All right, everyone, let’s meet Matthias. He’s studying Economics at SDSU, and he’s gonna talk about the Ness School of Management and Economics. Matthias, take it away my man.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up on a fourth generation family farm in rural Southwest Minnesota, I was looking for a university that had numerous opportunities to meet my career ambitions. In addition to the countless extracurricular South Dakota State University has to offer, I was also drawn to SDSU because of their strong agricultural programs, small class sizes, and experiential learning courses. Many of my favorite experiential learning courses are offered here in the First Dakota National Bank e-Trading Lab within Harding Hall, home to the Ness School of Management and Economics. The lab houses 11 Bloomberg terminals with capabilities of real time financial data and news. These terminals and the communal environment greatly helps students perform financial research for one of my favorite classes, the Student Managed Investment Fund, where we manage a $460,000 donation. We select, analyze, and make stock pitches for class. These resources have given us the unique opportunity to present our portfolio several times at the Quinnipiac Game Forum, which is the largest competitive student-run financial conference in the world. When the stock market closes, I enjoy being on campus to be a part of the unique campus community and participate in several of the over 250 extracurricular organizations our university has to offer. One of my favorite clubs that I’m involved in is the Country Swing Dance Club. This club welcomes all students to the on-campus Wellness Center to learn how to swing dance from upperclassmen. It’s a great way to learn a new skill and meet new people. Not only has SDSU taught me how to swing dance, but it has also given me a vast amount of knowledge and practical real world experience to apply in my future career in agribusiness. As we Jackrabbits like to say, “go big, go blue, go Jacks!” Now back to you, Alex.
– Thanks for sharing your story Matthias. How about that? The Ness School of Management and Economics is one of the many places at SDSU where you’ll find real life opportunities to grow and learn at State. Very impressive. Thanks again, Matthias.
Staying healthy both physically and mentally is vital to helping you get the most out of college and life. Rory, a senior majoring in Communication is up next. He’ll tell us about the many resources and opportunities at St. Edward’s that support your total health and well-being. You are on, Rory.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Being a college student is really fun and exciting, but it’s also incredibly stressful and overwhelming at times. I’ve been really fortunate to be able to maintain an overall well-being, while simultaneously balancing friends, activities, events, work, school, and trying to plan for the future. But juggling all of these things is really just a lot to ask of yourself. St. Edward’s and Live Well SEU has provided me with countless resources that I need to take care of all these things and myself. The Recreation and Athletic Center, or as we like to call it here on campus the RACK, provides opportunities for more than just your physical health, but also emotional, environmental, and social well-being. Anytime I need to unwind, I can use the tech-free lounge, sign up for a class in the fitness studio, or sign up for wellness coaching. As a student worker in the RACK, I’m surrounded by incredible faculty, staff, peers who all value and encourage the pursuit of well-being. The student-led workshops for both physical and mental health have really changed my life, and helped me to grow throughout my years here at school. And I’ve been able to balance all of this with my studies through the support of my success coaches and faculty advisers. Live Well SEU has provided me opportunities to boost my emotional, vocational, and social well-being. This St. Edward’s community has helped me and supported me, given me all the tools that I need to effectively, and successfully take charge of my life. And so, here’s a little bit of wisdom that I’ve gained. Take care of yourself first, because then naturally, the rest will follow. Back to you, Alex.
– We’ll do, Rory! Great advice! Thanks for sharing your story on this incredibly important topic. It’s great to see how St. Ed’s is committed to helping students take care of every aspect of their health and well-being. Live Well SEU is an awesome asset for Hilltoppers. Congrats on making your health a priority. And, Rory, I gotta get one of those nap pods! That’s awesome! Take care.
Now let’s go and take a look at something that statistics say, well, over 90% of you enjoy spending time doing, video games. Suzie is studying at the Hillier College of Architecture and Design, and we can’t wait to hear about how she has been able to turn her designs into games. Suzie, ready, player one, you’re up.
– Hi everyone. It’s a beautiful day here in Newark, New Jersey. I found myself at NJIT after following my childhood best friend. We grew up together on our computers and playing video games. I knew NJIT would help me combine my passions of art and technology into a digital design career. Becoming a digital designer at NJIT has exposed me to a world I never thought imaginable. Now, through user experience design, I explore process making, storytelling, world-building and more. NJIT has tested and challenged my creativity to problem solve while working across disciplines. Between the Ying Wu College of Computing and the Hillier College of Architecture and Design, I took part in projects from app design to 3D modeling, to AR VR and game design. I connected with amazing people inside and outside of the studio, where we collaborate to make our ideas come to life. My favorite project is my virtual reality experience. No farms, no food to highlight sustainable agriculture. I’ve received hands-on experience in labs for motion capture, research, animation, and mixed realities while working alongside great professors. Being a resident assistant showed me the importance of community and the efforts NJIT puts into creating them to help their students succeed. With extracurriculars like SIGGRAPH and e-sports, you’ll always feel at home. NJIT’s investment in value has made it the number one game design school in New Jersey. That’s all possible with amazing programs filled with great professors. With so many options, there’s always an opportunity around the corner to level up. A college education is more than learning skills for a job. It’s the interactions, experiences, and connections you make throughout to become the best version of yourself personally and professionally, just like a game, which you learn all about here at NJIT. Back to you, Alex.
– Suzie, that looked like a lot of fun, and there’s a tremendous amount of work that goes into that fun. And it’s great that you can collaborate with fellow designers and programmers to bring your vision to life right here at NJIT. Keep me in mind when you need a beta tester for your next game. Take care of Suzie.
Carla is an Engineering major in the Newark college of engineering here at NJIT. One of the things that may surprise you about Carla fell in love with, at a STEM school, is the diversity here at NJIT. Part of NIJIT’s mission is to vastly increase minority representation in high pain STEM careers. And they’re striving to do that right here on campus. Carla, you are up.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up, I had such a love for both Math and Science. All throughout high school, I had constant internal battles over my ultimate career decisions. Around my junior year of high school, I decided I wanted to go into engineering. Next came the struggle of deciding what kind of engineering I wanted to go into. NJIT seemed like an amazing fit because it was the only university I saw that had a General Engineering program. I fell in love with a General Engineering option, as it allowed me to explore all the different fields of engineering and unique careers that came with each one. Being born in the Philippines and moving to America at a young age, I did not grow up in a diverse community. Coming to enjoy it and seeing so many people from different backgrounds felt like a breath of fresh air. I felt so welcomed and all my freshmen nerves immediately vanished. Diversity and inclusion is what makes NJIT great. The university has become a melting pot by being a second home to so many people from different backgrounds and experiences. I am an example of that. Coming into NJIT, you see so many clubs and activities with focuses on diversity and inclusion. Being involved in that really makes you feel at home. I couldn’t have asked for a better school for me than NJIT. The procedure STEM education and focuses on career paths, as well as the ability to meet new people and gain those life experiences is what made NJIT my top choice and why I’m so excited for where my future at NJIT will take me. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– That is inspiring, Carla, just listening to your story really highlights the welcoming environment for everyone here at NJIT. It sounds like you’ve made relationships that will last a lifetime and really serve you well throughout your future career. Take care, Carla.
Get ready to buckle up as we’re about to meet Matt, an Electrical Engineering major, who also has the inside scoop on all great things outside of academics that make for an amazing college experience for both residents and commuters alike. Matt, the tour is all yours.
– I appreciate it, Alex. Aside from getting a great education, my main focus in college was to better myself socially. Not only that, but I want to meet people with similarities to me. I love meeting people and making connections, especially giving my yours, social media on the side. By the way, I’m showing you some of my favorite spots on campus. So pay attention. Whether that’s a club meetup, crowd the soccer game or an event on the front line, I was ended up leaving with good friend. It was also a plus, if we shared the same major. In college, making connections is a key part of your learning experience. Being social on campus proves to be big when you need advice, a study group or that friend for a Friday night, New York City trip. Did I mention we’re 20 minutes from New York City? NJTT offers a wide range of clubs and organizations catering towards diverse personalities, cultures, hobbies, and interests. Clause for gaming? NJIT has that. They even offered torments for big title games. Want to learn more about a country and its culture? Got those too. Take the Polar Student Association, for example. Learn about Polish culture and the occasional Polish delicacies. Looking to stay active after classes? NJIT comes through again. Intramural soccer and basketball are fun options. I recommend them. By the way, the campus center, a great place to kick back, game and or study. I’m thankful for all the connections I made throughout our curriculars. NJIT offers on-campus residents and commuters like myself, hundreds of opportunities to connect. Once you step foot on campus, I know you’ll make great connections too. Catch you guys later. Back to you, Alex.
– Matt, I’m exhausted. Just trying to keep up with you, but you’re absolutely right, that while academics and research are paramount for a stem education, you also need the lifelong friendships and connections. you make at a place like NJIT to get the complete college experience. Thanks again. That was awesome. Take care.
Next up everyone, Ray Vincent, a senior television and digital media major with a minor in art and design studio. He is a proud Filipino American from Washington DC. Transferring to Montclair, Ray discovered more than 120 organizations, student government, academic clubs, the student newspaper and radio station, Greek life and artistic, spiritual, political, issues oriented and cultural and community service organizations. Absolutely amazing, Ray, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex, what a great introduction. Growing up, I’ve always been passionate about the arts of television and filmmaking. However, when I transferred to Montclair State University, I discovered the passion for higher education. What attracted me to Montclair State University was the many opportunities it offers to students. Since I transferred here, I have been privileged enough to become a resident assistant where I can create a safe space for first year students, and also be a shoulder for them to lean on if a problem comes up. I’m also teaching assistant for the university of school of communication. We’re called University Fellows. We do not only create lesson plans for first year students, but we also mentor and provide them resources so they can thrive on campus. Through these different leadership roles, I have been able to create lifelong connections with my coworkers and supervisors, who I look up to as parental figures. This year, I decide to participate in a different leadership role, the Student Government Association. And now I serve as a director of outreach. Through this leadership role, I hope to advocate for the students, shedding a light to the issues that the student body has, and bridging the gap between campus administrators and student life. My experiences here has not only help me be a better student, but also be a better person. I hope to help and leave a positive impact in people’s lives. I don’t know exactly where I’m headed, but I do hope to pursue a master’s in higher education. What’s next, Alex.
– Ray, you’ve made a positive impact at Montclair. The very definition of the involved student. Coming to Montclair, you too have the opportunities to lead, make friends and experience college at its fullest. Thank you, Ray, for sharing your story, take care.
Let’s welcome, Destany, a senior from East Orange, New Jersey, studying family science and human development with a concentration in family services, and a minor in social work. Destany is involved in a wide range of activities at Montclair State. And importantly, she learned to seek out how help when she needs it. Please join Destany as she shares her personal journey.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Growing up I didn’t have many resources because my family immigrated to America. So when choosing a school, I wanted something close to home to help aid my mother. One of the many reasons I chose Montclair State University is because the school provides programs for independent students. As an independent student, I struggled with mental illness. I didn’t have a strong family foundation, but Montclair State offered programs that made me feel at home. We have a program called Red Hawk Fellows. The program gave me to personal and life skill support all year round. My upbringing inspired me to get involved as an outlet. I became an orientation leader for the center for leadership engagement, which made me more culturally competent. Being heavily involved, I oftentimes forgot how important self care can be. I focus more on giving to others than giving to my myself. And after a while I felt depleted. I ended up checking into the counseling and psychological services, also known as CAPS. And building my faith in God helped navigate and redirect my path. As a senior, I can say that Montclair has a great community and staff that cares for the wellbeing of their students. I am the leader I am today because of all the trainings and support I received at Montclair State University. In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others. If I can do it so can you. Always remember, Alex life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself. Back to you.
– Thank you, Destany for speaking from the heart. As you told us, Montclair is always there for its students. Whether for health safety or personal and academic development. We found students using a well-stocked food pantry, building a career wardrobe, and receiving physical and mental healthcare right here on campus, stay well.
Let’s meet Gian Paul, a star athlete while at Montclair State University, and current high school history teacher in Union, New Jersey. Motivational speaker and founder of Hope and Future. He’s been featured on ESPN, and more from motivating the New York Giants to a super bowl victory with all in two little words that illustrate the concept of commitment and motivated the team.
– Thanks so much, Alex. In all honesty, Montclair is probably one of the last places I saw myself going. Coming from being a student athlete, and playing basketball at a high AU level, and even winning a national championship, I’d aspirations of going division one like the rest of my teammates. But you know, as the saying goes, if you wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans. But in hindsight, my life would not have been the same without the time I was blessed to spend here. If I could use one phrase to describe my time here at Montclair, it would be room to soar, no pun intended. Ever since getting here, I had that freedom to be able to explore new opportunities. My dad being an immigrant from Havana, Cuba, and being a cornerback for the Oakland Raiders, I was always raised with a very strong work ethic. And so being able to come to a place of individuals who understood my work ethic, understood they didn’t have to yell or almost babysit me, but instead provided opportunities. I remember my basketball coach, Ted Fury. He pretty much gave me the keys to the gym, ’cause he knew I wanted to work as hard as I possibly could to be the best student athlete imaginable. Getting up at 5:00 AM, shooting 500 shots before class started. Having history professors that, they didn’t tell you what to think, they inspired you to wanna impact people. And I just developed a love and a passion for how I could help my community, not by studying something that happened in the past, but by being inspired to wanna change the present. And that’s probably one of the greatest things I got from my time here at Montclair. Academically, I also found amazing professors. Watching my history of professors in action inspired me to wanna become a history teacher, and impact the lives of the youth in my city, and teach them that history is not something you study, but something you create. In my speaking tours, I share what it means to be all in, whether it’s at Hong Kong Financial Institutions, National Car Manufacture Sales Meetings, Professional Sports Team Training Camps, or Juvenile Detention Centers, I always mention my Montclair roots. It’s amazing that across the globe, there is usually at least one individual in the audience with some sort of connection to the university, a Testament to the network of over 130,000 fellow Red Hawk alumni. Montclair is one of the life changing places that God allowed me to be a part of, that helped me not just to develop a philosophy, but a lifestyle of being all in. Back to you, Alex.
– Gian Paul, I love of the concept of being all in. Committing to your personal dreams, no matter the obstacles you face. Thank you for sharing your story. And that is just one of 130,000 alumni stories worldwide hearing from Gian Paul, it’s clear the Red Hawk alumni network is a powerful, powerful group. You can feel the momentum here at Montclair State University.
Okay everyone let’s go live to Givonna, a senior journalism major with a minor in business from Glassboro, New Jersey. Montclair’s location, just outside of New York City provides countless opportunities for internships, and hands on experiences with local governments, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and healthcare. Givonna won a major college journalism award examining mental health work that led to an internship with ABC News. Take it Givonna.
– You know, Alex, growing up I participated in theater, wrote books and poems. I even reenacted reporters by writing scripts to report on breaking news and the weather. At first, I thought I went to be an anchor woman, but that changed when I got to Montclair State University. In the school of communication and media, I’ve sat in control rooms and operated teleprompters, fulfilled roles as one of the senior producers, and an executive producer for an award winning news program called Montclair News Lab. And that is when I realized I love being behind the scenes. In the school of communication and media, we have a partnership with Sony, which applies the latest technology for us to our crafts, cameras, lights, microphones, and so much more. Professors teach you how to properly handle and operate equipment. Faculty either currently work in the field, or are retired and bring their real world experiences into the classroom. Our program reflects what’s going on in the industry in terms of social media, digital technologies, and emerging platforms, and give students the opportunity to test the waters, to see where best suits them. Whether it’s video production, public relations, newspaper, radio video on film. There’s an opportunity for everyone. Montclair is located right outside of New York City, making it a perfect location for people in the media industry. And conveniently, we have our own train station, which makes for a smooth commute to my internship at ABC News. I’m part of a team that from breaking news, and special events like Royal weddings and famous stuffs. The mentorship program along with career services help prepare you for the interview and application process. Professors are so resourceful and have so many connections. They help cultivate your craft by teaching you how to communicate, write scripts, edit. And all these things I’ve learned align with my internship at ABC News. Isn’t that amazing, Alex.
– Givonna that’s a wrap from someone who is and his career in front and behind the camera. I appreciate everything you are being exposed to. And what a location, Montclair is at the center of the media universe with communication facilities that rival Hollywoods, take care.
Okay, we’re about to meet Ciara, a senior from East Orange, New Jersey who will earn her BFA in acting. Her passion and grit is typical of the thousands of Montclair students who have inspired alumni, friends, and corporate and foundation donors to provide significant financial support for students’ educations in many majors. Take it away, Ciara.
– Thanks Alex. Hey y’all my name is Ciara Chanel, and I am so excited to tell you about my Montclair experience. First a little bit about me. I have always loved the arts from dancing at three, acting at seven, painting, writing, playing the flute, all things creative have kind of just come naturally to me. I attended a performing arts middle school where I won numerous acting awards, and even attended a college readiness program. So I always knew I wanted to go to college. The question was, how could I afford it? My mom had been saving for my college fund since I was younger, but it proved to be more expensive than either of us was expecting. But I knew I wanted to go to a school that was close to the city, and had a great arts program. So Montclair State University was just that. Thankfully I was blessed with two opportunities for scholarship support based on my artistic and academic abilities. This was made possible through outside donors, alumni and corporate sponsors that make sure that students across the campus are supported. Montclair State University continues to open doors for me, not only am I able to hone my craft as an actor, but also as a dancer and student leader. Being a part of residents life, and campus organizations like MSU Players and Complexions Band Dance Team. Now I work at the rec center teaching my own dance fitness classes, and I’ve even been contracted by the university to choreograph their main stage shows. Montclair State University has molded me, into the person I’ve always wanted to be. Confident, independent, outspoken and unapologetically myself. Ah, it’s been wonderful talking to y’all. I really appreciate it. And I’m out Alex.
– Thank you, Ciara. We’ve seen throughout the is college tour, the value of a Montclair education. A central tenant here is that education should be accessible to everyone. More than 71% of Montclair students receive some form of financial aid, and Montclair is recognized by Money magazine on its list of best colleges for your money. Absolutely amazing, take care.