Let’s shine the light on science. Victoria is from Totowa, New Jersey, a sophomore with a double major in biochemistry and Italian, with a minor in mathematics. As you’ll hear Montclair students have opportunities to work directly with faculty in labs and research. And on a personal note, you may be surprised to discover that Victoria is a quintuplet.
– Thank you Alex. Yes, you heard right quintuplets. If you’re unfamiliar two for twins, three for triplets, five for quintuplets. Growing up as a first generation college student school was always the most important thing, and I was always looking to be on top. However, I was unsure on how to become involved and how to get to that place. Montclair is the perfect university to make this happen. Sitting in class, I learned about the opportunities Montclair had to offer such as on campus employment and research positions open to undergraduate students, especially in the science department. As a nationally recognized R2 Carnegie doctoral research institution, we invest heavily in student and faculty research. Montclair provides students with chances to really become involved and get a taste of the real world. We have opportunities to directly work faculty and staff in labs and in research studying everything from the dangerous jellyfish at the Jersey shore and the mysteries of space, to social research and the analysis of business and marketing trends. I can remember wondering what research was as I was never really exposed to it before. This was the first time I had to actively apply myself to further my education and I was excited. After talking to multiple professors and searching for a direction, I knew I was headed towards the right path. After my freshman year, I had the opportunity to work in a biophysical chemistry lab with one of my chemistry professors. Here, we study the unfoldings of proteins and the effects of UV damage on DNA molecules. Coming into lab every day, gave me a sense of purpose and pride. It was a sort of catalyst in my journey to gain all that Montclair had to offer. In the lab, we had to give voice to what we were discovering and prove who we were as students. Learning was always a value that I held highly and continued to search for everywhere I go. And thankfully, Montclair proves that I can find it here. Isn’t that awesome, Alex.
– Victoria, I love how you’re setting your sites high, preparing for a career and for forensic medicine. And how cool is it that you get to attend college with your siblings? A big shout out to all of them. Cheers, Victoria, Montclair is elevating all your experiences. Absolutely incredible, take care.
Now here’s a class act. Nikki-James is getting an early start to professional success as a teacher. She is from Parsippany, New Jersey, and has a double major in psychology and elementary education. And will learn her masters of arts in teaching in five years. Additionally certified as a teacher of students with disabilities. Nikki-James school is in session.
– Thanks Alex, my first time teaching in the classroom was at 14 years old, and I absolutely fell in love with the environment. I heard about the amazing opportunities at Montclair State University, from my favorite high school teacher and knew I had to apply. throughout my time here, I have enjoyed hands on experience. Everything from working severely autistic children in the city of Newark, New Jersey to teaching in suburban schools. I have also had tutoring opportunities that allow me to work with students one on one and understand issues they face within the classroom, help them gain confidence and make learning engaging. There are thousands of ways to get involved at Montclair State University, and meet great people on campus. I’m currently in my second year as a university fellow. As a fellow, I mentor and support new students as a transition to Montclair through the new student seminar. I offer help by answering questions, offering my recommendations and experiences on campus, and connecting students to resources. I’m just one of many students across dozens of disciplines, business, sustainability science, computer science, psychology, education, and more who are enjoying the benefits of Montclair State’s combined programs through the graduate school. There are more than 70 five year bachelors and master’s programs and 14, four plus one MBA programs. Before I know it, I will be joining the Montclair alumni teaching in New Jersey schools. Teachers who are addressing the social inequities that continue to impact the educational experiences and outcomes for many students. With my dual degree, I will be extremely qualified to work as multiple kinds of educators. Montclair has taught me how to be creative, kind, and inclusive to all students, faculty and families. Over to you, Alex.
– Nikki-James, you are a star student, and a teacher beyond excellence in making a real difference in the classroom. Not only the Montclair’s combined programs, give graduates a head start on careers, they can save up to $7,000 pursuing a combo degree. That makes great sense, take care.
Montclair State University is the largest Hispanic serving institution in New Jersey. It’s a place where Latinx students feel they belong, where they succeed and where they thrive. That’s been the experience of Hunter, a junior business administration major with a concentration in marketing. He’s from Elizabeth, New Jersey. And is on track to be the first college graduate in his family. Take it away, hunter.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s good everyone. Growing up Peruvian and Colombian family was always the most important thing to me. Both my parents worked so hard for their son to be a first generation college student. And I knew since day one, Montclair was the place for my story to begin. There’s a lot to love here at Montclair State University. Growing up, I was exposed to a ton of diversity, but coming to Montclair was a game changer. I love the support that Hispanic community has for one another here. It really does resemble that one of a huge family. I’m involved with an organization, the Brotherhood La Hermanda, an organization here on campus, and I so happen to be the creative director. We better serve Latino and black men in our everyday academic and social lives. We want to destroy the stereotype that we cannot succeed because of the color of our skin, but instead thrive and build a culture to be one respected by all members of society. Montclair State University is a place where we can succeed the magazine Hispanic outlook on education. Listen, Montclair State University is top 100 colleges for Hispanic students for the past 18 years. The US education trust describes Montclair State University as a top gap closer, increasing graduation rates for minority students. My father would always say, it doesn’t matter what you do in this life, but it’s how you do it, and if you’re happy doing it. And I can honestly say I’m my happiest here at Montclair State University. The community and the connections that I have made will last me a lifetime. What else you got, Alex.
– Thank you, Hunter, for sharing your story and congratulations on all your successes. At Montclair State University, 30% of this year’s freshman class identify as Hispanic. And many of the Hispanic and Latinx students across campus share similar stories, a persistence in making the most of their college experience and making their families proud.
Now let’s raise the curtain on Joe, a senior in the BFA acting program, with a minor in criminal justice, from Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. Montclair’s art community has a great story to share. The university is a state designated center of excellence in the arts with national accreditation in all arts disciplines, Joe, please take your place.
– Hi Alex, here at the Montclair BFA acting program, we house our classes at the college of the arts. We work in rooms next to our dancers, musical theater majors, and production design team. As an actor, I’m a storyteller. Here’s my story. Once upon a time, I arrived here in 2018, really excited to be able to be in a major that I love. To be working with teachers that are both professionals in their fields and mentors students is a really intuitive thing for me. And I realized there were many ways to express myself as an artist. Here, I was able with the perform as a sophomore at the Alexander Kasser theater. At the Kasser, we also have our peak performances where we invite students and outside artists for music, dance and theater. I start my day off exercising at the rec center. And then I follow up a mixture of my gen ed and core classes. At Montclair we also have the opportunity create and direct our own shows. Through the Friday afternoon student theater program, or the fast program where we have the opportunity to produce direct and act in our own shows, or already written work to a live audience. We also have the opportunity to work with the school of communications and media, where we can work on our film acting, where we have full sets, ready to work in. At Montclair by unlocking my body and studying many works of texts, I have become a much more competent and conscious artist. I realize now the reason why I do what I do, and what purpose I serve as a storyteller. And in the audience, if I can inspire someone out there to live their passion then I have done my job. I have Montclair to thank for that, right, Alex.
– Thank you, Joe. It’s wonderful to see so many ways to connect to the arts peak performances, the film institute, gallery, student performances, guest artists, and classes with professors who are professionals in their field. I look forward to giving you a standing O on Broadway, cheers Joe.
Okay, let’s meet the president of the Student Government Association, Ashon. Ashon enter Montclair State unsure of a major, but found at Montclair a supportive home for students exploring their options. Ashon is from Hillside, New Jersey, and will graduate with a degree in business administration with a concentration in management, and a minor in business relationships, and professional selling. Amazing, take it away, Ashan.
– Hello, hello, thank you for the introduction Alex. I remember in my junior year high school, I was looking for potential colleges. I knew for a fact that be staying in the state. I just didn’t know where and what for. Let’s just say I found everything I was looking for on this campus. Montclair had set me the academic leadership and career path that I can only dream of. I have been blessed to have branched out to the various opportunities this campuses has had to offer. When I was a first year student here, I was in search of a passion. To this day, I cherished those moments as a first year student. Where I attended a variety of events, such as seminars on professionalism, finances, goal setting, discussion groups, and even the educational events that were offered here at Montclair. I realized year after year, how important it’s to get involved. I have taken part in involvement with student organizations, just like the Brotherhood La Hermanda, the Latin American Student Organization, the Black Student Union, the Fashion Club, and Rise Up. I am now executive president of the Student Government Association. My advisors, my friends, my Montclair State University family have given me a map to navigate not just my life, not just my major, but my path to where I’m at now, and my rights of leadership on campus. From the leadership skills I have developed to the various campus positions I’ve taken part in. I could not have imagined how things would’ve gone, if I did not take it upon myself to make the decision to come to Montclair. Thank you for listening to my story, Alex.
– Ashon, I know a lot of people have been watching and applauding your rise as a valued student leader, while at the same time navigating and advancing your academic and career path. You certainly have my vote. Well done, Ashon, cheers.
All right, let’s head over and meet Pratik, a third year doctor of optometry student at PCO. He’s gonna tell you about all the different hands-on learning experiences including externships, field work and clinical rotations, Salus students are exposed to starting their first year. While serving a very diverse patient population at the university’s clinical facilities, he has witnessed some truly life changing moments. Pratik, please take it away.
– Hey there, one of the best things about Salus University is the fact that clinical experience is given to students so early on. Starting first year, students are expected to shadow and follow upperclassmen and doctors at our prestigious Eye Institute, also known as TEI for short, to gain hands-on experience from the start. This facility has fantastic staff that helps operate several specialty suites such as primary care, neuro, glaucoma, emergency, low vision, pediatrics, contact lens and so much more. With a diverse patient population, many of whom come from underrepresented communities, students are able to see a wide variety of cases and diseases, which we as student doctors can learn from while also providing the best patient care possible. I still remember when an elderly patient came in to receive a new pair of reading glasses. After just a few simple tests such as seeing how his pupils reacted to light and how well his color vision was. We were able to diagnose him with Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma, something never previously noted in his chart. With the help of my precepting doctor, we were able to provide him with the help and further testing he needed to help preserve and cherish the vision he had left. Along with TEI, we have other satellite locations located within 15 minutes of our main campus that provide the same great care. Speaking about our main campus, that’s where our two other onsite clinical facilities are located. The Pennsylvania Ear Institute and the Speech Language Institute for our audiology and speech language pathology programs. In our clinical skills lab, students learn everything from basic to advanced skills to help them prepare for clinic and rotations, skills such as taking a patient’s visual acuity, dilating a patient, inserting and removing a contact lens, foreign body removal and so much more. We also have a 3D virtual reality lab that helps teach more challenging skills to students on computer simulated heads. This helps us gain the muscle memory and practice needed before we perform the skills on actual patients. Personally, I’ve spent countless days in the clinical skills lab and can still remember the hours and hours of practice days and weeks before our practical testing, run through, after run through it was definitely exhausting, but well worth our time especially when you get to practice with peers and friends that have similar goals. Salus students are exposed to field work, extensive training and externships that expand across all programs in the form of clinical rotations. With rotations, Salus students experience real world optometric and clinical environments much earlier than other schools. On top of that, we receive an additional four quarters of rotational experience with sites all across the country and some across the world in Asia and Europe. I believe that after all the hard work we put into learning in class and taking every test, being able to use those skills to better the lives of real patients is a priceless experience. Through hands-on practice and early exposure, I know Salus is helping me become the best doctor I can be. Now back over to Alex.
– Thank you for sharing Pratik. Fieldwork experience is one of the most important steps students take in training to become future healthcare professionals. As Pratik just described, the firsthand experience he gained throughout his medical training at Salus presented diverse challenges, making him equipped to take on his future in healthcare. Cheers Pratik.
Okay, next we’re gonna meet Mohit, a fourth year optometry student who’ll be graduating soon. Mohit is gonna tell us about the legacy of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia and the profession at large and the visionary role PCO Salus has played for more than a century. Take it away Mohit.
– Thanks Alex. The address is 1809 Spring Garden street, this is the address where Pennsylvania State College of Optometry was first founded in 1919. Through the leadership of Dr. Albert Fitch, PSCO became not only the first independent non-profit college of optometry, but also the first college to confer a doctor optometry degree. And the first college of optometry to establish itself as a university. As time has flown by, just in 2019, we celebrated the hundredth anniversary of Pennsylvania College of Optometry. As we celebrate the achievements, we also look back at the groundbreaking history that we made, the first college of optometry to develop an off-campus externship program, the first to establish graduate programs in the fields of blindness and visual impairment, the first to launch an international program to advance optometry worldwide, and the first college of optometry to expand beyond a scope to include speech, language and pathology, audiology occupational therapy, blindness, and low vision studies and a physician assistant studies. Within four years here at Salus university, students will have the ability to practice their optometric skills at the recently renovated CS lab, while practicing and developing into clinicians at The Eye Institute. While giving back to the greater Philadelphia community through philanthropic events, such as Looking Out For Kids charity, Special Olympics and more, strides have been made to impact societies around us including internationally. As a fourth year South Asian student and the son of a high school math teacher, one of my main goals was to leave the school a better place than the way I found it. From becoming a student president of my class, I hope I was able to enhance the student life experience on campus while serving as an example of what a good leader should be, being engaged, respectful and a professional leader to the administration, while listening to a student’s needs and advocating for them. Meanwhile, I participated in various charity events myself to not only provide health stability to the community but also improve quality of life. Tomorrow’s healthcare will never be the same. With changes in medicine, technology, intelligence, in patient’s needs and expectations, pioneers and visionary leaders like Dr. Albert Fitch are needed to create the next school, to have the next breakthrough, to break barriers. I’ll leave you with this. Have you thought about your legacy? Have you thought about creating it here at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Salus University? Well, we welcome you with open arms. What do you have for us next, Alex?
– Outstanding job, Mohit. What a great story about the rich and groundbreaking history of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, it’s other programs and the pioneers and visionary leaders who have paved the way for more than a hundred years. Absolutely amazing. Cheers Mohit.
NJIT is among the universities with the highest research activity in the entire country. That benefits students by giving them the hands-on experience that truly makes research happen. To find out more about that research Let’s hear from Diego who came to NJIT all the way from Spain, to pursue a dual degree in Computer Science and Applied Physics. Diego, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex, Hey everyone. With my desire to pursue research and a PhD in physics NJIT’s, dual Computer Science and Applied Physics major was the perfect place to start. Scientific research is integral to the NJIT experience. As an R1 classified institution, the highest rating among doctoral universities and one of only three universities with this distinction in New Jersey. NJIT has over 130 research institutes, centers and labs spread across multiple disciplines like studying financial bubbles, biomedical advancements, nano materials, and many others, including the Center for Solar Terrestrial Research. The Center for Solar Terrestrial Research operates multiple observatories, like the Big Bear Solar Observatory in California, and many other instruments across the world, like at McMurdo station in Antarctica. Ultimately this environment is ripe for a large number of students to get involved in research early in their college careers. I’ve had the amazing opportunity of working with renounced scientists on NSF and NASA funded projects, like the Amateur Ham Radio Citizen Science Investigation, and working with all the cutting edge technology that has become synonymous with NJIT. Using Ham Radios, AI, and machine learning. We have been developing new techniques for observing space weather phenomenon, with the goal of forecasting these events that can negatively affect emergency communications during disaster relief efforts, NJIT’s rigorous academics and the variety of research opportunities have prepared me in more ways than I could’ve imagined, from learning how to better communicate and refining my analytics skills to honing my ability to problem solve effectively and building an extensive network of contacts in my future field of study. Now back to you, Alex.
– That is truly amazing. Diego. I love how you’re engaging citizen scientists to make them part of the process. Also interesting to know that the farthest Western part of New Jersey is NJIT’s solar observatory in Big Bear California. I’ll be sure to stop by and check that out on my next sketch up. Take care, Diego.
NJIT is not only strong in research and STEM but it’s also NCAA Division 1 and a member of the America East Conference. These facilities are amazing for both athletes and students just looking to work out. Let’s meet someone who can tell us all about it and has come all the way from Cape Town, South Africa, to play soccer at NJIT. Regsan, the floor is all yours.
– How’s it Alex? Thanks for having me. It has always been my goal to play Division 1 soccer and pursue an education. NJIT provides a great environment and opportunity for me to Excel both on and off the field. Being a student here has helped me grow in ways that I could only have done at NJIT. The rigorous academics alongside an athletics program, competing in the America east conference has allowed me to push myself in so many new ways. I have formed great friendships with my teammates, of course, and others on campus. The athletics program really shows how diverse NJIT is and makes me proud to represent the students and school. Since I have roots in both South Africa and Australia, it was important to find a university that was focused on providing a home for their students. Did you know that 1500 international students from over 70 different countries call NJIT home? NJIT hosts over 200 clubs on campus. So every student will find activities to participate in. Being in an environment like NJIT, I’ve learned to balance the demands of what being a student athlete has brought. Managing time, balancing sport, friends and most importantly, academics. I aim to achieve my goal of becoming a professional soccer player and know that I will have a solid foundation for what comes next after earning a degree from NJIT. If you’re looking for a university, trust me, and kick off your university experience at NJIT, go to Highlanders. Alex, back to you.
– Regsan what an amazing journey you’ve had and what an outstanding ambassador for NJIT athletics you make. It’s been said that talent without working hard is nothing. but Regsan, I think you were showing what great things can happen when you bring both these things together here at NJIT. Thanks again for that.
Now, Eric knows a thing or two about Mines experience. After all, he’s currently completing a PhD in space resources, which is his third degree at Mines. He not only knows firsthand the stellar return on investment a Mines degree has, but also knows the incredible reputation Mines graduates have in the workforce for getting the job done well. Take it away, Eric.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex, and hi, everyone. Mines consistently ranks among top universities for return on investment. So it was a no brainer for me to come here for not just one degree, but two. And now, I’m back again from my third. My first degree in chemical engineering led directly to my first industry job at Texas Instruments. TI came to MINES specifically to recruit each year. I later learned this was because they knew we didn’t shy away from challenging, sometimes, unsolved problems, and I had no shortage of that once I got to Dallas. In addition to running the chemical systems for the chip plant, and after only three months there, I was asked to also oversee the design and construction of the systems for the new factory being built. I joined a larger team. Now, I specifically remember the first meeting when the senior manager introduced me and said, “This is Eric. He’s young. Needs to learn a lot, but he’s from Mines, so he’ll be fine.” From that project, I learned it was way more fun to design and build systems than it was just to run them. When the semiconductor industry crashed in the 2000s, I transitioned to part-time work, and came back to Mines for a master’s in engineering and technology management. This additional layer of business understanding led directly to me becoming CEO of my company. I still work in projects in the aerospace, bio science, pharma, and manufacturing sectors, and I meet all kinds of Minds alumni in all kinds of roles. Sometimes we even had the same professors. Now I’m back at Mines to complete my set of degrees with a PhD in space resources. I’m working with outstanding people and learning skills I know will last far beyond my next graduation. And having seen it firsthand on projects, I know the value of the diplomas and the connections I’m making will lead to continued success. Mines makes hell of engineers to change the world. Back to you, Alex.
– Eric, wow. Thanks for sharing your journey. It’s so fun to hear about how your Minds degrees have served you throughout your career. And I can’t wait to see where your PhD will take you next, perhaps even beyond earth. Thanks again, Eric.