Please say bonjour, hola and ciao to Sal from Denville, New Jersey. Sal has twice graduated from Montclair State University. He earned his bachelor’s in business administration, marketing concentration, and certificate in entrepreneurship. And then went on to earn his MBA in marketing and management. As part of the NBA program, he took part in a global experience to Vietnam and Hong Kong. Ni hao Sal, let’s go.
– Thanks Alex, prior to Montclair, I had never left the country before, and only been on a plane one time. Searching for global experiences was key for what I wanted in university. With its diverse student population, proximity to New York City, and year round study abroad programs, exposure to different cultures is a regular part of the Montclair experience. And through it, I traveled twice to three different countries. Global experiences at Montclair, blend the best of business, research and culture. This was a deciding factor when choosing to pursue my MBA here. Through the programs international business trip, my learning was taken outside of the classroom, spending time in Vietnam and Hong Kong, becoming immersed in their cultures. Through regularly scheduled meetings with businesses and nonprofit organizations, team lunches and dinners and excursions along the countryside, it was the learning experience of a lifetime. And the trip culminated when my cohort and I took on the final project of consulting with nonprofits and helping them develop strategic partnerships with local businesses to better serve the community. And that’s just my story. Montclair State University is fostering its students ability to learn and grow in real world environments. With research facilities in Madagascar, the Galapagos Islands, the Antarctic, and study abroad programs all across globe, Montclair State University is making an impact. Coming full circle, studying abroad has added so much to my life and propelled me into my career. Now working as a global account manager for a firm operating in over 40 different countries, these learnings have led to more fruitful discussions with clients and colleagues, giving me the confidence to succeed. Thanks to Montclair and its global experiences, not only by learned and grown as a person, but I’ve created a network of friends and colleagues all across the globe. Back to you, Alex.
– What a wonderful world and experiences, Sal. There are so many ways to study abroad, and with Montclair students and alumni being awarded more Fulbright scholarships than ever before, the university supports students to build careers here, and abroad.
All right, let’s head over and meet Sonja, a traditional optometry student who took a non-traditional route to Salus. She’s gonna spend a few minutes talking about Salus university as a welcome place for students from all walks of life. Despite being in a traditional program, Sonja is considered a non-traditional student at Salus because she came to the university later in life, to pursue a second career. Whether it’s someone who came to Salus after a career outside of health sciences, like Sonja, or an international student looking to expand their studies, the university offers plenty of opportunities for non-traditional students to excel and succeed in their chosen field. Sonja, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. My path to Salus University has looked a little different than most. I immigrated to the United States from Bosnia when I was nine years old. After getting my degree in communication studies, I was five years post undergrad, trying to find a more fulfilling and challenging career path for myself when I went in for a routine eye exam. I was struck by my optometrist’s passion and her ability to be able to help people in a tangible way. So I returned to work only to spend the rest of the day researching optometry programs. Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University stood out as an all-inclusive welcoming place for all types of students at all stages of their educational journey. Just a few weeks later, I jumped in the car with my best friend and we drove from North Carolina to Philadelphia. I met with the admissions staff for a pre-application visit. We went over my transcript and we went over the prerequisite. So when I left that meeting, I felt reassured, empowered and set with a game plan to start my second career, I could do this. Starting fresh can feel a little intimidating, but at Salus, I immediately felt like I belonged because Salus has a strong non-traditional student presence and offers plenty of opportunities and resources for them to succeed. Honestly, it all took about three years, but when I put on my white coat at the end of that last week on campus I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. I want those who come here to feel the same sense of inclusion I did when I arrived. So I am part of the peer mentoring program where I help new students adjust to their first year at Salus. I’m also a teaching assistant in the clinical skills lab where I help the first year students hone their skills and bolster their confidence. I wouldn’t change my journey because everything that I’ve done up until this point has grounded me, made me a better communicator and more empathetic. And with the skills that I’m learning here at Salus, every day, I feel more prepared to take care of an advocate for my future patients. Thank you so much for letting me share my story, now let’s send it back to Alex.
– Wow Sonja, successfully completing your graduate studies in optometry will certainly give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. And the fact that Salus is such a welcoming place for you and other non-traditional students is a tremendous benefit of the university. Thanks again for sharing your story Sonja.
Okay, everyone, now let’s head over and meet Robert who is the Chair and Program Director for the speech language pathology program right here at Salus University. And he’s gonna be talking to us about how graduates of this program and all of the programs Salus offers will receive the necessary education and training to become integral members of today’s healthcare and education teams as well as leaders in their profession. Robert it’s all yours.
– Thanks Alex, speech language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat people from across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly who are experiencing communication and swallowing disorders. My path brought me to the career because I was looking for a variety of choices in practice settings, a great salary, and the ability to balance work and life. The median salary of an SLP is around $80,000. Research shows that there’s more than 162,000 jobs available for SLPs with an expected 25% growth in employment outcomes over the next decade. And there are many other programs here at Salus experiencing the same growth. It was no wonder to me that speech language pathology was number seven on the list of US news and world report best jobs in 2021. In fact, Salus had three other programs on that list. I joined the Salus university faculty here in 2014 as the department was first formed. Being able to develop a new program with state-of-the-art facilities and begin to teach the next generation of SLPs has been the culmination of all the best parts of working in this field. Here at Salus, all of our programs offer a world-class education with hands-on training in early clinical experiences that move theory to practice. Whether working one-on-one with one of our amazing SLP students or on a research project in the community. My role is to foster critical thinking, apply evidence-based practice and individualized programming for competent care in the real world. The ability to affect the lives of others who are struggling to communicate demonstrates the value of the profession and the rewards of being a speech language pathologist. And the true gift is being able to provide students with a worldview through a Salus education in the field I hold so dear. I’ve always loved the ability to affect change in the lives of my patients and their families. And now watching students go through this, has even deepened my excitement in this career. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Bob. With speech language pathology being one of the top professions in the country now that allows students to work in a variety of settings. It’s easy to see why SLP students who receive a world-class education that provides hands-on training with early clinical experiences are well-positioned for the future. Cheers Robert.
Okay. Now we’re going to head over and meet Jacqueline, a first year audiology student at Salus University’s Osborn College of Audiology, who’s gonna share with you, how your Salus degree will help provide you with the tools and career flexibility to pursue your professional dreams. Jacqueline, the floor is all yours.
– Hi everyone. I’m so excited to share with you the many opportunities and directions you can take once you obtain a degree from Salus. As an audiology student, I’m not only given the clinical and theoretical skills I need but I’m also given the tools I need to enter into the profession depending on which career path I choose. Once I receive my degree from Salus, I’m able to delve into the different career settings such as the hospital, school settings or even multitask by becoming a professor while still working at a clinical setting. This gives me the opportunity to not be on call like some doctors and some health science professionals. Salus University has a strong reputation of producing world-class professionals in array of disciplines. The audiology program offered here is diversified and unique and the courses will give me the knowledge and the skills I need to be a great audiologist and also impact the lives of those with hearing loss. Emphasizing a patient centered holistic approach, my doctoral degree of audiology from Salus University will help me appreciate the need to care for the patients I serve. This skill will help me in my career as I plan to extend my services to other parts of the world. With the dream of opening up my own practice one day in West Africa, Ghana, this degree will allow room for a successful work-life balance and still have time for my family. Soon an education within each of the universities programs speaks to the many aspects of disease prevention and the management of chronic illnesses by promoting health and well-being throughout society. Our innovative curriculum here at Salus offers a broad base, interdisciplinary clinical education, presenting students with a wide range of challenging primary opportunities. Our commitment to early clinical training in each program provides advantages for students for when externship placements begin. If you want to be a health professional, and want to be in control of your career flexibility, have no fear, Salus University is here to help. Back to you, Alex.
– Jacqueline, great job. Thank you for detailing the diversified and unique audiology program here at Salus University. You’ll be equipped with the necessary knowledge, experience and skills to succeed as an audiologist And I’m sure you can’t wait to get out there in the world and make a significant impact in the lives of individuals and families with hearing loss. Cheers Jacqueline.
Most of us would be lost without our phones, right? We do everything with them. Hail rides, restaurant reservations, banking, and booking flights, you name it, we do it with our phones. The tech and finance that happens behind the scenes to make all that possible, is intense. So how does it all work? Let’s find out about it by meeting someone who launched a FinTech startup all while still a student right here at NJIT. Samir, please take it away.
– I appreciate the intro Alex. Hey there everyone. How are you doing? In high school, I had developed my first app. It was used to help the faculty log where students would enter in specific parts of the building. Accomplishing this, I knew I needed a great tech school on my radar. I chose NGIT for the great focus in STEM. Not only do they have amazing resources, but the amount of help that we received from here is tremendous. We have great professors with very relevant industry experience, small class sizes, and not to mention New York City is right across the pond. Outside of the classroom we have an amazing student base where everybody shoots to do great things in their careers. This is where I met my few closest friends in which we had started our own startup. This was a domain that I had no prior experience in whatsoever. But with the help of NJIT and each other, we have come very far. Our startup glide is an online ordering platform to help restaurants make their ordering process much more seamless. NJIT has increased its focus on entrepreneurship with its business incubator VentureLink. We were the first student startup here and got access to office, lab and coworking space. NJIT is also now a top 50 university for entrepreneurship and the only one in New Jersey to accomplish such a feat. Eventually link is also now home to over 50 established companies. With the help and support of NJIT, the City of Newark Glyde has launched its online ordering platform called OrderNewark to help support the local restaurants. We have also learned how to fundraise, with our first round of investment successfully completed and our second round of investment on route to come soon. Glyde hopes to give back to the community by offering both the students and faculty, a way to connect with these local businesses and support them. In this light, also these local restaurants will be able to save time and money. Well, that was my NJIT startup story. Let’s start up the next portion of the tour. Take it away, Alex.
– Okay. Hold on a sec, Samir. I’m downloading Glyde to check out some of those dinner spots. Amazing app back to the show, everyone. Thanks so much Samir. You leveraging all that you have available here at NJIT to not only study, but to also found a startup, gives a clear path for many other students who will be following your lead. That was fantastic. Take care of Samir.
Okay everyone, let’s meet Jason, a Mechanical Engineering major and the captain of the Aerospace Club. He’ll take us on a personal tour of the NJIT Makerspace. Over 21,000 square feet of state-of-the-art equipment ranging from industrial machines that can 3D print metal and water jets that can slice through steel to smaller prototyping equipment. Okay Jason, it is all yours.
– Thank you, Alex and hello everybody. My college search in high school was a nerve wracking experience, but I fell in love with NJIT from the moment I started here. NJIT offers strong programs that are backed by a student body that is driven to do well and accomplish great things. I’ve always been one, to wanna get involved in as many clubs and activities as possible. As a student in Mechanical Engineering, I wanna take the things I learned in class and apply them to the projects I work on. Joining the ASE Aero Design team, as the structural design lead, has given me the opportunity to explore an area of engineering that I love, as well as collaborate with bright students from a range of disciplines. Along with NJIT solar car, Baja and concrete canoe teams, the Aero Design team spends a year designing and building a model to compete in a nationwide competition. Most of the work we do is here in our Makerspace. NJIT’s Makerspace is the largest of its kind in New Jersey. It gives students a place to do hands-on work on school related or personal projects alongside a staff of experienced makers and state-of-the-art equipment. They’re constantly expanding campus. And the latest addition to the Makerspace, was a lounge with breakout rooms, for students to come and create in a relaxing environment. The skills I’ve learned in only two years have allowed me to stand out in clubs, research groups, and internships. For engineers at NJIT, the possibilities are endless and I look forward to how my next two years will unfold. That’s it for me at the Makerspace. Back to you, Alex.
– Jason, wow. What you and your fellow members of the Aerospace club can build in the Makerspace, is amazing. And it’s not just members of your club, but everyone, faculty, students, and staff who are all encouraged to become makers here at NJIT. Thanks again, Jason.
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.