I Do Declare!

Montclair State University’s Discovery Program

Welcome to the Discovery Program’s podcast I Do Declare! – the podcast that offers unique academic and experiential insights from the people who put the “major” in exploration.

  1. Yes, uCAN!

    10H AGO

    Yes, uCAN!

    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.

    19 min
  2. Healthy Exploration

    FEB 10

    Healthy Exploration

    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.

    19 min
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Discovery Program’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 Discovery Program
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    I Do Declare!