Empowering Future College Students: Advice from Montclair Leaders and Professionals

If you’re a high school student exploring college opportunities, Montclair State University professionals have a message for you: you belong on campus and your journey is uniquely powerful.

At the 11th Annual Women’s Leadership Alliance Conference on November 19, nearly 400 young women and girls — mostly high school scholars from across New Jersey — gathered at University Hall to hear from leaders, educators and alumni who understand the challenges and possibilities ahead. Their counsel was clear — your story matters, and the next chapter begins with believing in your potential.

Sponsored by the Future College Graduate Academy, Education Opportunity Fund Program and Office of Inclusive Excellence, the conference fosters leadership and career exploration by inspiring and equipping women to pursue meaningful career trajectories.

“The conference empowers women at every stage of their academic and professional journey by bringing together high school scholars, college scholars and professionals to learn, connect, and inspire one another,” says Montclair EOF Associate Director Katrina Liera.

Here, leaders and mentors from the event share more advice for all college hopefuls:

Finding Strength in Your Story

If you’re the first in your family to attend college and wonder if you’re smart or prepared enough or “college material,” Nicole Pulliam, a strategic higher education leader, certified executive coach and tenured professor, offers assurance that you belong.

“Your worth and potential are not measured by what you already know but by your courage to step into something no one in your family has ever done,” says Pulliam, Ph.D. in Counselor Education ’14. “Trust that you belong, even when the environment makes you question it. Surround yourself with support, ask questions, and allow yourself to learn along the way.”

Advice to Inspire the Start of Your College Journey

In keeping with this year’s conference theme “Her Path Her Power: Honoring Every Woman’s Journey,” here’s more excellent advice for high schoolers from Pulliam:

• Your greatest power is owning your narrative— Your career path will have twists, turns, and moments of uncertainty, and that’s okay.
• You get to define what success looks like for you —Your path is powerful because it’s yours.
• You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the next step with confidence.
• Your story is your strength — Everything you’ve lived through is preparing you for what you’re becoming.

You are worthy. Always have been. Always will be. — Nicole Pulliam

How to Prepare for the College Application Process

Montclair EOF Counselor Angela White offers the following tips for high schoolers:

• Start planning early — Choose meaningful classes, get involved and stay organized.
• Build strong study habits now —The skills you develop in high school will carry you through college.
• You must believe that college is within reach.
• Stay focused and remember that there are teachers, mentors and higher education professionals rooting for your success every step of the way.
• Embrace who you are — Be your authentic self in academics, activities and socially.
• Let your passions and strengths guide your future career — Even if it feels far away, trust that you are already on your path to greatness.

Advice for All Ages and Life Stages

Jayme Ganey, engagement specialist for Inclusive Excellence Programs, Office of the President, reminds students and professionals alike:

• We’re all leaders; you don’t need a title to be one.
• Never dim your light, ever.
• Always remember who lifted you, and make sure you lift others.
• Change is a constant, inevitable, beautiful force of nature. Embrace it, use it, create it.
• Don’t be afraid. Someone needs what you have to give. Don’t be the obstacle in the way of their receiving it. Be a vessel.
• Laugh and have fun as much as humanly possible — and get your work done.

Starting Your Journey at Montclair

There are many advantages to enrolling at Montclair State University, such as affordability and accessibility to New York City (a mere 12 miles away). Montclair is a nationally recognized “Dream School” with higher-than-expected graduation rates, personalized belonging programs and meaningful career pathways. It is also among the Top 30 public institutions in the nation, according to The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings and the No. 1 public institution in New Jersey.

Ready to Begin Your Montclair Story?

Explore our nationally ranked programs, visit campus, connect with an advisor or apply today.