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.
Now, let’s hear from Samantha, a first year physician assistant studies student who was already a frontline healthcare worker when she came to Salus seeking the same interprofessional education that a real life hospital setting offers. At Salus, students from all of the universities programs collaborate as soon as their first year. From the classroom to clinical facilities, an interdisciplinary approach is part of the school’s mission in educating well-rounded future healthcare professionals. Samantha, it’s all yours.
– Thanks Alex. Prior to coming to Salus University, I was a respiratory therapist on the front lines of a medical ICU. There, I worked collaboratively with so many different healthcare disciplines that when I decided to go back to school to further my education as a physician assistant, I knew I wanted to go to a program that not only valued but preached interdisciplinary education and Salus did just that. As a first year graduate student, I take a course title evidence-based practice all of the first year students from all of the different healthcare specialties take this course together. I was not only able to meet, but work with students of the various different future health care professions from optometry, to audiology, to speech language pathology and more. But I also felt like I gained a further understanding of each of the different professions which is vital when becoming a future healthcare professional. Salus values that early clinical experience so as a first year student, I’m already assessing patients and shadowing providers across various specialties. This is a decided advantage that other schools may not have to offer. In fact, one of my favorite clinical experiences was at the Speech Language Institute with a speech language pathologist. As a future physician assistant, I’m going to have patients with these medical conditions that I’ll need to refer to a speech pathologist. Now, I feel as though I’m educated and can understand what my patients will be going through once I have to refer them and their care is now out of my hands. Salus students are exposed to patients at all university clinical facilities not just within their own program. Interdisciplinary exposure is really the bedrock of a Salus education. Salus university prepares its healthcare professionals for the real world and interdisciplinary education is a real life skill that we will carry with us into our work in the future. I feel confident as a student interacting with specialty providers, and I feel like that’ll translate into my work as a physician assistant. Back to you, Alex.
– Take it from Samantha. Coming from the front lines, she already knows how important collaboration is among a healthcare team. Rooted in interprofessional education and clinical experiences, Salus students interact with each other from the start of their education. Along Samantha’s path to becoming a practicing physician assistant, she will be exposed to all of the various program curriculum, learning how to treat the whole patient, which is exactly what Salus graduates are known for in the healthcare industry. When you graduate from Salus, you will be Salus strong. Thanks again for sharing that, Samantha.
On deck is Jack of Wood-Ridge, New Jersey. A senior studying television and digital media with a concentration in sports media and journalism. You can find Jack in the press box doing play by play for the Red Hawks and reporting on Montclair’s 18 varsity athletic teams. He’s covered championship teams, and enjoyed his own wins with internships, including one with the New York Mets. Swing away, Jack.
– Thanks so much, Alex. My entire life my number one passion has been sports. So when it came time to choose a school and major, I knew that I wanted to study sports media. The only question that remained was where? And I found the answer to that question the second I walked to the doors at the school of communication and media here at Montclair State University. The school has set me up with all the experience and education I could have ever asked for starting with my first time on air at the number one college radio station in the nation 90.3 WMSC, where I had the opportunity to call live games, host my very own sports talk show. I think he knows what he’s doing. I think he knows what he’s talking about. So I think the pieces are there. And I still serve as the station sports director to this day. I’ve also had the pleasure of helping start the Red Hawk sports network, where I’m able to provide commentary for all the livestream athletics across campus. And I’ve been able to help co-produce a weekly sports news show, Inside The Nest. The combination of hands on opportunities, as well as being able to work with former and current industry professionals as professors, is a recipe that I feel has set me up for nothing but success. And let’s talk about the athletics on campus that have opened up all of these incredible doors for me, Montclair State University feels 18 highly competitive NCAA division three athletics programs, which have been home to over 280 all Americans, as some of those highly touted coaches in the nation. Montclair also offers a host of intermural and club sports as well as indoor and outdoor recreation programs. It’s also the home of the professional soccer and New York Red Bulls II, and the minor league baseball New Jersey Jackles. This past summer, the university helped me land internship positions with not only that Jackles organization, but also with the New York Mets, and the professional commentary job with the American 7s Football League. Hopefully one day you’ll turn on your TV, and hear me calling the big game. It’s been such a blast so far. I can’t wait to see what’s to come. What’s next, Alex?
– Jack, you hit a home run. Thanks for taking us inside Red Hawk athletics. And sharing with us your experiences in sports media. You’ve had quite the run. We look forward to seeing you reach all your goals, cheers Jack. Traditions enhance school spirit, and enrich the student experience. And at Montclair State University, spirit starts with Rocky the Red Hawk, Montclair State’s energetic and extroverted mascot.
Now it is time to welcome one of the most recognizable voices at Montclair State University. Kaya is the general manager of the radio station 90.3 WMC. Kaya is from New Milford, New Jersey. A senior majoring in communication and media arts, and minoring in international studies. WMSC was named the best college radio station in the entire nation. Kaya you’re on air in five, four, three, two.
– I hope you’re enjoying Montclair so far, Alex. As a little girl, I was filled with high spirited energy. And I knew from the start that I would find myself in front of the camera someday. Fast forward to senior year of high school, where I discovered my passion for broadcasting arts, and found that Montclair was the perfect place to reach my desired career path. Campus involvement is woven into every student’s college experience. And my bubbly self took advantage of the diverse and inclusive co-curricular activities. From acapella club to actively attending campus recreation events, I eventually found myself volunteering at the university’s radio station WMSC. Since my freshman year I’ve held several leadership positions that allowed me to maximize on my pre-professional experience. I volunteered as the office manager, executing events and starting up the WMSC monthly newsletter, for which I was personally awarded best business director by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards. I continued to move up the ladder from program director to now the station manager of the best college radio station in the nation. I’m happy to use my voice to promote the university. Montclair is all about cultivating a world that we aspire to live in with students and faculty working on research projects, addressing social justice and urban concerns like criminal justice reform, clean water and sustainability, public health and equity in K to 12 education. After all diversity, inclusion and public service is an our culture. If I were to summarize my years at Montclair, it would be that you get out of life what you put into it. With all of the education, resources, mentors, and community offered here, it propels you to work towards the person that you’d like to become. In my case, that is a TV news reporter at a local station. Catch you on the screen the very soon. Back to you, Alex.
– Kaya, that was great, and so is WMSC. You can tune into the station on the iHeart radio app. I love how Montclair students are raising their voice to engage and advance social issues. And Kaya, I know you will have great success. Your energy is contagious, thank you.
Montclair State University’s president. Jonathan Koppell is out to build on the university’s legacy as a place that not only makes a difference in the lives of students, but also in the world. President Koppell it is all yours.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex, I’m so excited to be at Montclair State University. This is a campus that’s on the move. We’ve got new programs, new facilities, we’re growing in enrollment. This is a place where I’m excited to be, and I know that students will enjoy it. And what a beautiful campus, tons of new buildings, beautiful leafy green spaces. And what goes on in the buildings is even more exciting than what’s going on outside. We’ve built new interactive, technologically advanced spaces, homes for computer science, communications, environmental and life sciences, business, nursing and dance. All of which are intended to create enhanced spaces for student learning. 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students getting the best learning experience available. That’s what makes this place special, it’s the students. I have been so impressed with the smarts, but more importantly, the spirit of students who come to Montclair State University. We’ve got a campus populated with first generation students who are passionate and motivated. And what really moves me is their commitment to public service. Montclair State University students wanna make a difference in the world, and that’s what we are gonna prepare them to do. We’ve got engaged faculty who are excited about working with our students to give them the tools they’re gonna need to thrive, not just in the four years at this University, but in the years beyond graduation. And so what I say to all of our students, including you watching this show is Montclair State University is the place where you can empower your imagination. Your imagination over what’s gonna happen for the next period of your life in college, but much more than that, what’s gonna happen 10 years from now, 20 years from now, 30 years from now? What kind of job do you wanna have? What kind of life do you wanna live? What kind of difference do you wanna make in the world? This is the place where that journey starts. And here’s the thing, Montclair State University is a university committed to its public purpose. We are designing ourselves to embrace our responsibility to the community to make a difference in people’s lives. That starts here by building an inclusive campus community, but it extends to the student experience. You’ll be out in the community, working with our partners, applying the lessons from the classroom in real time to make people’s lives better. That’s what it means to be a 21st century public serving university. And I can’t wait to start working with you to build that future. Back to you, Alex. I think we’re gonna have a great tour.
– Thank you, President Koppell. There’s no it to what’s possible. And I’m confident you and Montclair students and faculty will indeed do great things together. That was awesome, thanks again.