September 8, 2025

Montclair Life: Championing Families, Chasing Dreams

Family advocate Oscaterin Bautista balances a double major, career and family at Montclair State University

Posted in: College for Community Health, College for Education and Engaged Learning, Homepage News, Humanities and Social Sciences, Montclair Life, University

Oscaterin Bautista stands outdoors on the Montclair State University campus wearing a red long-sleeve shirt and black pants, carrying a shoulder bag. A large academic building visible in the background under a clear blue sky. — Oscaterin Bautista, double majoring in Child Advocacy and Policy and Family Science and Human Development, allowed us to document her daily journey – from early morning study sessions, to raising her children, to her work as a family advocate.

Through this photo essay — part of an ongoing series — we highlight how Montclair students, faculty and staff embody the University’s mission in the classroom, on campus and beyond – empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.

Photography by Mike Peters

Oscaterin Bautista begins her day at 5 a.m., carving out quiet hours to study before her four children wake. At 35, she balances motherhood, a full-time job and a double major at Montclair State University – all while championing young children’s school readiness. This documentary photo essay follows her journey in her own words, capturing the determination, setbacks and inspiration fueling her pursuit of higher education.

“I’m grateful to contribute to something meaningful, to inspire others to begin their educational journey and to show that it’s never too late if we have the motivation and desire to grow,” she says.

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren

Study Time

Oscaterin sits in her dining room at sunrise, working on her laptop and writing a discussion post for her class about immigration and families. Study materials, notebooks, and an energy drink are arranged on the table. — Oscaterin Bautista sits at her dining room table at dawn, typing a discussion post for her summer class, Working with Diverse Families.

Even if I only get three hours of sleep, I know it’s worth it. Soon, I’ll have my degree and that will open more doors for us. I want my kids to see that it’s possible.”

Oscaterin sits at her dining room table, working on her laptop as dawn breaks. An energy drink and study materials are visible on the table as she begins her day focused on her goal of graduating in January 2026. — Oscaterin Bautista starts each morning with an energy drink and study session, keeping her on track to graduate in December 2025.

I remind myself this is a temporary sacrifice … I want to be a role model for my kids – I can’t expect them to be something I’m not.”

Breakfast and Family Routine

Kaylah helps prepare breakfast in the kitchen, squeezing batter into the donut maker as Oscaterin guides her from behind. Cooking together is part of the family’s morning routine, with everyone pitching in before school and work. — Oscaterin cooks breakfast with Kaylah, 8, as her older children – Ethan, Kamila and Liam – start on morning chores. The family’s routine is simple: before anyone uses a phone or tablet, every household task is completed together.

Oscaterin embraces Kamila at the breakfast table, sharing a warm moment to start the day. A plate of eggs, ham and pancakes sits beside Kamila.

I’m really thankful for my kids; they help me a lot. My 15-year-old takes care of the younger ones when I have evening classes.”

On the Job: Advocating for Families

Oscaterin sits at a desk with a laptop, behind a nameplate that reads "Ms. Bautista Family Advocate" at the Montclair Child Development Center. — At her desk, Oscaterin champions children’s success and guides families toward self-reliance through her work at Montclair Child Development Center in Glen Ridge.

We have families of every background. I see the worries and the hopes. My job is to remind them help is not a punishment and you are not alone.”

Oscaterin fields calls and reviews paperwork in her office at the Montclair Child Development Center, — During her internship, Oscaterin assisted in enhancing family engagement strategies and collaborated with staff to support children and families. She gained hands-on experience with the Referral for Assistance process and contributed a Special Needs Guideline Sheet to help families navigate the Child Study Team referral process and access individualized support.

I have a caseload of 113 families. I help them with self-assessments and services, even paperwork they’re afraid to fill out. Sometimes I see what’s missing – maybe a child isn’t getting vaccines or a family needs food. If I can, I help them in my office – especially if they’re afraid of being misunderstood or if there are language barriers.”

A hand holds open a card filled with handwritten thank-you notes from children, expressing love and appreciation for Ms. Bautista. — Oscaterin saves and treasures handwritten notes from children she’s supported at the Montclair Child Development Center, reminders of the impact she’s had on their lives.

I keep the notes as special reminders of my connection with the children, especially throughout their journey to kindergarten. I’ve been part of some families’ lives for one to three years, and when they leave our program, a real connection remains – because I see their faces daily and a bond is built. Creating an impact on the little ones is truly priceless, even if they might not remember me when they grow up.”

Evening: Family, Homework and Baseball

Oscaterin walks along a park path carrying a water bottle, accompanied by two children and sports equipment. — After work, Oscaterin heads home to her second shift – taking the family to her son’s baseball game.

A child wearing a baseball helmet and uniform stands at bat on a baseball field, ready to hit, while an adult watches from behind the fence.

I’m there as his number one fan, even if he strikes out.”

Back to School

Oscaterin begins her last semester at Montclair State University, crossing campus with a sense of purpose as she pursues dual degrees in Child Advocacy and Policy and Family Science and Human Development. — Oscaterin walks across the Montclair campus on the first day of her final semester. She’s on track to earn degrees in Child Advocacy and Policy and Family Science and Human Development.

At first, I was scared to go back to college. I was 30 with four children, surrounded by classmates half my age. But I met others like me and I learned I wasn’t alone.”

A college classroom with students seated at desks and a professor teaching at the front, a slide projected with class expectations visible on the screen. — The flexibility of online and in-person classes has allowed Oscaterin to balance her education, work and family in ways she didn’t think possible.

The support from professors and the resources available have prepared me to grow stronger as a family advocate … Sometimes, while working on ourselves, we can lose sight of who we are, but the feedback from my professors reminds me of who I want to become and why I am here.”

Oscaterin speaks with Assistant Professor Roxanna Ast stand and talk in a college classroom, with a bulletin board and desks in the background. — Oscaterin speaks with Assistant Professor Roxanna Ast during the Child Welfare Research and Evaluation class in University Hall.

After I graduate, I want to get my master’s in social work and create a nonprofit that makes sure no family falls through the cracks. I want to use my experiences to make things easier for other families. If I’ve struggled, so have others – and no one should face that journey alone.”

Follow this link for a more complete look at Oscaterin’s day as a mother, student and family advocate.

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