I Do Declare!

After five years of working in banking and call centers, Dr. Ashante S. Connor decided she wanted more. Her story starts, like so many others, with community college and developing her skills and strengths, and ends with her graduating with a doctorate in 2021. What did she learn in between? How can this knowledge help other students on their own paths? Host Natalie Lopez walks listeners through Dr. Connor’s career, outlining each ...

Jane Sanchez-Swain returns to the MSU podcasting world to interview Liliana Berrocal and Rey Harris, a married couple returning to higher education together. Their perspectives in this unique situation will provide a wealth of information for those in similar set-ups – whether it’s supporting your partner on their academic journey, or finding balance between a couple’s load of classwork! Rey and Liliana also speak to the difference...

When students enter the college world, many times they’re not sure what to do. The question of what major to pursue can be daunting, but Mariam Ibrahim’s story shows that it doesn’t have to be. A current graduate student in MSU’s Business Analytics / MBA Dual Degree Program, Mariam started in Nigeria studying History and Strategic Studies of Diplomacy – a path her school picked for her, but one she enjoyed nonetheless. From there, ...

In the first episode of Adulting for Real, Mariam Ibrahim sits down with Levi Clain to discuss returning to college. A Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BLS) student at Montclair State, Levi shares insights and information regarding the unique challenges of getting a bachelor’s degree as an adult learner – including health issues and their undeniable impact on academic performance. Other topics of conversation are on-campus reso...

Discussions of diversity, equality, and inclusivity take center stage in the forty-seventh episode of I Do Declare – topics that are important, not only in higher education, but in the world at large. Nowhere is this more apparent than in this interview between host Tabitha Riley and guest Darius Edwards, the current Assistant Director of Advocacy and Outreach for MSU’s Office of Student Belonging (formerly known as the Office for ...

History is an often misunderstood major within the academic community, one that should be discussed more. After all, the connections to the past can be helpful in deciding what to do moving forward. That’s the reason why Jessica Pichardo chose History as her major, and why she began working in nonprofits and government sectors. After a decade in Child Protective Services, she moved into a higher-education degree in the education fi...

Indecision is a common obstacle for college students trying to find out what they truly want to accomplish with their degree. Thomas Barbara, Employer Relations Specialist at Montclair State University, knows this better than anyone. Through his interview with Natalie Lopez, Barbara discusses how a chance conversation with a roommate set him on the right course, and how transferable skills helped get him to where he is today. He of...

For those interested in Psychology, look no further! Nadeen Obeidallah sits down with host Rob Schneider to discuss her early interest in the medical field. Through the influence of a high school teacher during her senior year, Nadeen realized she not only enjoyed Psychology, but wanted to pursue it as a career. They discuss higher education programs like Master’s and Doctorate programs, the difficulty of talking about being a Psyc...

I Do Declare! welcomes host Jane Sanchez Swain, in this wonderful double interview between Dr. Maria José García Vizcaíno and Melanie Lopez. As Chair of Spanish and Latino Studies at Montclair State University, Vizcaíno shares her experiences at Universidad de Granada in Spain, where she discovered her passion for languages and translation, leading to her eventual move to the United States. Melanie, a student pursuing a double majo...

Those interested in psychology and disability advocacy might want to give this episode a listen! Host Tabitha Reilly sits down with Kathryn “Kat” Leonard, Director of the Certificate in General Education Studies Program at Montclair State University, to discuss her work in psychology. While pursuing that major (as well as a double minor in disability studies and cognitive sciences), one class she took stood out in particular, and c...

Figuring out your college path isn’t always straightforward, but unexpected turns can lead to exciting discoveries. Corey Pinto shares his journey from an education background to teaching music and, ultimately, Speech Langauge Pathology in this discussion with host Alicia Tucker. As both a teacher and student, Pinto offers unique insights into the traits suited for SLP and how to take charge of your education. His story highlights ...

The Office of Student Belongings’ Director, Jonnine DeLoatch, stops by the podcast for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation. Interviewed by hosts Tabitha Riley and Natalie López, Jonnine shares her fascinating transition from dramatic arts major to leading figure in Higher Education, along with the best advice for freshmen.

Episode summary by Domenick Castellano, MA in English

Produced and edited by Nick Kessler, Sports Comm...

Those that lend a helping hand are very rich in spirit. In this case, Rob Schneider, Academic Advisor for University College, is the richest man alive. Led by host Natalie López, they discuss changing career paths, the benefits of taking time between undergrad and graduate school, and how to handle mentorship and networking as an introvert.

Episode summary by Domenick Castellano, MA in English

Produced and edited by Zachary Jones...

Aniya Butler, MBA student and Graduate Assistant for University College, stops by the podcast to showcase her college experience at Montclair. Alongside host, Natalie Lopez, Butler reveals how to successfully manage several roles and responsibilities, from Presidential Scholar to HR aspirations to helpful tips for incoming freshmen. 

Episode summary by Domenick Castellano, MA in English

Produced and edited by Alex Daly, Sports an...