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.

This episode’s title is the main message Sunovia Scudder wants listeners to take from her work on campus. After graduating from Rowan University, Sunovia wanted to go into mechanical engineering but, after a temporary setback, explored law and justice. This turned out to be the best decision of her life, as her career path instantly clicked into place. From there she became an accomplished and driven project coordinator, working for Montclair State’s University Community Actions Nexus (uCAN). Providing outreach to prospective college students through the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, Sunovia connects resources to those who’ll benefit from them, while taking the time to understand their individual life stories and how these experiences may affect their college journeys. Those interested in sociology, law, psychology, and community service will find Sunny’s story compelling, and may inspire undeclared students to pick their path as well.

While many may think communication and health majors have little in common, today’s episode of I Do Declare! shows otherwise. With an early interest in media, Dr. Chris McKinley went from undeclared to a communications undergrad on the West Coast, spending his early years in San Diego and considering internships in Los Angeles. When his path crossed with a professor studying the effects of advertising on health, however, Dr. McKinley knew he’d found his calling. Discussions of purposeful consumption – of both food and reputable media sources – underscores the importance of this unlikely meeting of majors, especially in a world where good information on health is hard to find. Those interested in either field may want to take a listen, as Professor Chris McKinley discusses how this crossover shapes the health and happiness of millions.

“Luck, love, perseverance” is how Serena Kenney describes how she got her credit union job. However, anyone tuning into this episode can agree that these three words are the pillars for not only her job, but her college degree journey as well! In this illuminating and empowering discussion between Serena and Alicia Tucker, they discuss the role intuition plays in discovering what you really want in life, how Serena's intuition led her back to college, and how the ability to choose is life-changing. Having options is one of life’s greatest pleasures, one that can be augmented and attained through higher education, and Serena’s story is one of the best examples of this version of success.

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 step clearly and concisely as they talk. Her experiences as a grad assistant student and her responsibilities as the Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence set the stage for her current work, and reinforces the lesson from past episodes of how a sense of community and belonging makes all the difference in student success.

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 differences between attending college as young adults and as full-time working parents. They also discuss how best to support each other through difficult times, and how ambition and excitement can be incredibly contagious.

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, she outlines the challenges and culture shocks of being an international student studying in England before arriving in America, and how these experiences of meeting new people from different cultures shaped her. Interviewed by Albert P. Antomattei, Mariam’s story shows that no matter where our lives take us, students can always find where they’re meant to be.

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 resources and events, how going back has clarified his path in life, and how writing has especially helped him through rough patches. A must-listen for anyone beginning their academic journey, considering going back, or who is just starting their second time around!