Please say hello to Anthony, a junior majoring in earth and environmental science from Ewing, New Jersey. Anthony is in the teacher education program studying to be a high school teacher. Part of Montclair’s four plus one combined bachelor’s and master’s programs for educators. Anthony gives campus tours pointing out the above ordinary views, and the above ordinary buildings to the above ordinary students like you on college visits.
– Hi Alex, thanks for the introduction. Not only do I have a really strong passion for teaching, but also actively improving the field around me, and welcoming students of all narrow diversity and ability into a stem classroom. One of my favorite things that I’ve been doing since my freshman year is giving campus tours all throughout the year. Whether it’s one of our campus tours directly, one of our virtual campus experiences, or even one of our open houses, I absolutely really love bringing people onto Montclair’s beautiful campus, ’cause there’s just so much going on. Whether it’s one of our bingo nights, a giant petting zoo over in front of the student center quad or an entire carnival. I absolutely love everything going on here. Despite all the fun to be had, the classes are where Montclair really shines. With really small class sizes and departments that really care about changing their field, it’s no wonder that Montclair professors are known far and wide. Every time I bring someone on Montclair’s campus, I feel like I’m taking them into my own personal paradise. And I really hope that they get to share that experience with others in just the same way. With Montclair being such a diverse community, and a Hispanic serving institution, we’re really glad to welcome not only people from all walks of life, but also all over the world. If I’ve learned one thing from my time here at Montclair, it’s that home is where your heart is. And with all the friends and opportunities I’ve had here, it’s always gonna be a part of my life. And I can’t wait for other people to experience it the same that I have. Take it away, Alex.
– Thank you, Anthony. With in person and virtual ways to visit, we encourage you to see for yourself what Montclair is all about. If you’re lucky, Anthony will be your guide, answering your questions and setting you on the right path.
While NJIT does have New Jersey in the name, as we’ve seen, It’s not just for students from New Jersey. Let’s catch up with Will, a student in the Newark College of Engineering here at NJIT, who came up from Kentucky to get the full Highlander experience. Please take it away, Will.
– What’s up, y’all? I’m an Industrial Engineering student from Lexington, Kentucky. I’m a member of the Albert Dorman Honors College and men’s volleyball teams here at NJIT. I was very nervous about coming to school, 12 hours away from home, but NJT has become a second home for me. When I was applying to colleges and universities, I applied to nine different schools. As I started hearing back and trying to narrow down my choices, I realized NJIT just kept checking boxes. Awesome STEM and engineering programs, a great location, great value, and an urban setting that was very different from where I’d grown up. When I went to the last school on my list to visit, they asked me what other schools I was looking at. And I mentioned NJIT and the administrator I was talking to said, “Oh, we’re trying to be just like NJIT.” And I about fell out of my chair because NJIT was already my favorite. But when another engineering school is trying to emulate them, no brainer. NJJT is where I wanna be since they’re setting the standard for STEM Education. Since 1881, NJIT has opened doors for it’s students, whether that’s an internship, graduate school or a career, NJJT will get you ready. From alumnus Wally Schirra. Who’s one of the first humans in space to students working to design Mars rovers and design the country’s sustainable infrastructure engineer, NJIT prepares you not only to succeed in your field, but to lead in your field. With NJIT’s academics, advisers, and for me, athletics NJIT gives every student the resources they need to achieve their dreams. The stars, really are lined for me with NJIT. It’s an amazing school, great location, amazing people, and fantastic opportunities. Wherever I go next, I will be ready for it. The question isn’t what opportunities will I have when I’ve done? It’s which option do I choose? Back to you, Alex.
– Will, you will have plenty of great opportunities to choose from here in the New York Metro area, back home in Kentucky, or anywhere you choose to go with the long history here at NJIT for setting the standard and high quality STEM education
Just walking onto this campus and meeting people makes you start to feel part of the Highlander nation family. But now let’s head over to the newest NJIT campus in Jersey city and meet a real NJIT family man, Vincent. He’s a business major in the Martin Tuchman School of Management. And he has already had numerous internships including recently being an intern of the week for Adobe. Absolutely amazing. Vincent, it is all yours.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everybody. I can say with pride that seeing my three sisters, Marie, Finsia and Martina graduate from NJIT, showed me that that’s something that I can do as well. We each graduated with different majors and it had different doors and opportunities opened for us. I, for one can say that I got five internships during my first three years at NJIT. Being a business major at NJIT has shown me how business and technology are merging together to become one unified entity. NJIT has New Jersey’s first and only bachelor’s of science in FinTech. With financial analysis lab and focus on data science, our school fosters innovation to prepare students for unlimited possibilities. Whether it’s launching a sustainable business or becoming the next corporate finance maverick, NJIT offers resources to support your passions. There are so many extracurricular activities available to the student body, such as Business Masterminds, Greek Life, Black Student Union with virtual and in-person career fares every semester. As a top 10 school for career placements and a top 100 school for alumni and mid career earnings, NJIT is always developing new programs to prepare students for in demand jobs. From FinTech and that assigns to cyber psychology and forensic science to materials, engineering and sustainable infrastructure, NJIT is always advancing and NJIT students are always prepared to lead in emerging industries. Whether you’re on the north campus or the Jersey City campus, NJIT is preparing you to get a job on that skyline or wherever your path takes you. When you make it at NJIT, you know, you can make it anywhere. Now. What’s next, Alex?
– Vincent, that was amazing and so is that view There’s nothing like the New York City skyline to motivate a business major. I love it. It must not have been easy being a baby brother in your NJIT family, but it looks like a family that studies together, succeeds together. Cheers Vincent.
Casey Crown was the salutatorian of her class in high school and knew she had a lot of choices when it came to picking a college. But to pursue her passion in architecture, she knew the right choice was at the Hillier College of Architecture and Design here at NJIT. Let’s meet up with her to get a closer look at studio life as an archi. Take it away. Casey.
– Thanks so much, Alex. I graduated from Roselle Park High School as salutatorian of my class, and I knew I wanted to study architecture. Academically, I knew I had options and financially I wanted to make the smart decision. NJIT was the perfect choice. During my time here, I have been challenged so greatly. Our studio projects require a lot of time, careful thought and skill. I love when the studio faculty sit down with me during class to take a closer look at my work. They teach me critical skills along the way and aim to further develop my creativity. I also love the camaraderie of the studio, where we architecture majors spend most of our time. We all help each other, encourage each other and really root for each other. Right inside the school, we’re provided with everything we need to complete our work successfully. The American Institute of Architecture Students, a student run organization, runs a print room, a 3D printing lab, and a shop with snacks and supplies. The school runs a laser and woodshop lab. I’m lucky to be the Professional Development Director of AIS, where I run events to help students grow professionally. NJIT is the only fully accredited public university for architecture in New Jersey, which is necessary to become a licensed architect. Pursuing this degree has immensely improved my design skills to where I can better conceptualize spatial quality. Not only this, but my technical expertise has developed so greatly so that I feel super prepared to become an architect. I am so grateful for my time here at NJIT, where I’ve made friends and felt more supported than ever. I’m pleased with my academic and hands-on experience and I’m confident I can get any job I dream of. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Casey, you are absolutely right with the time and hard work you put in and the skills and experience that your professors have shared with you, I have no doubt you’ll be the number one candidate for any job you want. Thanks for taking part of the college tour. Take care, Casey.
Okay. Let’s head over to check in with Indiana, a junior studying mechanical engineering. As Eric shared, Mines is routinely in the top five universities for return on investment. But students aren’t only succeeding in business, they’re launching startups and products of their own with the support from Mines. Indiana is gonna tell us more. Indiana, you’re on.
– Thanks, Alex. Ever since high school, I was always interested in finding issues within my community that needed fixing. I wanted to be the one to help create a solution that has long lasting benefits. So when I came to Mines, I knew I would have the ability to grow and learn further about design thinking to do just that. Here at Mines, the university believes in not just preparing students with their future careers, but also helping students to become future leaders that can take on any challenges. From my involvement in the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, to breaking down stereotypes and generating more diversity awareness, to being a university innovation fellow and help creating solutions that benefit my community, I feel like I’ve truly grown here at Mines. Now, as an innovation fellow, I’ve had the ability to learn what it takes to bring an idea to life. And Mines is one of the few schools that I know that offers design classes to first year students. This showcases the importance of design thinking and its impacts. And it is imperative for today’s scientists and engineers to have this mindset and make a positive impact on the world and its people. For many Mines students post-graduation, Orediggers have gone to work straight into the industry. But there are those who choose to create their own businesses and companies, and grow from there. Mines is helping students prepare to be entrepreneurs through the Mines Venture Center, offering entrepreneurship courses and competitions, and bringing in CEOs and alumni to campus to help give the support and inspiration for students to get things going. Mines has given me the opportunity to not only grow in my technical skills, but also my communication skills, and the ability to find the things that I’m passionate for, and the things that I want to do to enact change in this world. Back to you, Alex.
– Indiana, that was great. Your passion for helping communities around the world is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing that with us. It’s gonna be so exciting to see all the businesses and new ideas that come out of Mines in the near future. That was fantastic. Take care.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to get to our next student, Pierre. He’s a junior majoring in sport and recreation management with minors in marketing and facility management. And he’s ready to talk about one of the fastest growing programs at SDSU. Pierre, what do you have for us?
– Thanks, Alex. My story began in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, when my birth parents decided to give me the opportunity of a lifetime. Shortly after the earthquake in 2010, at age nine, I was adopted by the Lear family from Morristown, South Dakota. It took a while to adjust to the winter weather, speaking English, and the American culture, but I had hope the best was yet to come. I am grateful and humbled for my athletic success. I received many offers from different colleges because of it, but it quickly became clear to me that SDSU was the college for me. When it came to picking a career field that interests me, the Sport and Recreation Management Program seemed like the perfect fit. It is full of students with similar interests and passionate about helping others. Right here at South Dakota State University, I have gained big-time experience working the high level NCAA athletic events and the ESPN College Gameday through the Sport and Recreation Management Program. We hosted the South Dakota High School Football Championship right here on campus. My program has also helped with the PGA Champions Tour, the Summit League Basketball Tournament, and the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Through the Sport and Recreation Program I have met some incredible people, as well as finding summer jobs, and exploring future career opportunities. South Dakota State University prides itself on having a curriculum that centers around students and experimental learning. I look forward to seeing what the remainder of my time here at SDSU has to offer. I am forever grateful for each opportunity that the Sport and Recreation Management Program has provided me. And as always, go Jacks! Back to you, Alex.
– Pierre, nice jump! That is so impressive! Not only can you have a great time as a student here, but the experience you’ll gain in this program can prepare you for dream job long before landing your first job, which is incredible. Thanks, Pierre, keep up the great work
Next up, Natalya, a freshman from Oakland, New Jersey, Natalya came to Montclair, not yet decided on a major. She got a jump start on her freshman year at a summer bridge program that helped incoming student with college preparedness, and engage them in a full spectrum of tutoring and campus activities. Take it away Natalya.
– I’m a freshman at Montclair State University. I’m fluent in Spanish, and currently learning ASL. Music, theater and art are very important aspects of my life. I am a presidential scholar and an honor student. And I haven’t declared a major, but I’m confident that Montclair State will give me the opportunities to pursue a future in visual and performing arts. One of my favorite things is sharing experiences with other people, and already I felt welcome in the Montclair community. This past summer, I attended the summer bridge program, which helped me feel more prepared to take on college life, and engage with resources and activities on campus. It made the transition very smooth. I’ve made new friends, both those who commute, and those who dorm throughout the year. And it was the smallest interactions that truly meant the most. Taking late night walks around campus, going to the amphitheater and just singing our hearts out. ♪ Let the good go ♪ ♪ Let me give you my life. ♪
– One day I went into the communal kitchen, and people were just cooking, baking pastries and brownies, making popcorn. Someone was even hand rolling their own pasta. And we all shared food together. That sense of community is a part of why I love Montclair so much. The engagement with peers, interaction between staff and students, and huge buffet of academic opportunities is remarkable here. There are over 300 programs across 10 colleges, and your advisors and professors are always striving to push you to be the best student and person you can be. Montclair has a population of just over 21,000 students, but the smaller class sizes make you feel more comfortable and like you’re not alone. I’m very excited for my future classes and involvement on campus. And I know that no matter where my path leads me, Montclair will let me soar. Back to you, Alex.
– Natalya, let’s go Red Hawks. Let me see if I have this right. Pointer finger, middle finger and thumb, hook it like a beak and out. Let’s go Red Hawks. Natalya I love that you’re off to such a great start, best of luck.
Next up is Samantha from Flemington, New Jersey, a sophomore double majoring in psychology and gender sexuality and women’s studies. With minors in leadership development through civic engagement and Italian. Sam is a Bonner Leader and volunteers at the global center on human trafficking at Montclair State, and with the City of Elizabeth for Homeless and Act Rescue. Take it away, Sam.
– I’m so happy to be here, Alex, if you had told me a year ago, I would’ve fall in love with Montclair State, I wouldn’t have believed you. Falling in love with your school in a global pandemic is just as hard as you think it is. Luckily I had the Bonner Leader program. I’ve had the opportunity to at least 300 hours of community service each year. This includes the Bonner’s week long orientation. There we do things such as renovating homes, helping facilities, where they help people with developmental or physical disabilities, and helping feeding the homeless in Atlantic city. For me, my fellow Bonners, it was inevitable forming a family like bond after putting in so much effort into a cause bigger than all of us. Our community service continues throughout the year with days commemorating the 9/11 day of service, and Martin Luther king day of service. Each year more than a thousand students are engaged in partner with 200 plus community partners to seek solutions to real issues of public concern. Opportunities for students include the Bonner Leader Program, AmeriCorps, and the community engaged learning program. Personally, I am minoring in leadership through civic engagement. I hope to use this minor to professionally create service opportunities that align with my community values. Even if community service is not your thing, the environment that Montclair provides for its students is an experience that any young adult could benefit from. I barely started my sophomore year, and I’m already so much more of the person I’ve dreamt of becoming. It was wonderful talking to all of you today. Now it’s time for you, Alex.
– Fantastic work, Sam. Here at the college tour, we love seeing Montclair’s vibrant volunteer spirit, students making connections and impacting local communities. Students are engaged, giving back, and making a difference in their lives, and the lives of others, well done.
Are you ready to be wild? Jennifer also known as JJ from Ohio, a junior dance major, who is also part of the pre-medical program, tells us what drew her to college in New Jersey and Montclair were those iconic New York City lights. JJ says the views and access to the city are amazing. And the dance program is insane. Take it away, JJ.
– Thank you, Alex. My sister has been my biggest inspiration. I started dancing because I wanted to be like her. And then became interested in the medical field when she started her journey becoming a physical therapist. Montclair State University allows me to be involved with dance while also creating a future in the medical field. The opportunities I’ve encountered while being a dance major have been like no other. I’ve been able to train with some of the industry’s top educators, and while being a dance major is a huge commitment, my advisors have been able to help me fit in the prerequisites needed to enter into a physician assistant program after graduation. I grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. And I’m now a college student, just 12 miles outside of New York City. The views on Manhattan skyline are almost as incredible as the accessibility to the opportunities New York City has to offer to Montclair State University students. The commute is a breeze between the two train stations on campus or by bus or car. Montclair’s architectural aesthetic of white buildings with red roofs is just another example of the beauty of the University. Being so close to New York City will make my transitions into the real world, much smoother. I’ll be able to audition for my dream roles, like being a Rockette without the hurdles of hotels, extensive travel and being unfamiliar with the city. Also some of the best medical professionals in the world are located in and around New York City. So my shadowing experiences will be top tier. I love what Montclair State University has brought to the table for me. And I truly believe the school is one of a kind. Thank you for joining me today, Alex.
– JJ, that was awesome. A grand jete, and so was that view of New York City. Best of luck as you pursue your passions in dance and medicine. It’s wonderful to have such a supportive and personalized academic environment. Montclair’s certainly gives you both, cheers JJ.
All right, everyone, let’s first head over to meet Dr. Malloy. She is a professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus and Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmic disease at the Eye Institute. She is also an instructor of head and neck anatomy, neuroanatomy and Neuro–ophthalmic disease courses at PCO. She’s gonna talk about how the university’s renowned faculty combined with a lower student to teacher ratio can help you become the best healthcare professional you can be. Dr. Malloy.
– Thanks Alex and hi everyone. I’m here to help you realize that Salus is the perfect place to continue your graduate level education and begin your journey into a healthcare profession career that is both rewarding and fulfilling. I am honored to represent the world-class faculty here at Salus, where I began my own journey into the optometric profession at PCO more than 25 years ago. At that time, I was awed by the knowledge, passion and dedication of my professors who ultimately became my mentors, colleagues and friends. Fast forward a few decades, I’m now an optometrist specializing in Neuro-ophthalmic disease and I have the privilege of teaching students in both a didactic and clinical setting. I believe patient care gives me real world experience to bring back to the classroom, enabling me to be a better teacher. In turn, teaching keeps me current with the latest research and scientific development allowing me to be a better doctor. I educate students in some capacity throughout the duration of their training here at Salus. It’s amazing to see the exponential growth in knowledge, confidence and maturity gained in such a short time. You’ll enter as a student and leave as a well-trained professional, ready to embark on your future career. Whether you want to be an optometrist, audiologist, physician assistant, speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, or specialize in blindness and low vision rehabilitation, Salus not only has what it takes for you to succeed and thrive as a student and future healthcare professional but also provides a welcoming, inclusive family- like atmosphere with a small student to teacher ratio. The extensive hands-on experience gained in the university’s clinics, including where I practice, The Eye Institute or TEI, ensures an unmatched clinical training program thanks to the wonderful patients that we see and treat on a daily basis. At The Eye Institute, there’s really no such thing as a routine eye exam, your extensive on and off campus hands-on experience will truly prepare you for anything that you may encounter in your career. And if you would like to pursue post-graduate training or specialization, Salus also offers many great residency programs. For example, my department has a Neuro-ophthalmic disease residency program which is the first and only one of its kind. During your time at Salus, you too will become an integral part of your patients or clients health care team. Our interdisciplinary approach is truly a benefit to both student learning and patient quality of life. So come join the Salus family. I look forward to seeing you on campus, no matter which program you choose, will help shape you into a health care professional who like many of our alumni around the world continue to make us proud. Okay, well, you’ve heard a faculty perspective now let’s hear what some students have to say about their Salus experience. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Dr. Malloy. Recruiting and retaining world-class faculty is just one of the features that make Salus truly unique when compared to other healthcare institutions, beyond the textbook they can all educate from their own experiences in their respective field. Thanks again for that, bye Dr. Malloy.