I Do Declare!

Montclair State University’s University College
  • 5.0 (7)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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.

  1. The Power of Choice

    09/24/2025

    The Power of Choice

    “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.

    16 min
  2. Trust the Greatness Inside You

    09/16/2025

    Trust the Greatness Inside You

    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.

    18 min
  3. Just the Two of Us

    08/27/2025

    Just the Two of Us

    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.

    18 min
  4. Enjoying the Ride

    08/21/2025

    Enjoying the Ride

    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.

    22 min
  5. Starting Over

    08/14/2025

    Starting Over

    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!

    13 min
  6. Social Justice as Self Care

    08/05/2025

    Social Justice as Self Care

    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 Social Justice and Diversity). A theater kid who realized behind the scenes work was just as important as the action on stage, Darius charts his journey through academia from communication studies to student advocacy. Social justice and self-care entwine and take the forefront of Darius’ work, showcasing how a little empathy and understanding can change someone’s life, and that some of the most important learning happens outside of the classroom.   Episode summary by Levi Clain, BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Humanities

    16 min
  7. To Make A Difference

    02/19/2025

    To Make A Difference

    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

    14 min
  8. Full Circle

    02/11/2025

    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

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Montclair State University’s University College
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    I Do Declare!