A native of Baltimore, Maryland, TJ Sabia is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a marketing major.
Sabia was nominated for this series by Academic Advisor and UDREAM Program Coordinator Stephen Roberts.
In this profile, Sabia shares his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Sabia: Since my first semester at UD, I’ve grown a lot both personally and professionally. When I first started, I was still figuring out how to balance the freedom of college life with the responsibilities that came with it. Over time, I’ve developed stronger time management and organization skills that have helped me handle my work more effectively. I’ve also become more confident in my communication abilities, especially when working on group projects or presenting in class. Academically, I’ve changed from just completing assignments to really thinking critically about what I’m learning and how it applies to my own career goals. Overall, I’ve become more driven, self aware, and prepared for life after graduation.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Sabia: One of the biggest challenges I faced was adjusting to the academic workload and learning how to manage my time effectively. I overcame this by building a consistent schedule, staying organized, and prioritizing tasks each week. I also took advantage of campus resources like the UDREAM program and academic advising, which helped me stay on track and feel supported throughout the semester. This experience taught me how to be more disciplined and proactive, skills that have prepared me well for both higher level coursework and future professional responsibilities.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Sabia: My favorite signature UD experience was joining my fraternity. It gave me a sense of community and helped me meet people from different backgrounds who’ve become some of my closest friends. Being part of the organization also pushed me to grow as a leader, get involved in campus events, and give back through philanthropy, which made my overall college experience more meaningful.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Sabia: Yes, Stephen Roberts had a significant impact on my UD experience through his role as my UDREAM academic coach. When I first started at UD, I was still figuring out how to manage everything, academics, time, and adjusting to a new environment. Meeting with him regularly gave me structure and accountability. He helped me set realistic goals, stay organized, and work through challenges without feeling overwhelmed. What really stood out was how approachable and supportive he was. He didn’t just give advice, he listened and made sure I felt heard. He always took the time to understand what I was dealing with, both academically and personally, and offered guidance that was honest, practical, and encouraging. His support played a huge role in helping me build confidence and develop better habits that I still use today. Looking back, I can say that having someone like him to support me was a big part of why I’ve been able to stay on track and grow during my time at UD. He really made a lasting difference in how I approached my education and future goals.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Sabia: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means always staying curious, open to growth, and committed to learning beyond the classroom. To me, it’s about keeping the values and skills I’ve gained at Lerner College, like critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership, into my career and life. It means constantly evolving, embracing new challenges, and using what I’ve learned to make a positive impact wherever I go.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Sabia: My advice to incoming freshmen would be to take advantage of every opportunity to get involved in campus life. Join clubs, attend events, and explore different organizations, you never know what experiences will shape your time at UD. Build connections with as many people as you can and stay open to trying new things. Most importantly, make the most of your four years; I promise, they go by faster than you can imagine.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Sabia: After graduation, I plan to move back home to Maryland, and spend some time with my family and friends. I will continue to focus my attention on what UD has prepared me for – the opportunity to launch my career in marketing, which I am very excited about.