Join me in welcoming Sean of Livingston, New Jersey, a senior theater studies major with a minor in film. Let’s just say he knows Rocky really, really well. Take it Sean.
– Hey Alex, thanks for having me. I always thought I wanted to be a film director, but Montclair State is where I truly discovered my passion for theater. Since then performance has been my life. And speaking of performances, I get the performative role of a lifetime. That’s right, I’m Montclair State’s mascot, Rocky the Red Hawk. My journey to becoming the mascot all started in my freshman year of college, where I had the crazy idea to go around campus and interact with students while wearing an inflatable T-Rex costume. My friends and I called him Terry, and even set up an Instagram for him. Well it didn’t really work out because of our conflicting schedules. My RA at the time thought what I was doing was hilarious. So he suggested that I try out to be the mascot. I called him crazy, but did it anyway. And now here we are two and a half years later. Rocky is unlike other mascots because he doesn’t just show up to sports games. Rocky could be found around campus almost any day for almost any reason. He really is a living, breathing person, well bird, and people go nuts just to see him, or take their picture with him. On special occasions, Rocky’s family will make an appearance. He has a sister Roxy, a cousin, Ricky and uncle Roy. And of course his best friend, Terry. Being the mascot has changed me in the most indescribable way. I doubt I could have even made it through college without the incredible support of the entire team, and the awesome students whose faces light up every chance they get to see Rocky the Red Hawk. And although Rocky might be a flightless bird, let’s soar back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Rocky or Sean, Rocky. Sean, let us in all little secret. Each year graduating members of team Rocky reveal themselves at commencement by donning Rocky’s big yellow talents or oversized sneakers, along with their caps and gowns. You gotta love these campus traditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We are now gonna hear from Carolyn, a senior nursing major. SDSU College of Nursing is consistently recognized as one of the best in the nation and prepares its graduates for a number of professional opportunities, from work as a registered nurse to opening doors in numerous healthcare fields. Carolyn, we’re excited to hear from you.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everybody. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. My mom has been a nurse for many years and she’s a great role model for me. I chose SDSU partially because of its great reputation in medicine, but mostly because it felt like home when I toured campus. The College of Nursing has provided me with many different ways to get plugged in here on campus, even before I was accepted into the program. Between the Student Nurses Association Volunteer Events and giving tours to incoming students, I have met so many people. Each semester the college accepts students to programs in multiple locations throughout the state, including programs available here on our Brookings campus. The small classes allow for a great support system as you go through nursing school. I have made lifelong friends in my nursing classes here at South Dakota State. Our program consists of three semesters of pre-nursing classes. You get to be in one of the best anatomy programs in the country and work with human cadavers. As well, you’re provided great academic resources, such as supplemental instruction and tutoring. After this, you start your five semesters of nursing school. During this time you get hands-on clinical experience that prepares you well for your future career. SDSU nursing students have a 98% pass rate on national board exams, and almost all of our students have one of their chosen job placements within three months of graduation. Whatever major you choose, you won’t just learn about it at South Dakota State, you’ll get to experience it hands on. When I started college, I would not have imagined I could have learned so much. The College of Nursing truly set me up for success. I started my senior year with a full-time job offer at one of the top hospitals in South Dakota. I’m so grateful for all of the amazing support SDSU provides and all of the impactful experiences I have gotten these last four years. From amazing friends, insane school spirit, and memories that will last a lifetime, SDSU has truly given me more than I could have ever imagined. That’s my story! Back to you, Alex, and go Jacks!
– What a cool story, Carolyn! Thanks for sharing it. We know you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of others, and that is amazing. 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