Montclair State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Montclair State University know before they start?

Newton

College has enabled me to interact with many people some of who i wouldn't have met . It has taught me to appreciate diversity.I have made life time friends.It also goes without saying that more jobs today need a college degree.The best and worst experiances in college so far have shaped my view of sociaty and life as a whole.I am now more mature and can make rational decisions of my own thanks for college.I have also bettered myself through some of the co-curricular activities found on cumpus such as student leadership seminars.Above all, college has equiped me with knowledge other than that which you aquire in classroom,that is usefull in today's tough economy.It has taught me how to stand out from the rest,how to be irresistable to employers or even more,starting my own business.I have commited many mistakes in my life,going to college is not one of them.

Stephanie

When I was in elementary school my parents got divorced, and shortly after my father filed for bankrupcy. I grew up watching my family fall apart bit by bit. I've seen rock bottom and how it affects others, while being unable to do anything to help them. This expereince has left me greatful for my college volunteer experiences that have allowed me to become a child advocate. I am now able to help teens in the foster care system find their voice and attain their independence. Without my education I would not have been able to assist them with the same capacity. Furthering my education will assist in bolstering my ability to empower youth to discover who they are and what they can do for themselves. College has empowered me to realize what I am going to do with the rest of my life, and that is something that is more valuable than words.

Sharee

I have recieved so much out of my college experience at Montclair State University. I have recieved a top notch education. I have also gained friendships and relationships with the people at this college that will last me a lifetime. I met my husband at this college and we just recently got married. I have also recieved a sense of independence and work ethic from this school. They have a lot of job opportunities here and they all work around your class schedules. Most importantly I have gained a whole new outlook on how I view myself. When I first attended this school I was a spoiled brat who was not used to working or studying. By attending this school I was forced to push myself to meet the standards of my teachers, bosses, and friends. Through this I have grown exponetially as a person, student, employee, friend, and wife. I am truly thankful for all of my experiences at Montclair State and I would not change them for the world.

Damond

I was a airplane mechanic in the U.S. Air Force for four years. When started working on airplanes after my tour of duty I always wanted to become an automobile mechanic. Many times I had tried to enroll in school, but there was so much money and overtime I just couldn't turn down. In 2009 my mother suggested that I move back to the east coast and live with her while I went to achieve my ASE certification at Montgomery Community College. It has been difficult to find money for school and if recieve this scholarship it will be greatly appreciated. I am an honest, hard working, and somber man who wants to one day help the environment by working on hybrid and electric cars.

Celeste

Walking onto this campus as a college freshman was the hardest thing I have ever done. Not only was I leaving behind loved ones and lifetime memories, but I was also leaving behind my dependence. Waving my family goodbye, I knew that my life had changed forever, though I never imagined becoming the strong, independent woman I am today. Through my experience at Montclair, I have learned that nothing is the end of the world. I have learned the value of true friends. I’ve learned that making mistakes and stumbling along this journey called life is the greatest thing anyone can do. To not be afraid of who I truly am, to stand up for what is right, and to stand down for someone who needs to be up more than I do, are all things I have acquired. I have found myself, and I have learned to love myself more than anyone else can. Without attending MSU, I would have never discovered my purpose in life. Becoming a successful screenwriter with an education from New York Film Academy will begin for me in September of 2011; when I walk onto that campus for the very first time – fearless.

Derya

I can say that this fall semester was the best time of my life. In my high school, there were people who comes from similar countries and cultures. I never knew how interesting and how fun it is to meet different people and discover their cultures. Montclair State University is so diverse, therefore, there is no discrimination and prejudice. For example, my roommate is white, my suitmates are black and there is a Hispanic girl in my next door. We all are different, but get along, because there is something in common. We all come to MSU to follow our dreams. I wanted to discover our campus and activities as soon as I attended MSU. There are many activities that students can join and improve their leadership and social skills. I joined Biology Club, Relay For Life, and Women Volleyball Club. I was so surprised when I discovered that sorority life is totally for me. I found the best sorority and I associated. Basically, so far I've made two big decisions in my life which are moving to the US and choosing MSU. These two decisions changed all my life and I'm so glad I made these decisions.

Ebony

Since being here at Montclair State University, I've learned alot of things in which I never had access to at my pervious institution; Georgian Court University. My teachers have always gone the extra mile to meet my academic needs and concerns, as well as my peers and faculty here at this school. My experience here has been no less than fantastic and I am proud to be a student at this college. The value I seek while being enrolled in such an intsitiution, is one that most individuals my age, look for upon entering college. Just by the everyday experiences I face, I know that I am valued as an individual; not looked down upon. I stand outside of the typical stereotypes of my hometown as well as my racial background, and here at Montclair, that is noticeable and is never made fun of. All together, Montclair State has helped shape me into the person I am today and when the year 2012 arrives, I will be none other but ecstatic to say I graduated from Montclair State University, the school for every and anyone; the school for me!

Chelsea

My college experience has given me THE BEST life experience I could've ever asked for. I have had the opportunity to network with people in my desired field and I have been given numerous opportunities for hands-on experience with my Filmmaking major. I have met people that truly inspire me and have been taught by people who have the same passion that I have. College has been and still is this infinite journey of knowledge and lessons. College has been valuable to me because you learn that things are not easy and you must work hard for something that you love to do. My professor once told me if i haven't thought about quitting, then i'm not working hard enough. I have learned to strive for the highest goals I set for myself because I can and will succeed if I believe in myself. I take every advice given to me to become a better student, friend, and child. College, has taught me all this and for that i will be ieternally grateful.

Shannon

College can sometimes be stressful, and leave you feeling like you have a long way to go. However, i feel like it is worth it . The college experience is a test of mental durance, and is all about your willingness to succeed. It prepares you for what you will be doing for the rest of your life. College is valuabe to me because i can't imagine what i would be doing if i was not going to school. Most of the friends i have in my life seem a little unmotivated which would usually makes it a little hard to stay focused, but I have seen what it is like not going to college. To some people think that a college diploma is just a piece of people, but to me that piece of paper can effect that rest of my life and define the success that are ahead in my future. A life without a diploma can be difficult, and most of the time stagnate. For me failure is not an option.

Elaine

During my time at Montclair State University, I have learned to be more open-minded and accepting of others. In high school, I was in classes with people I had gone to middle school with or people who I had seen in my neighborhood. During my freshman year, I was in a completely new environment and surrounded by people who I had never met before. There were students of all different backgrounds, religions, and anything else you could imagine in my dorm and in my classes. As I began to meet new people I learned new things about their cultures and lifestyles. Attending Monctclair State University, has helped to expose me to all different types of people which I believe is important.

Melissa

I have found my passion in life - Painting. Through college, I have found many other students similiar to myself who share the same passion. Painting is both challenging and rewarding. There is a stuggle which takes place during the course of every new painting. It has been amazing to discover that there are many other people, just like me, who partake in this process - Both the joy and the frustration. We all experience these things yet trudge on through the painting with eagerness to reach the other side. It is a passion to continue to create despite the challenges. If I never realized that we all share in the same struggles, I probably would have given up years ago.

Alexis

So far I have already completed one course and I recieved an "A" out of it, that was my 'Intro to Business' class and it has made me more aware that I really do want to pursue a career in business.

Teresa

The college I currently attend was not my first choice. In fact, I was uneasy about attending this school for a couple months. I wanted to major in Musical Theatre and was accepted into two programs: one that was expensive and well known, while the other was less prominent. People pressured me to choose the school with the bigger name, but due to financial issues I chose the smaller school. People were skeptical about the quality of the program, but to my great suprise, this school has challenged me more in my first two months than any other performing arts program has. I never expected this school to boast such a sophisticated program, with professionals commuting daily from New York City to teach. I am positive that I made the right decision now and will be more cautious in future decisions; I will refrain from the age old habit of "judging a book by its cover." Now, I feel as if I'm part of a well kept secret. This school, this program is a hidden jewel, one I never would've found if I had succumbed to societal pressures and chosen a big name over a small one.

Cavil

As of right know I currently have no college experience. But I plan on starting college in January of 2011. I plan on attending college at the University of Central Florida. At the campus I plan on majoring in aerospace enginnering. I also plan on playing football and baseball for the University of Central Florida as well. I plan to do four years od college.

Laura

Montclair State University provides a diverse student body as well as faculty to teach acceptance and tolerance of those different than yourself. Coming from a small town with mostly caucasian students, Montclair has introduced me to a population more closely comparable to the real world and work force. Montclair has taught me life lessons in areas like time management and communication with others in difficult situations, such as sharing housing.

Melissa

Through my personal college experience I have gained so more more knowledge about myself. I learned my strengths and my weaknesses. I know now that I need to have better time management and not procrastinate. I learned that I take really good notes in class and they really did help me in the long run. I need to use the facilities available to me on campus more, and I am learning that as do use them more. The most important thing that I learned is that I am truely passionate about what I want to di with my life, since I started taking classes that pertain to my major I really do know the path I am going to follow. My college experiences that I have had so far turned into life experiences that will benefit me for the rest of my life. The people I have met, classes I have taken, places I have gone, and things I have learned are all the pieces to my life puzzle, which will all fit together in order for me to be successful and the person I want to be.

Joseph

My college experience has been so valuale to be, especially because I'm not a traditional college freshman and I have face some much challenges, especially financially in the past few years. My experience at Montclair state university has helped me be able to raise above my financial and mental limitations and press on towards my anticipated Bachelors and and MD degrees respectively.

Marc

My first few minutes of orientation at Montclair State University (MSU) impressed on me the distinct difference between high school and college. I quickly realized that I was on my own. There were no guidance counselors to hold my hand through registration or provide assistance with organizational skills. The orientational events that were planned by the university however, provided me with the tools to begin to make this important transition. By days' end of new student orientation, I had produced, unassisted a class schedule my freshman year that would keep me on track for graduating in four years. I now realized that I have been entrusted with a significant degree of freedom and independence and that I must use it wisely. The small learning community at MSU has helped me a great deal in managing my time. I have been very successful in focusing on my courses of study and still maintaining a relationship with my peers, being careful to interact only minimally with those who do not share my philosophy of what a college experience should be. I have also been fortunate to be able to take advantage of and participate in many of the extracurricular activities at MSU.

Milton

It has allowed me to advance my life and career. For this, I am thankful.

Megan

Out of my college experience I have furthered my education, and expanded the possibilities for my future. This experience is valuable to me because college is neccessary for me to find a good job, have a well-rounded education, and have a good life in the future.