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This winter's snowstorms have left many New Jerseyans spending hours shoveling their driveways and sidewalks. But for Montclair State groundsworkers like Quaseem Dent, clearing the snow can be an around-the-clock job.
"The snow has kept us busy," said Quaseem, who spent the night in the Physical Plant Department during the New Year's Eve blizzard. "Cots are set up so we can rest when we're not out there clearing the campus. My job becomes really hectic when there's snow involved."
Luckily, Quaseem enjoys spending time on campus as he recently became a student. Enrolled through the University's new Center for Adult Learning (CAL), Quaseem is working toward a bachelor's degree. "The Center for Adult Learning has helped me a lot," he said, smiling. "I took classes at Essex County College, but I haven't been in a classroom for two years. CAL is what I needed to get back on track. I see myself as a teacher of social studies or sciences."
Though undecided about a major, the 25-year-old is interested in political science and teaching. "Sociology of communities grabs my attention," said Quaseem, who enjoys listening to music, and writing prose and poetry in his spare time. "I'd like to give back to the people of Newark, where I grew up, perhaps through social work. I learned in my neighborhood about the adversities people face and the successes that can result from positive role models. I've seen good things come out of people in spite of the problems they faced, all because of encouragement from their environment."
On the job, Quaseem is all over clearing the snow and helping to beautify the campus. "I particularly enjoy the landscaping aspect of my job. When we get finished landscaping for the spring, the campus is going to look beautiful," he said. "Everyone will see how nice it looks and that's the part of my job that makes me most proud."