Medford Man Who Struggled With Identity Tells Story

MEDFORD, NJ — When taking standardized tests in school, Davon Loeb was unsure how to identify himself. Loeb, of Medford, is of biracial descent, and he didn’t grow up around a lot of people like him. He had trouble coping with being the only person of color in his class.

Now, the Rowan College at Burlington County alum is telling his story. Loeb’s debut memoir, “The In-Betweens,” chronicles his experiences grappling with identity, race, culture and relationships.

“You need universality in stories,” Loeb said. “I try to create balance in my writing and present a view of someone that’s not one-dimensional. I don’t want someone to read my book and say ‘I’m not biracial. I don’t get this.’ I want to make sure I’m reminding the reader that they can see themselves in my stories — that they are relatable.”

Loeb studied at Rowan College at Burlington County before transferring to Montclair State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. He later earned a master’s in Creative Writing from Rutgers-Camden but credits Rowan College at Burlington County as where he learned how to be a student.

“When I was in high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had to pave a new way that was best for me,” Loeb said. “Senior year, I took one class at RCBC per semester. It gave me so much confidence and made me feel like I could do this. I had a really rewarding experience at RCBC and wouldn’t be where I am without it.”

Loeb has come home. He now teaches at both Rowan College at Burlington County and Shawnee High School. His wife (Jennie Sherlock-Loeb, Clinical Nursing) and father-in-law (Terrence Sherlock, Chemistry) also teach at the college. Davon Loeb encourages his students to tell their stories through whichever means they can. “The In-Betweens” is even available for purchase at the college bookstore.

“So much of the person I’ve become was shaped by my experiences in college; it was in college when I realized I was intelligent and articulate. I never thought it would lead to me telling my story here now,” Loeb said.

Loeb’s works have been featured in Apiary Magazine, Split Lip Magazine, Harpoon Review, Tahoma Literary Review, Portland Review, and elsewhere. He has also been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes and one Best of the Net. As for his future, he plans to write a fictional piece set in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. To learn more, visit davonloeb.com.