I Do Declare!

While many view college as a great way to make friends and expand horizons, this may not be the experience for non-traditional students. Adult learners and online students may find themselves isolated, especially in comparison to their younger, on-campus peers. Finding just one other person that can make you feel less alone can make all the difference in the world, as Keiry Hernandez and Jasmin Moquete’s story will attest. Host Alicia Tucker interviews these close friends about their connection, from how they met at summer orientation to how they’ve supported each other through the semesters. Everything from rough assignments to the impact of federal elections, they leaned on each other and got through it together – truly showing that there is nothing you can’t do, if you’ve got just one good friend on your side.

For those looking for an inside, in-depth look at the adult BLS program… look no further! Mariam Ibrahim and Alicia Tucker return as host and guest, to discuss how the online adult learner’s BLS program began, and how it’s changed since then. As an advisor for the program, Alicia has had the incredible opportunity to shape this unique course alongside the students she counsels, helping adult students through their unique life paths through Montclair State. From aging parents to full-time jobs, Alicia has seen it all. Most importantly, she has played a deeply-needed role in her student’s lives, providing support and helping them gain confidence – one advisory meeting at a time.

As a lifelong athlete, Emmanuel Ozias knows discipline. Starting as a Computer Science major, Emmanuel soon realized that his drawing skills would provide him with all the passion and power needed for him to succeed. With perseverance and laser focus, Emmanuel not only designed his own sportswear brand, but felt empowered to start his own business right here on the Montclair campus. Since then, his sportswear brand Lock1n has become an important part of his life, one that sets him up for future success in a career he can be proud of. Emmanuel’s story is an excellent example of what can happen when you go from education to entrepreneur, all thanks to his inner drive and the skills he learned at Montclair State. 

It’s undeniable that computers and smartphones can help keep us connected. But what of in-person conversations, the ones that keep us going and even help us get work? And how can we combine these, for the best possible effect in our lives? Joe Bavazzano’s insights may help. The Director of the ADP Center for Learning Technologies, Joe, discusses his career from beginning to present: his undergrad degree, pivoting from freelance jobs to a more structured environment, and how he got called back to Montclair State. Throughout everything though, is one word that keeps it all together: connection. Joe and host Natalie Lopez cover it all, from relationship-building and networking, to non-linear paths and niche jobs. A must-listen for anyone looking to improve their technology or communication skills!

In this episode of I Do Declare!, host Natalie Lopez sits down with Faith Amero, a senior Film and Television major at Montclair State University, to discuss her academic journey and campus involvement. Though initially considering journalism, Faith discovered her passion for film during an Accepted Students Day and made the decision to pivot to the film program. She opens up about overcoming early challenges, from entering college with minimal technical background to finding a strong support system and connecting with key professors. Beyond the classroom, Faith shares how stepping outside her comfort zone led her to leadership roles as an orientation leader and University Fellow, experiences that helped her grow and mentor younger students. Looking toward graduation, she outlines her next steps in the School of Communication and Media’s mentorship program and offers advice for underclassmen exploring the film and television path.

For this episode of Adulting for Real, host Alicia Tucker brings together two perspectives on the adult online student experience at Montclair State University. Jane Sanchez-Swain, Director of Online Student Success for Montclair Unbound, shares how Montclair is working to create a stronger sense of connection, community, and support for online learners, while recent graduate Leyda Gonzalez opens up about her own journey back to college.
After graduating high school in 2002, Leyda’s path to completing her bachelor’s degree took a few unexpected turns as she balanced school with raising four children. Years later, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to reflect on what she wanted for herself, inspiring her to finally finish the degree she had always dreamed of. She ultimately completed 32 credits in just two semesters, graduating from Montclair in May 2025.
But Leyda wasn’t finished. After stepping into a new role as an assistant to a Chief Human Resources Officer, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in Strategic Communication at Montclair. Along the way, she discovered that the lessons she learned as an online undergraduate student, and the support available through Montclair Unbound, continued to help her succeed.
Together, Alicia, Jane, and Leyda discuss the realities of balancing school with work and family, the challenges of navigating an online learning environment, the importance of accountability and connection, and the resources Montclair is developing to help adult students feel prepared and supported. At the heart of Leyda’s story is a simple but powerful message: it’s never too late to finish what you started, or to start something new.

For this episode’s guest, Cory Murphy, Montclair State University has been a lasting presence. With a mother who worked in admissions for thirty years, the campus felt more than just familiar – it felt like home. Though MSU was a welcoming environment where Cory thrived through extracurriculars like radio and on-campus concerts, life (as it sometimes does) got in the way. Fifteen years later, Cory has returned, bringing a story many listeners can relate to as she pursues not only her Bachelor’s, but her Master’s as well. She opens up to host Natalie T. López, M.A. about her career hopes and dreams, how her husband supports her, and how her son provides her with the drive to keep moving forward.

While college can come with its own difficulties, students are often wrestling with outside problems – whether they be from their past, or present. Dr. Tamara Massay-Trotz comes on the podcast to share her journey, and how her own story has prepared her for her career as Senior Director of Student Services at Bloomfield College. From East Orange to Miami and up to Montclair State, Dr. Massay-Trotz discusses being driven from a young age, and her process of realizing that there was a future despite her struggles. She provides an important voice, working from both a student and university employee perspective, and works to recognize the difficulties that will inevitably crop up. Life cannot be put on pause or thrown aside, and her department can help adult learners – already busy with coursework, careers, families, and health issues – keep their college story going, no matter how difficult the terrain may get.

While often an unseen aspect, finances are a deeply important aspect of keeping college life running smoothly. After all, money makes the world go ‘round – a sentiment Dr. Stephanie Mayer knows well. An adjunct professor and jazz musician by trade, Dr. Mayer also works full-time as Montclair’s budget analyst, converting numbers to easily understandable data that can then be used to improve MSU. She discusses the differences between accounting and finance, as well as how creativity can be found even in the most analytical of spaces. Though we frequently think of math as a hard science, Dr. Mayer’s love for the field shows the true power of pursuing your passions and bringing your full self to the table for the best possible results.

The second season of Adulting for Real starts off strong! Returning host Jane Sanchez-Swain interviews Chris Taite, a writer and poet who returned to Montclair State. His first round of education ended after he left for the workforce, which is where he spent most of his early life. Spurred on by his father’s request and one perfectly timed email later, Chris decided to take the plunge and finish what he’d started. While nerves are natural when it comes to college, Chris found comfort in the form of Montclair State’s academic advisors – care and attention that turned out to be fundamental to his return and continued success. From there he found himself gaining confidence: in himself, his voice, and his story. Deeply inspiring, Chris shows that there is no starting point too rough, and no circumstance too difficult to overcome when you have consistent support on your side.