Showing Up With Purpose

For Brianna Correa, success is no longer just about milestones or grades—it’s about showing up with purpose, confidence, and impact. A Psychology major with a minor in Social Work, Correa will graduate from Montclair State University with a 3.9 GPA, a place on the Dean’s List every semester, and the honor of serving as the undergraduate speaker at the January 2026 Commencement Ceremony.

Born and raised in New Jersey and proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, Correa chose Montclair State for its diversity and sense of community. From the start, her academic interests were deeply personal. “I’ve always been someone people come to when they’re hurting or confused,” she says. Wanting to help in a meaningful, lasting way drew her to the study of psychology and mental health. Seeing how mental health affects families and communities only strengthened that commitment.

Coursework in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences helped turn that passion into practice. One of the most impactful experiences came in the class Helping and Engagement Skills (SOWK 325), where students participate in “real plays,” or practice therapy sessions with classmates. Though they were simulations, Correa found them powerful. “They always helped so much to talk to someone,” she reflects, reinforcing the value of presence, listening, and applied skill-building.

Faculty mentorship also played an important role in her journey. Stefanie Medina, her freshman seminar instructor, remained a consistent source of encouragement throughout Correa’s time at Montclair. “She’s always been on the sidelines rooting for me,” Correa says. Dr. Jennifer Russo, who taught her writing courses for two semesters, helped her build confidence not only as a writer, but as a student overall.

Outside the classroom, Correa balanced an extraordinary set of responsibilities. She served on Montclair’s EMS Squad as an EMT and driving trainer, an experience that strengthened her confidence and leadership while allowing her to support the campus community in critical moments. At the same time, she worked both full time and part time while completing her degree and has completed four years of service in the New Jersey Army National Guard, where she continues to serve as a signal specialist and previously served as a recruiting assistant.

Through it all, Correa says she learned an important lesson that will stay with her long after graduation: “I don’t have to have all the answers to make a difference. Sometimes just being present is powerful.”

As she looks ahead, Correa hopes to continue her education in Montclair’s Master’s in Counseling program and pursue a future in mental health counseling, with a particular interest in supporting veterans. While this moment marks a major achievement, she sees it as a beginning rather than an ending. “My degree gave me both the knowledge and the confidence to step into what’s next with purpose. I feel prepared not just academically, but emotionally and professionally.”