{"id":227360,"date":"2026-01-12T11:59:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T16:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=227360"},"modified":"2026-01-12T14:38:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T19:38:37","slug":"finding-her-confidence-how-one-shy-bloomfield-graduate-grew-into-a-mentor-for-others","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2026\/01\/12\/finding-her-confidence-how-one-shy-bloomfield-graduate-grew-into-a-mentor-for-others\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Her Confidence: How One Shy Bloomfield Graduate Grew Into a Mentor For Others"},"content":{"rendered":"

Born and raised in the Philippines, Nicole Yator immigrated to the United States at just thirteen years old. By the time she arrived at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University<\/a> as a freshman, she was academically strong \u2013 but quiet and reserved.<\/span><\/p>\n

During her first year, Yator\u2019s algebra professor noticed her intellect and recommended her for a tutoring position. It was an opportunity she had earned, but one she quietly turned down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I was too shy,\u201d she admits. \u201cI didn\u2019t think I could do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Four years later, that same student is graduating as a campus leader and mentor, deeply involved in student life and passionate about giving back to the community that helped her grow. Getting there, however, took time, support, and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lifted by the Bloomfield Community<\/h3>\n

From the very beginning, Yator found support through Bloomfield\u2019s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)<\/a> and EOF Scholars<\/a> Programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m super grateful for TRIO and EOF,\u201d she says. \u201cThey\u2019ve been there for me since the beginning of my college career.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Choosing to live on campus helped her immerse herself in college life, but it also made college more expensive than expected. Even after scholarships, financial aid, and grants, there was still a financial gap. That\u2019s where EOF stepped in \u2013 helping cover remaining costs and providing mentorship along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEOF and TRIO always made sure my bill was at zero,\u201d Yator says. \u201cThat support meant everything. It allowed me to focus on school instead of constantly worrying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Power of Mentorship<\/h3>\n

As Yator progressed in her Biology major<\/a>, <\/span>she leaned on peer mentors who became both guides and role models. Watching them succeed and support others sparked a realization.<\/span><\/p>\n

It reminded her of the tutoring position she had declined as a freshman. \u201cSeeing other people doing the thing I was most afraid of made me think, maybe I can do this too,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quietly, she began hoping she\u2019d get another chance. She knew tutors had to be recommended and approved by a professor \u2013 but this time, she felt more prepared.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Second Chance to Say Yes<\/h3>\n

In 2024, a second chance came when another mentor recommended her for a position and this time, Yator accepted \u2013 even though the nerves were still there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I had this realization: the students coming to me for help were doing the same thing I do with my mentors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That shift changed everything. \u201cI used to hate asking for help. That was my toxic trait,\u201d she says with a laugh. \u201cOnce I understood that asking questions is part of learning, it broke me out of my shell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Growing \u2014 and Giving Back \u2014 as a Campus Leader<\/h3>\n

Yator\u2019s confidence continued to grow, and so did her involvement on campus. In addition to serving as a Biology Tutor, she became a Peer Coach and Lab Assistant, worked as a Social Media Intern for CAACE<\/a>, <\/span>and earned her Mental Health First Aid USA Certification.<\/span><\/p>\n

She also found a leadership home in Team Infinite, a student organization focused on helping students \u2013 especially commuters \u2013 feel comfortable getting involved on campus. Yator served as Vice President for two years before becoming President during her senior year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Under her leadership, Team Infinite emphasized accessibility, flexibility, and inclusion. In 2024, the club was recognized as Club of the Year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking Forward<\/h3>\n

Yator will graduate with a degree in Biology and plans to continue her education in healthcare. Whether she becomes a pharmacist or a doctor, her goal is clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter college, I want to continue my career and education in healthcare and science to share my knowledge,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

At graduation, her parents and sister will be there to cheer her on \u2013 with extended family in the Philippines celebrating from across the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Advice for New Students<\/h3>\n

Yator\u2019s advice for incoming students is simple, but powerful: \u201cBe friends with people, and don\u2019t gatekeep resources. If you know something that can help someone else, share it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She practiced what she preaches \u2013 even recommending friends for TRIO and EOF. \u201cCommunity makes such a difference,\u201d she says. \u201cNo one should feel like they have to figure everything out alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University\u2019s graduates \u2013 students who embody the University\u2019s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.<\/em><\/p>\n

Story by Jayda Brown<\/a>. Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ready to Start Your College Journey?<\/h3>\n

Prospective Students or Parents:<\/strong><\/em> Learn more about Bloomfield College of Montclair State University<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Journalists:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Contact our Media Relations<\/a> team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2026.<\/p>\n

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