Why Attending a College Close to Home Might Be the Best Decision for You

By the time Dani Mazariegos ’25 graduated from Montclair State University, she had earned some of the highest honors in collegiate journalism – and, just this winter, a production assistant credit with NBC Sports for Olympic coverage. Her time at Montclair – growing, learning and preparing for her future – shows how choosing a college close to home in New Jersey can open doors to remarkable opportunities.

I look back at the person I was before I attended Montclair – I’m completely different: more confident, more understanding of the world.” 

Building Identity and Story

For Mazariegos, who grew up in Marlboro, staying close to home also meant staying connected – to both community and identity. She chose Montclair for its recognition as a Hispanic‑Serving Institution and soon found that staying in New Jersey could offer far‑reaching opportunities.

I never imagined that at my state college I’d study abroad in Costa Rica, report on immigration at the Arizona‑Mexican border and work with Telemundo 47,” she says.

Those experiences inspired her documentary Raíces (Roots), Connected by Culture, about her grandfather’s journey from El Salvador and her own evolving sense of identity.

“I was in a place where I was redefining my identity, connecting more with my Latin roots and what it means to be the granddaughter or daughter of an immigrant,” she says. “I didn’t realize at the time how therapeutic it was, or how much I wanted to redefine what that meant for me.”

Scholarships That Opened Doors

Mazariegos’s decision to attend a public university close to home was also made possible – and amplified – by scholarships that recognized her talent and potential.

While at Montclair, she:

• Received the Presidential Scholarship every semester.
• Won a National Association of Hispanic Journalists scholarship.
• Earned the Linda & George Hiltzik Scholarship in Communication & Media.
• Received an NBCU Academy scholarship, part of Montclair’s partnership with NBCU that provides students with scholarships, training and direct access to industry professionals.

These resources helped her say “yes” to demanding reporting trips, intensive on‑the‑road productions and networking opportunities that would later matter with employers like NBC.

Why Close to Home Might Work for You

Dani’s story is just one example of how a college close to home can open big doors. For many students, staying local can:

• Reduce overall college costs through in‑state tuition, lower living expenses and less travel.
• Keep you connected to family and friends while you adjust to college life.
• Help you build a career where you want to live through local internships and employer connections.
• Give you flexibility – live at home or near campus, depending on your goals.
• Offer the best of both worlds: new experiences in an area you already know.

“I went in thinking, I want to make something of this degree. I don’t want to just get a degree and leave. I want to leave a mark, meet people, experience something,” Mazariegos says.

All that is to say, for a state university, Montclair students are making waves in some of the top industries, and part of that comes from our strong connections to New York City. I got to experience all of these benefits and opportunities firsthand, and I got to do it just 58 minutes from home.”

Finding Opportunity Close to Home

Within Montclair’s College of Communication and Media, Mazariegos found professors with industry connections that helped her build a powerful portfolio. She worked on three major On the Road news projects with Professor Steve McCarthy that earned national acclaim – covering the Fentanyl/drug crisis in San Francisco, the migrant crisis and voter engagement during a national election.

“That’s one of the incredible things about Montclair – little but mighty,” Mazariegos says. “The level of journalism we produce is astonishing. Our school really creates some of the best work in the media and helps put people into big jobs.”

Those industry connections are part of what helped Mazariegos and other Montclair alumni land roles on Olympic coverage. Thanks to Professors Kelly Whiteside and Stacy Gitlin, she secured a production assistant position with NBC Sports during the Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics. From NBC’s Stamford, Connecticut, studios, she joined the Gold Zone sports desk team, producing feature stories for The Olympic Zone, a 30‑minute segment leading into primetime coverage.

“I worked alongside producers and associate producers to source, transcribe and organize footage. From stories about figure skating costumes to exploring Italian aperitivo culture, every day brought something new,” she says. “Being part of such a fast‑paced environment gave me an inside look at storytelling and production.”

Her long shifts, often running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., were intense but exhilarating. “The crazier the hours, the more fun it is,” she laughs.

On set, Mazariegos watched her Montclair training come to life – and ran into other Red Hawks working on the Games. “I was like, guys, what are we doing? We’re taking over! We’re covering the Olympics.”

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Accepted students: Make it official by submitting your new student deposit and registering to attend Accepted Students Day.