​​That early decision changed everything. Brzezinski hadn’t expected an answer so quickly. “Then I got the email and I was like, ‘Oh, I got into college.’” In that moment, she says, the whole process suddenly felt real and changed the tone of her final year at Howell High School.

“It was a little more relaxing,” she says. While she did go ahead and apply to other colleges, “It definitely made the application process more manageable and a lot less stressful.” Because the program is non‑binding, Brzezinski could keep exploring options while holding a secure offer at Montclair.

Dana Brzezinski talks with friends on the ����vlog quad on a spring afternoon. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

What Sealed the Deal?

By the time she applied, Brzezinski had already fallen for the campus. “I liked the community, and all of the buildings are beautiful,” she says. “You could tell that the staff, the professors, when you saw them walking around, you could tell that they like their jobs.” She also noticed something different about the students: “You see all the students outside together, talking instead of everyone just looking down at their phones. I feel like it’s just different here.”

Now an aspiring elementary school teacher and first‑year Educational Foundations major, Brzezinski is already getting involved in campus life. She has joined the Future Educators Club and is eyeing the gardening club and other activities. “Overall, my freshman year is pretty good,” she says. “I can already tell that the elementary education program is a great fit for me.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

High school juniors who want the same head start can learn more at Early Bird Admissions Program. Submit the online by June 15 to be considered. Look out for admission decisions and preliminary scholarship offers in July. Use early offers to talk with your family about finances and plan your next steps.

“Even though Bloomfield is a small school, we provide so many major opportunities,” Antoine says. “Everyone is connected. It’s almost like you know everybody from every major, every department, every office you walk into.”

Since Bloomfield College officially became Bloomfield College of ����vlog, students like Antoine have gained expanded academic options, more student life activities and access to �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s resources while still keeping their home base on a smaller campus.

����vlog Coed Cheer Team members show off stunts on the quad on a spring afternoon ahead of their trip to Florida in April to the national championships. (Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Antoine says Bloomfield matches his personality and day-to-day life. “Montclair is a big school, and I’m low-key,” he says. Because of that, he appreciates how Bloomfield’s size lets him build close relationships with his professors, and those connections helped him rethink his academic path.

Supportive faculty have been central to Antoine’s experience, especially as he moved away from his family’s long tradition in medicine. He originally started at Bloomfield as a Nursing major. “My father was a doctor, my grandmother’s a doctor, my grandfather is a doctor,” he explains. “But even they told me to look more at a computer field because they know me. They thought it was better for me to do something I’m really good at instead of just following tradition.”

Bryce Antoine juggles classes, an Admissions job and student leadership at Bloomfield – then heads over to Montclair to practice with the Coed Cheer Team. (Photo by John J. LaRosa)

Big-school cheer, small-school community

Some of Antoine’s most visible moments happen a short drive away at the Montclair campus. He takes his classes at Bloomfield and heads to Montclair to cheer on the ����vlog Coed Cheer Team, one of the top Division III programs in the country.��

For Antoine, Bloomfield’s home base and shared resources with Montclair let him enjoy the best of both worlds: a small, supportive college community and big‑school spirit. “I don’t have to choose,” he says. “I get both.”

Ready to start your college journey? Explore .

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I look back at the person I was before I attended Montclair – I’m completely different: more confident, more understanding of the world.”��

Building Identity and Story

For Mazariegos, who grew up in Marlboro, staying close to home also meant staying connected – to both community and identity. She chose Montclair for its recognition as a Hispanic‑Serving Institution and soon found that staying in New Jersey could offer far‑reaching opportunities.

I never imagined that at my state college I’d study abroad in Costa Rica, report on immigration at the Arizona‑Mexican border and work with Telemundo 47,” she says.

Those experiences inspired her documentary Raíces (Roots), Connected by Culture, about her grandfather’s journey from El Salvador and her own evolving sense of identity.

“I was in a place where I was redefining my identity, connecting more with my Latin roots and what it means to be the granddaughter or daughter of an immigrant,” she says. “I didn’t realize at the time how therapeutic it was, or how much I wanted to redefine what that meant for me.”

Dani Mazariegos sets up a shoot on the Arizona‑Mexico border during production of the award‑winning series Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics.

Scholarships That Opened Doors

Mazariegos’s decision to attend a public university close to home was also made possible – and amplified – by scholarships that recognized her talent and potential.

While at Montclair, she:

• Received the Presidential Scholarship every semester.
• Won a scholarship.
• Earned the Linda & George Hiltzik Scholarship in Communication & Media.
• Received an NBCU Academy scholarship, part of �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s partnership with NBCU that provides students with scholarships, training and direct access to industry professionals.

These resources helped her say “yes” to demanding reporting trips, intensive on‑the‑road productions and networking opportunities that would later matter with employers like NBC.

Dani Mazariegos accepts the Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award on behalf of �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Arizona Stories team for their coverage of asylum seekers, aid workers and law enforcement at the U.S.–Mexico border at the 2025 College Television Awards in Los Angeles.

Why Close to Home Might Work for You

Dani’s story is just one example of how a college close to home can open big doors. For many students, staying local can:

• Reduce overall college costs through in‑state tuition, lower living expenses and less travel.
• Keep you connected to family and friends while you adjust to college life.
• Help you build a career where you want to live through local internships and employer connections.
• Give you flexibility – live at home or near campus, depending on your goals.
• Offer the best of both worlds: new experiences in an area you already know.

“I went in thinking, I want to make something of this degree. I don’t want to just get a degree and leave. I want to leave a mark, meet people, experience something,” Mazariegos says.

All that is to say, for a state university, Montclair students are making waves in some of the top industries, and part of that comes from our strong connections to New York City. I got to experience all of these benefits and opportunities firsthand, and I got to do it just 58 minutes from home.”

Finding Opportunity Close to Home

Within �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s College of Communication and Media, Mazariegos found professors with industry connections that helped her build a powerful portfolio. She worked on three major On the Road news projects with Professor Steve McCarthy that earned national acclaim – covering the Fentanyl/drug crisis in San Francisco, the migrant crisis and voter engagement during a national election.

“That’s one of the incredible things about Montclair – little but mighty,” Mazariegos says. “The level of journalism we produce is astonishing. Our school really creates some of the best work in the media and helps put people into big jobs.”

Dani Mazariegos on site with NBC Sports in Stamford, Connecticut, during coverage of the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

Those industry connections are part of what helped Mazariegos and other Montclair alumni land roles on Olympic coverage. Thanks to Professors Kelly Whiteside and Stacy Gitlin, she secured a production assistant position with . From NBC’s Stamford, Connecticut, studios, she joined the Gold Zone sports desk team, producing feature stories for The Olympic Zone, a 30‑minute segment leading into primetime coverage.

“I worked alongside producers and associate producers to source, transcribe and organize footage. From stories about figure skating costumes to exploring Italian aperitivo culture, every day brought something new,” she says. “Being part of such a fast‑paced environment gave me an inside look at storytelling and production.”

Her long shifts, often running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., were intense but exhilarating. “The crazier the hours, the more fun it is,” she laughs.

On set, Mazariegos watched her Montclair training come to life – and ran into other Red Hawks working on the Games. “I was like, guys, what are we doing? We’re taking over! We’re covering the Olympics.”

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Accepted students: Make it official by submitting your new student deposit and registering to attend Accepted Students Day.

As an international student from Mexico, she was drawn to �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s computing program and the chance to build a tech career. After she excelled in a German language course, that success became the first step toward multiple degrees, as faculty encouraged her to add German, explore linguistics and step into teaching and research roles she had never considered. She even turned her work with children in German into a research project on how programs like the SPARK Lab influence college students’ interest in teaching.

“One of the most important things I’ve learned at Montclair is that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one thing,” Zarate Gonzalez says.

At �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s SPARK Lab, Isabella Zarate Gonzalez collaborates with fellow students to plan German lessons for local schoolchildren as part of a national ‘SPARK for German’ teaching network. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Community‑engaged learning that opens doors

The SPARK Lab is a partnership between Montclair and nearby schools, giving children early access to world languages while mentoring college students into community‑focused leadership roles. It is part of a national network supported by the . Zarate Gonzalez is among the students who teach German to elementary school children one hour a week for six weeks each semester, including a Meistergruppe for kids who speak German as a heritage language.

Children in �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s SPARK Lab listen to German fairy tales. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

As part of a multi‑university research project with the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the University of St. Thomas and the University of Chicago, she led data collection and analysis on how SPARK affects college students. She focused on whether experiences like the SPARK Lab encourage students to consider teaching German and what broadly applicable professional skills they gain, surveying �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s student instructors about their motivations and how teaching had changed their career plans.

The research findings, co‑authored with faculty and collaborators at the four campuses, were and presented at the 2023 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages conference in Chicago.

At Montclair, Isabella Zarate Gonzalez found support to grow a single major into three degrees – Data Science, Language, Business and Culture, and German – plus a minor in Linguistics. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Studying abroad with scholarship support

Scholarship support opened the world for Zarate Gonzalez.

Through the�� Montclair–Graz Sister City Scholarship, she spent the 2024–25 academic year studying in Graz, Austria. The full scholarship, funded by ����vlog, �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Overseas Neighbors and the City of Graz, provides free tuition, room and a small stipend and sends two Montclair undergraduates each year to study in �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s sister city.

�ѴDzԳٳ���������’s status as a Hispanic‑Serving Institution also helped her win a full scholarship to Middlebury’s prestigious German Language School, a summer immersion program.

“There aren’t a lot of people who can say, ‘This university allowed me to do three bachelor’s degrees, win full scholarships and study abroad in Europe,’” she says.

Isabella Zarate Gonzalez talks with Associate Professor Pascale LaFountain in �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s SPARK Lab. In addition to their work there, Zarate Gonzalez joined LaFountain on a translation project for an archive of Austrian Jewish history. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Hands-on research and a peek into history

Advanced language study also led Zarate Gonzalez into meaningful work and helped her discover the academic field that ties her interests together. With Associate Professor Pascale LaFountain and local resident Diane Forman, she worked on a translation project for an extraordinary archive of Austrian Jewish history centered on Forman’s grandfather, composer Wilhelm Grosz.

The team organized and translated Grosz’s letters – including correspondence with figures such as Leonard Bernstein and Langston Hughes – along with his musical manuscripts, Nazi‑era property documents and personal library, preparing the materials for the Exil.arte Jewish music archive in Austria.

For Zarate Gonzalez, working so closely with those documents made the Holocaust feel personal and showed her how language skills and data‑driven thinking could come together in fields like Computational Linguistics.

Looking ahead

When Zarate Gonzalez graduates in May 2026, she will have earned degrees in Data Science; Language, Business and Culture; and German, plus a minor in Linguistics – all completed in four years.

Now, as she looks ahead, she is exploring teaching opportunities in both German and STEM fields and planning for a future master’s program in Computational Linguistics.��

“I think about what would have happened if I had chosen not to come to Montclair,” she says. “My life would be completely different. I genuinely believe I got the most out of it.”

Ready to start your Montclair journey? Learn more about the College of Science and Mathematics and the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Montclair.

Accepted students: Make it official by submitting your new student deposit and registering to attend Accepted Students Day.

Looking back, Aguilar, a double major in Political Science and Child Advocacy and Policy, is surprised by where those experiences have taken him.

If, as a high school senior, you told me I’d have these opportunities, I would have said absolutely not. I knew I wanted to work in government, but I didn’t think the Governor’s Office or these fellowships were for me. Having a strong support system has given me values and confidence that I belong in those spaces.” – Jose Carlos Aguilar ’26

Learning Through Internships and Fellowships

For Montclair, his story is one example behind its recognition as a top 30 public university nationally – rankings that highlight how well its graduates are prepared for strong outcomes after college.

From state offices to child welfare agencies, Aguilar has worked in a variety of settings during his time at Montclair, including:

• The Division of Child Protection and Permanency, where he helped children who had been removed from their households and worked to place them in new homes or reunify them with family.
• The Governor’s Office, where he contributed to outreach efforts in the Labor Relations and Stakeholders Engagement Unit and saw how government initiatives can support underserved communities.
• Supporting the research of Professor Emily Douglas in the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy, analyzing child maltreatment data across the United States.
• A combined undergraduate and graduate research team, led by Douglas, examining safe haven relinquishment data in partnership with the National Safe Haven Alliance; the team surveyed Montclair students about their attitudes and opinions on safe havens, and their work was recently accepted for publication in an open-access journal later this year.
• Campaign and leadership development experiences, from putting lessons from his Campaign Politics course into practice by phone banking, canvassing and knocking on doors for a candidate to participating in fellowships such as America Needs You and the Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Program.

Inspired by a First-Gen Grad

Aguilar’s path to Montclair began years earlier, when his aunt, Montclair alumna Daisy Layme ’20, a Molecular Biology major, brought him to campus as a sixth grader to study in breakout rooms; she tutored him in science while he helped her with Greek mythology, one of his passions.

Seeing his aunt as the first in the family to go to college, at a Hispanic-Serving Institution filled with people who shared their background, convinced him that Montclair was both aspirational and attainable.

Jose Carlos Aguilar carries forward an improv mindset that guides how he listens, learns and serves others. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Theater as Training for Public Life

Aguilar, who grew up in both Passaic and Clifton, also visited campus for theater events and programs with his vocational high school. At that school, he focused on theater, working both onstage and behind the scenes. The experience made him comfortable speaking to different audiences and aware of how he moves and communicates. “I’ve been able to take that away and put that into the field that I’m in now,” he says.

Aguilar carries forward an improv principle that guides how he engages with others. “I believe in ‘yes, and,’ a technique where you listen and then continue the conversation. That’s important for someone like me who wants to go into policy and public service. Listening to people, gaining their experiences and driving the conversation forward to better serve them – that excites me.”

COVID: A Turning Point Toward Policy

It was during his senior year of high school, the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, that Aguilar began to set his sights on serving others.��

“I saw people going through unfortunate circumstances and the federal policies enacted didn’t seem to be in the best interest of the public. I started acquiring more knowledge. I became fascinated by what was going on globally, locally and statewide. I went beyond politics to wonder how policy worked – who drives these things.”

“Seeing leaders pushing forward agendas and policy that I align with, I thought to myself, how can I put in the work to do that?”

Next Steps in Public Service

As he prepares to graduate in May 2026, Aguilar, an Educational Opportunity Fund scholar, continues to serve in leadership roles with three student clubs: Child Advocacy and Policy, NJAEA Future Educators Association and Spark Pride Alliance.

“If my career allows me to better my community, the State of New Jersey and help others, I’ll feel satisfied,” he says.

“Having been given so much, I can’t be a taker – I have to be a giver. That’s my commitment right now, and wherever I end up, I know for sure I want to serve the public.”

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

• Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.
• Prospective Students: Visit campus and apply to ����vlog.
• Journalists: Contact �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview.

Shadowing a lobbyist with the New Jersey Education Association during its “Tier One for Everyone” pension campaign, the ����vlog Political Science major watched legislators stream past.

“It was my first time lobbying, and I heard ‘no’ more often than ‘yes’ – a crash course in how messy and how meaningful education policy work can be,” she says.

For Rodriguez, that moment is part of a broader story: how �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s strong transfer support, mentorship, and community helped her grow from an unsure transfer student into an emerging voice in the education policies shaping the profession.

From Community College to Montclair

Rodriguez’s path to Montclair started at County College of Morris, where she changed majors several times before finding what truly fit.

�ѴDzԳٳ���������’s commitment to making the transfer process straightforward and supportive helped turn that next step into a natural move and gave her a clear path to get involved on campus. That support now includes a new Transfer Credit Equivalent Database that lets students preview how their courses might transfer before they even apply.

“I always tell other students: If you don’t know what you want to do, go to county college, then transfer to a four-year school,” she says. “It’s one of the best paths.”

Even with that sense of direction, stepping onto a larger campus felt daunting. “At first, when I came to Montclair, I felt nervous and scared,” she says. “There were a lot of ‘I don’t fit in. Where do I go? Where do I meet the right connections?’”

Getting involved changed that. “Being in a club really helped,” she says. “Student government helped me find a group where I could say, ‘Okay, this feels like home now.’” Feeling grounded at Montclair became a springboard for her work with the , an arm of the NJEA that organizes and advocates for future teachers.

Putting Learning into Practice

Rodriguez hosts a podcast created through NJ Aspiring Educators that amplifies the voices of teachers, student teachers and advocates across the state, with episodes that openly address mental health and well-being in schools.

Her advocacy doesn’t stop with the podcast. Rodriguez is also co‑creator of the , a group focused on ensuring that school construction and renovation projects are done responsibly and with equity in mind.

She has also been selected for U.S. Sen. Andy Kim’s , which teaches the fundamentals of running effective campaigns and organizing at the community level.

Thriving as a Commuter Student

Rodriguez commutes more than an hour to �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s campus. She grew up in Mount Olive and recently moved to Blairstown. “From Blairstown it’s about an hour and ten,” she says. “But it’s worth it. I love the energy of campus, but I also love going home to a quieter, rural environment. I always say I have the best of both worlds – Hannah Montana style.”

She knows many commuters worry they will miss out on campus life. “I tell them: Attend something. Please, just do something for yourself. You’ll thank yourself later.”

She points to �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s commuter events, pit stops and student organizations as the structures that made it easier to plug in, even with a long drive.

Showing up became her guiding principle, and it led to one unexpected opportunity: making Puerto Rican mofongo on camera with Montclair President Jonathan Koppell for an episode of

As she prepares to graduate in May 2026, Rodriguez still sometimes thinks about how unlikely this moment once felt.

“I never thought I’d graduate from college because my path felt so all over the place,” she says. “I never envisioned myself at a four-year institution. Even now, getting my senior pictures back, it feels like imposter syndrome. I’m 25, and I finally did it,” she adds. “It feels good to finally see the checkered flag.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Transfer to Montclair with Confidence

• Use our new Transfer Credit Equivalent Database to preview how your courses might transfer before you apply.
  • Enter your coursework from other institutions to see how they translate to Montclair courses and fulfill degree requirements.
• Take advantage of �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s partnership with community colleges through a 2+2 Program for a supportive pathway:
  • Work with advisors from Montclair and your community college to complete your AA or AS in two years.
  • Upon graduation and meeting program criteria, transfer to Montclair with junior standing and all general education requirements waived.
  • Begin upper-level courses right away.
• Explore accredited online programs for transfer students with 45+ college credits, including Business Administration, Economics, Family Science and Human Development, Liberal Studies, Psychology and RN to BSN.

Horatio Wauchope’s story moves the way he does – fluidly, between the arts, fashion and social science. Growing up between Jamaica and New Jersey, he learned to express himself through music, photography and conversation, blending creativity with curiosity about how people connect.

A decade ago, after two semesters at ����vlog, he left school to launch a career in photography and fashion as an agent and director. “I went deep into my career, but after a while I stopped seeing progress and felt my ideas weren’t being taken seriously,” Horatio, 34, explains.��

“Eventually I got fed up and started seeing signs pointing me back to school.”

�ѴDzԳٳ���������’s readmit program helps students like Horatio return to finish their degrees, offering flexible options to take courses online, in person or in a hybrid format so they can balance school with work, commuting and family commitments.​

When Horatio reapplied, financing his education was a major concern. Montclair provided the Red Hawk Advantage Award, which helps eligible New Jersey students with tuition if they’re working on their first bachelor’s degree, have under 60 credits and meet income and GPA requirements.��

“I had no idea schools had their own funding like that. I thought I’d tried everything.”

Morning Hustle

Horatio begins his mornings making deliveries to help meet his college costs. “I’m a full‑time student, so in between classes, before and after, whenever I have a break, I drive for Uber or Uber Eats to help make everything work.”

Picking up medication on an Uber run.

“Coming back after 10 years, I’ve been surprised by how many people stepped up for me once I was honest about what I needed,” he says.

On a recent winter day, , inviting Photographer Mike Peters to ride with him while he made deliveries and sit in on his classes. “We met before my first class in Bloomfield so I could grab coffee and then squeeze in an hour of work. I did a couple of trips, picking up someone’s breakfast at Wawa and a pharmacy run for someone’s medication.”

In Class and In Motion

Horatio took a class on advanced Excel skills at Bloomfield College of ����vlog. Here, he charts and organizes data for a class project analyzing companies and their inventories.

A Sociology major, Horatio took Spreadsheet Essentials at the Bloomfield campus to build data analyst skills because that location better fit his schedule. Students from both locations are able to take courses across campuses. “It was my first time on the Bloomfield campus since the merger, and it was interesting to experience a different environment while still being a Montclair student.”

After his class in Bloomfield, Horatio heads to Montclair, where he meets up with his friend and fellow Sociology major, Gustavo Quintero.

The friends grab lunch in the Student Center and walk across campus to a favorite study spot.

Horatio and Gustavo eat together, study and help keep each other motivated. “We push each other to stay focused and get through the semester.”

A decade ago, when Horatio first attended Montclair, he published a photography book for a class project called The Commuter, which mirrored his experiences as a college commuter. “I always had my camera with me, and I’d take photos of people going down the escalator at New York Penn Station or head to Hoboken to shoot birds. I got a really good grade for the class, which inspired me to keep pursuing photography.”

This time around, Horatio is focused on new interests. Last semester, he completed an internship at �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Project AROS (Applied Research On Social Issues) Lab, mentored by Arnaud Kurze, associate professor of Justice Studies and the lab’s director. “It’s an interdisciplinary research program,” Horatio explains. “No matter what field you want to go into – history, technology or medicine – it gives us room to learn how to do real-life research and shadow professionals on their projects.”​

Horatio’s research examined climate change in Liberia. “I learned how to map vulnerabilities and create graphs to visualize where floods hit hardest. It focused on erosion, flooding and how those changes affect communities, especially women who fish and provide for their families.”

Finding Mentors, Building Momentum

In the late afternoon, Horatio attends Statistics of Social Research with Sociology Chairperson Sangeeta Parashar, who has become a guiding voice in his journey.​

In addition to his internship, Horatio is finding mentorship in his classes. “Professor Parashar has been like a mom to me this semester,” he says. “Her class is tough, very old‑school – pencils, paper, lots of problem sets – but it gave me a strong foundation.”

Horatio, who expects to graduate in either May or December 2027, doesn’t yet know what shape his next chapter will take – but the direction feels right.

I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up – data science, research or something else – but I know I’m on the right track. I’m taking every opportunity as it comes and trusting that the work, the mentors and the connections will lead me to the next step.”

Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Through this photo essay, part of an ongoing series, we highlight how Montclair students, faculty and staff embody the University’s mission in the classroom, on campus and beyond – empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

• Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.
• Prospective Students: Visit campus and apply to ����vlog.
• Journalists: Contact �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview.

A GED earner, Howard will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Family Science and Human Development during the College for Community Health portion of the ceremony. Her journey embodies the spirit of �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s graduates and mission: students who broaden access to opportunity and uplift others along the way.

A Mother’s Dream Becomes a National Brand

Howard became a single mother at 16. Raised in Harlem in the foster care system, she wanted a different future for her young son, Cory Nieves so the two moved to Englewood, New Jersey, navigating daily life by bus. When 5-year-old Cory wished for a car to help them get around, he came up with an idea – selling hot chocolate and then cookies.

began at home. What followed was extraordinary. The mother-and-son business gained national attention, appearing in local, regional and national media, including and appearances on and the reality TV show . At its height, the company, which resulted in Howard’s Cookie moniker, reportedly surpassed $1 million in sales.

And then it all crumbled.

Loss, Homelessness and Starting Again

The COVID-19 pandemic halted sales. The business unraveled. Howard and her son lost their home and eventually moved into a shelter.

“I made it to the top and fell back down,” Howard says. “That’s a part of being an entrepreneur; it’s part of being human. I just pray that with the grace of God things will get better.”

Despite the ups and downs, Howard refused to give up – on herself or on education.

Returning to School Against the Odds

While still operating and working odd jobs, Howard, 37, enrolled at Montclair as a non-traditional student, navigating financial instability, a documented learning disability and the daily realities of survival. There were moments when continuing felt impossible, particularly when her car – the 2015 Ford Escape gifted to her on Ellen – broke down and she again faced eviction and homelessness.

“These were times when everything felt dark, and I honestly didn’t see a way out,” she says. “But by God’s grace, I was able to keep my apartment. I held on to the little bit of light I had left, and somehow, it shined right through.”

Melissa Pecora, Howard’s EOF counselor and academic advisor, watched that perseverance firsthand. “Cookie has overcome countless challenges with remarkable resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles she’s faced, she continues to rise above them and has shown that challenges can become opportunities for future success,” she says. “I have watched her excel academically while achieving significant personal milestones.”

“Cookie exemplifies a unique balance of grit, creativity and unrelenting drive. She is an inspiration to all scholars, particularly those adult learners who may be reluctant to enroll in college.” ~ Daniel Jean, Associate�� Provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs

Three Buses, No Internet, No Excuses

Unable to afford the car repairs or an internet connection, she left home three hours early, taking three buses to campus to make her 9 a.m. class. Using the internet on campus, Howard routinely stayed late into the evening, juggling class assignments and her internship and leadership of the Adult Student Advocacy Program (ASAP).

From her warmth and humor, few would know her struggles, as her light also illuminated others.

“I’ve had students come to the office asking for her or mentioning how much she helped them,” says Meghan Hearns, director of the Disability Resource Center, where Howard is a constant presence.

Advocacy as a Calling

Howard’s impact at Montclair extends far beyond the classroom. She became a mentor and presenter for students connected to the Disability Resource Center, spoke at the Disability Awareness Month flag-raising ceremony, and earned the prestigious Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.

Her most lasting contribution, however, is the Adult Student Advocacy Program – a support network she founded to help non-traditional students navigate school while balancing work, family and life challenges.

“Adult students have a lot of stuff that’s going on in our lives,” Howard says. “We sometimes feel like no one cares, but we have to open our mouths and say, ‘Hey, I need help.’ People want to help you.”

A Tribe That Wouldn’t Let Her Quit

Despite the hardship, Howard persisted with the help of the people around her.

“It took a tribe of people to get involved and say, ‘We believe in you,’” she says. “That gave me the confidence to continue.”

Support came from people on and off campus. Howard credits and is grateful for the many who helped her, including Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Margaree Coleman-Carter, whom she credits for making her internship possible, Office of Student Belonging Assistant Dean Jonnine DeLoatch, and a host of�� professors, advisors and even University Police – some of whom, she says, bought her meals, pitched in for car repairs or other needs. She also credits her church family at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack, some of whom will be at Commencement, for helping her get to the graduation stage.

“They just didn’t give up on me,” Howard says. “I kept holding on, and I’m happy I did.”

Academic Advisor Natalia Pizarro-Valencia credits Howard’s “hard work, perseverance and commitment to learning” to accomplish her goal. “It’s been a truly humbling experience to support Cookie throughout her academic journey. Witnessing her effort, growth and dedication has been both inspiring and rewarding.”

Looking Ahead, Giving Back

Howard’s plans to continue her post-graduate studies. She’s considering attending Drew University, where she’s been accepted. Her goals include community activism, philanthropy and humanitarian work – “pastoral work without the collar,” as she puts it.

“I want to work with single mothers and at-risk kids,” she says. “That’s why I’m going for my Master of Divinity.”

As she crosses the stage January 13, Howard’s journey affirms that with resilience – and the right support – students at ����vlog can transform adversity into achievement.

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters.

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective students: Learn more about �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Family Science and Human Development or explore other College for Community Health programs.

Journalists: Contact �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic

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“I am a go-getter. I like to do as many things as possible. If I’m not busy, I feel like something’s wrong,” says Correa, who thrived by taking flexible online courses designed for students balancing work, service and study.

Her story mirrors ����vlog’s mission as a public, Hispanic-Serving Institution: meeting students where they are, supporting military-connected learners and helping first-generation graduates transform their communities.

Balancing my coursework while working as an EMT, as well as serving this country as a soldier in the New Jersey Army National Guard, taught me that strength doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like showing up tired. Sometimes it looks like choosing not to quit. And sometimes, it looks like believing in yourself long before you see the results.”

That quiet strength has defined Correa’s life, beginning in high school when she enrolled in the medical arts program at Passaic County Technical Institute, trained as an EMT and simultaneously earned her EMS (emergency medical services) license.

Rooted in Paterson, Driven to Serve

“Being an EMT was never part of my original plan, but I don’t think half of my life was,” says Correa, who credits her family and their Puerto Rican culture for supporting her as she embraced different opportunities. “My family is small, but we’re huge when it comes to love and affection and caring.”

Her next step came unexpectedly – shipping out on her 18th birthday with the Army National Guard in July 2022. “At the time of my enlistment, I did not know my purpose. I didn’t know why I wanted to join. Obviously they had good benefits that stood out to me, meaning they would pay for college. I decided to use that as my starter.”��

Correa graduated from National Guard training as a signal support system specialist, working with communications and radios. The experience was transforming. “Serving my country has shown me so many new opportunities. It’s given me more insight on where I want to go in life.”

Finding Montclair – and a Calling to Serve

Using her National Guard education benefits, Correa enrolled at Montclair, where she discovered a supportive network for military-connected students in the Veteran and Military Resource Office.

She was working as a full-time EMT and fulfilling National Guard duties as a recruiter, working shifts from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. “There was no way I could sit in a class. I was lucky that all of my classes I needed at certain points were online. I ended up doing fall, spring, summer, winter, and I maxed out on all my credits and finished super fast.”

“I have the discipline that it takes to be able to take so many online classes without forgetting one or falling behind,” she says. “Whether it came from my parents or whether it came from the military, I was on top of my stuff.”

Studying Psychology, she added the Social Work minor after meeting a counselor who helps veterans struggling with PTSD or substance abuse. She realized that social work was a path that could connect “my civilian world with my military world” and lead to a meaningful career after college.

That includes a new job as a registered behavioral technician, working with children with autism, striving for a promotion in the Army National Guard by taking the Basic Leader Course and applying to graduate school at Montclair for Counseling.

Reflecting on how far she’s come, Correa says, “There are times I get emotional. I’ve completed so much at the age of 21. I cannot believe I’m only 21. I have such a great support system that I feel anything I put my mind to, I can accomplish.”

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.

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“I’m extremely proud to say that my working experiences have allowed me to pay for my bachelor’s degree program all on my own,” says Abrom, who will be participating in Winter 2026 Commencement Tuesday at Prudential Center in Newark. A student in �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s College for Community Health, Abrom’s degree concentration was in Applied Nutrition and Wellness with a�� minor in Sports Nutrition.

Balancing work and academics, she adds, taught her lessons that will shape her future. “I now have a better commitment to financial planning, proper time management and a passion for working and what I do.”

Her father, Gregory Abrom, says, “We are extremely proud of Allison and all she has accomplished. She can now start her life without the burden of debt. Allison learned she can set a goal and accomplish it no matter what stands in the way.”

Determination from Day One

Abrom enrolled at Montclair in fall 2019 knowing her path might look different. She and her parents thought it was possible for her to self-fund her education without incurring student debt. “My parents and I view college and higher education as a privilege,” she says, adding that “working to pay for my education fully will set me up for financial freedom and success.”

At times, Abrom took only as many classes as she could afford. She was determined to do it on her own – and she’s not afraid to apply herself.

“I’m a really hard worker,” she says proudly. “I genuinely like to work, and so does pretty much everybody in my family.” Abrom worked more than full-time as a head food server at a country club while working toward her bachelor’s degree, saving as much money as she could along the way.

That work ethic became the foundation of her college experience. Associate Professor of Nutrition and Food Studies Doreen Liou says that showed in her school projects. She describes Abrom as “a proactive student, projecting a positive attitude and zeal in learning.”

Sacrifices That Paid Off

To stay enrolled at Montclair, Abrom often worked 40 to 50 hours a week at the country club until the demand became unsustainable. Although it paid well, she quit when expectations began to conflict with her education.

“They were expecting me to put the work before school, so I was like, I can’t be in that environment anymore,” she says.

She found a desk job closer to home at a golf simulator – one that allowed her to study during slower periods.

Social sacrifices followed as well, as tuition and textbooks took priority. “I had to say no to certain social outings, which allowed me to put more time into work,” she says. “I felt like I was kind of distancing myself from friends, but now my friends are so proud of me, so it doesn’t matter.”

It definitely was hard, especially being young in your 20s, to be more responsible with money but in the end, it was worth it.” Allison Abrom ’26, BS Nutrition and Food Science

Learning By Doing

Last summer, Abrom completed her required nutrition internship at the Meadowlands YMCA, where she assisted with the SNAP-Ed food pantry program, developed nutritious recipes using pantry ingredients and wrote nutrition-focused articles. She also created healthy recipes for YMCA members.

“I was granted a working environment that prompted creativity and allowed me to fully trust in my own knowledge and education,” she says.

The experience reinforced her commitment to community-based nutrition and wellness – work that aligns directly with �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s public-service mission.

Looking Ahead – and Giving Back

Abrom will be cheered on by her father, mother, Laura, and brother, Drew, at Commencement on January 13. Her long-term goals include careers in corporate wellness, sports counseling or community nutrition, as well as teaching as an adjunct professor.

“I am incredibly thankful for my time in my undergraduate program at ����vlog,” she says, “and I am proud of the person it has helped me become both in a professional and personal way.”

Research from the Pew Research Center shows that college graduates with student loan debt are more likely to question. Abrom’s answer is emphatically clear. In fact, her immediate post-Commencement plans: to pursue a master’s degree and a certificate in Nutrition and Exercise Science at ����vlog.

She’ll be paying her own way, of course.

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters.

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective students: Learn more about �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Nutrition and Food Science programs.

Journalists: Contact �ѴDzԳٳ���������’s Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic