Darryn and David Cotton never imagined they would be sharing their college experience. For these two brothers, sharing a bedroom at their home in Westhampton, New Jersey, meant more together time than they ever really wanted, and it’s clear why—Darryn proudly nominates himself as the neat and diligent brother, while David laughs about how he wouldn’t “go crazy if a pen were out of place.”

After years of what Darryn calls a “clash of personalities,” you’d expect that these siblings would have jumped on the opportunity to move to colleges with at least a few hundred miles of distance between them. But on the contrary, the Cotton brothers are both enrolled at Rutgers–New Brunswick, working in residence life, and even hanging out together at football games.

Darryn, 21, is a senior studying management and Africana studies, and David, 19, is looking toward pursuing a business major as he begins his second year here.

“I encouraged David to come here, not so much because I wanted him here with me, but more so because in the two years before he started college, I realized how great Rutgers is,” reflects Darryn.

Even while these siblings were being interviewed, they couldn’t help making jokes at each other’s expense, but one thing was clear—despite their different personalities, they are both making the most of their time at Rutgers and creating memories that they hope to pass on to generations to come.


Why did you decide to attend Rutgers?

Darryn: I just started looking around, and I knew I wanted to do something in business. There are a couple of people who go to our church who graduated from Rutgers, so I always heard that Rutgers is a good school, especially if you’re trying to go into business. The other big factor was the price. I knew our financial situation, and if it weren’t for financial aid, we probably wouldn’t be here.

David: All our family lives within a five-mile radius in South Jersey. We’re very family involved, so that was a big decision for me to come to Rutgers because I can go home to my family when I want, even though I have a family here.


What has been your experience with your older brother on campus?

David: He’s shown me everything. I can just call him and say, “My schedule is this, and I want it to be like this—how do I do that?” So he has been there for me, and he is very resourceful. We go to a lot of athletic events together at Rutgers. He also set the standard, so now I have something to live up to academically, socially—just overall. His life right now is something I should strive for. He has shown me what it takes to succeed through his grades, involvement on campus, and work ethic.


What activities are you involved in?

Darryn: My largest time commitment is being a preceptor in Brett Hall. I’m part of the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, the Black Men’s Collective, and the Diverse Business Students Association as well. I also work at the College Avenue Gym as a student assistant.


Do you still share a room?

David: No, but our residence halls are about a hundred feet away from each other.


Do you spend time together on campus?

David: Darryn has class in the morning and then at night, so if I have the same time off, maybe we’ll go get lunch at the dining hall, or I’ll just come over to watch TV, hang out, and eat his food.


What’s your favorite place on campus?

Darryn: The Rutgers Stadium and the RAC. There is no better place to be than with thousands of screaming Rutgers fans cheering our school to victory. College athletics are more exciting than any professional sport that I’ve ever watched, and these athletics bring the Rutgers student body together.


Do you think your time here could be the start of Cotton family legacy at Rutgers?

Darryn: If I have children, I would want them to have the best education. I know that Rutgers is a good foundation for an 18-, 19-, or 20-year-old to get out in the real world.

David: And I think our seven-year-old niece is going to come here because we "Rutgersized" her. She says, “Go Knights!” and she even knows the fight song.


What is the most valuable piece of advice that your brother has given you?

David: Go to class!