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 field, hoping to make a difference in the lives of Montclair students. With Armine Khudinyan as this episode’s host, Pichardo discusses the passion of the Montclair students, how the Next Generation Service Corps Program changed her life, and how she truly believes that her students’ success is her success.
Episode summary by Levi Clain, BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Humanities
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13:53
Full Circle
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 offers advice for those struggling with knowing what they want to do, as well as tips for being involved on campus. After all, as his story shows, you can’t do it alone.
Episode summary by Levi Clain, BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Humanities
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19:16
Don’t Get Psyched Out
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 Psych major in the face of disbelief in the field, and the ups and downs of finding the right medical school. Nadeen also shares tips and tricks for surviving midterms, the power of networking, and the importance of having a strong support system while pursuing this often-challenging career.
Episode summary by Levi Clain, BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Humanities
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13:28
Found in Translation
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 major in Spanish, explains how the courses are more than just a language for her – they’re a way to connect with her family and community. In discussions between Chair and student, listeners will gain a new understanding and appreciation for the Spanish major, and learn how languages can usher in new experiences and opportunities.
Episode summary by Levi Clain, BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Humanities
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20:02
Advocacy for Yourself and Others
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 changed the trajectory of her career forever.
Episode summary by Levi Clain, BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Humanities
Welcome to University College’s podcast I Do Declare! –the podcast that offers unique academic and experiential insights from the people who put the “major” in exploration.
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