that in Camden.  I could not tell you where to grab a bite to eat, or where to find the best mechanic in town, or where to pick of flowers for Mother’s Day.

For me, this started to change after visiting San Lucas on Federal St. and Old San Juan on Marlton Ave.  It wasn’t just the food, it was the experience.  Afterwards, I wondered: why had I never eaten at these places before despite living in the area all my life? Why would I drive all the way to Cherry Hill for Chipotle when you can get so much better Mexican at San Lucas less than five minutes away from campus? My answer: fear. Camden’s reputation over the years have created a culture of fear by the almost constant reports of violence.

Because of this fear, the city suffers.  As Ray Lamboy of LAEDA, a Camden-based economic development non-profit, stated, the problem facing Camden is “its inability to capitalize on students, faculty, office workers, etc., who come into the city for their work day and the economic impact they could make in the city.”  As a Rutgers-Camden student, I get this fear.  I feel it when I walk off Campus to the Patco station or when I walk to my car after a late class all the way over at Lot 11.  I feel that fear from looks I get from friend and family when we talk about going to school in Camden over the Thanksgiving break. 

But I want to look deeper into what Camden really is.  As an aspiring Urban Explorer, taking LAEDA up on its Dine-Around program was perfect. It broke me out of my comfort zone with Camden.  Grabbing lunch at Old San Juan was a simple and relaxing experience, and I left with a different perspective on Camden.  I didn’t think about Camden as crime-ridden anymore.  I thought of it as an urban playground chock full of new experiences.  When I got back to campus I wanted to share that experience.  I wanted to help demystify Camden for them. I wanted to be a liaison for the Rutgers community to connect it with the Camden community. 

I want you to be a liaison for Camden and Rutgers too.  I want you to push your comfort zone and lower the barriers that the fear creates. Do not underestimate your personal impact on building bridges and helping the city that is home to our Rutgers: Camden.

I have LAEDA and Dine-Around to thank for getting me out of the bubble that is the Rutger-Camden Campus. I also would like to encourage other students and faculty to do the same.

Let’s grab lunch and take advantage of the Dine-Around Program.  This month LAEDA is showcasing Old San Juan Friday, December 13, 2013 at 217 Marlton Ave. Camden, NJ 08105 from 12:30pm to 2pm.  We’re trying to mix it up with some Puerto Rican food after Mexican food at San Lucas.  It’s ideal for the burgeoning Urban Explorer. So come out, bring a friend, enjoy some food, and have a great time.

Here’s a link to our flier for more details:

Dine Around – Old San Juan – Dec 13 11-28-13