Finding Her Voice in Yarn, Words, and Community
Graduate Spotlight: English major Faith Monesteri spun a quiet start at Montclair into a campus legacy of creativity, connection, and leadership.
Posted in: English Department, Homepage News and Events, Student News
When Faith Monesteri arrived at Montclair State, her plan was simple: stay under the radar, keep her GPA up, and graduate early. Two out of three goals stuck—she’s graduating ahead of schedule with a 4.0—but staying quiet? That didn’t last long.
“I began to get more involved in the Montclair community and eventually fell in love with the student body,” she says.
Switching her major to English during her first year opened the door to new opportunities and connections. A class called Great Books and Ideas (HONP 100) made her feel confident and inspired, and a memorable trip through the Literary London class helped her form lifelong friendships.
Faith quickly became a powerhouse presence in the English department: vice president of the English Club, producer of its Playne English podcast, and co-creator of the Hawk+ show English Breakfast. She also served as secretary for The Normal Review creative arts magazine and was the first recipient of the Dr. Edwin Fulcomer Internship Award in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
But it’s Montclair Unraveled—the knitting, crocheting, and fiber arts club she founded—that’s closest to her heart. “It’s flourished in such an amazing way,” she says. “The most rewarding part is meeting lots of people.” In 2025, the club was named Special Interest Club of the Year.
Behind her accomplishments are mentors who made a lasting impact: Dr. Lee Behlman, Dr. Jeffrey Miller, Dr. Jeffrey Gonzalez, and Dr. Laura Nicosia. “Each of them helped me in a different way—whether it was building confidence, opening doors, or guiding me into the Combined BA/MA program.”
Faith’s journey has changed how she defines success. “It’s not about a bulleted list of achievements—it’s about meeting people and improving their lives,” she says.
With her English BA complete and studies for her English MA underway, Faith’s not done yet – she’s ready to deepen her study of literature and its power to connect, inspire, and make change. Her advice to new students? “Talk to people and go for it. Whatever ‘it’ is, don’t let college pass you by.”
And as for that old myth that English is an “easy” major? Faith says: “It’s not easy—at least not if you care. English teaches you to understand the messages behind what you read. And in today’s world, that’s more important than ever.”
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Prospective Students and Parents: Learn more about Montclair admissions, our English major and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.