The persistence to finish<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe transition to the United States wasn’t immediate or easy. Even after her family received immigration approval \u2013 thanks to a process started by her grandfather, a U.S. citizen since 2004 \u2013 Atieh struggled with the move. In what she calls \u201cdenial\u201d about what was happening in her home country, she insisted on returning to Lebanon to live with her grandmother so she could complete her first degree in sports science. \u201cI was very persistent. I really wanted to finish what I started there.\u201d<\/p>\n
While her family watched her first graduation\u00a0from New Jersey via a YouTube stream, Atieh was already looking toward the next chapter. She moved to the U.S. permanently just one day after her ceremony in July, carrying with her a desire to help others but unsure of how to navigate the American educational system.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing to the USA and choosing Montclair as my school was just life changing. I’m happy to be here. Sometimes, I can’t believe it’s real.\u201d ~ Tia Atieh ’26<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A sign in University Hall<\/h2>\n
Atieh describes her early days at Montclair as navigating a \u201cmaze.\u201d She was overwhelmed and hesitant to have her international credits evaluated, fearing her past hard work wouldn’t translate. She found the Physical Education<\/a> curriculum to be quite different from her studies. However, a chance encounter in University Hall changed everything.<\/p>\nWhile waiting to speak with an advisor, she noticed the nameplate for the assistant dean for Student Success<\/a> at the College for Community Health<\/a> (CCHL): Hanan Atiyat. Seeing a variation of her own surname on the door felt like a cosmic green light. \u201cI was like, \u2018Okay, it\u2019s meant for us to be here,\u2019\u201d Atieh says.<\/p>\nAfter some discussion, Atiyat learned that Atieh had loved tutoring children with learning disabilities in Lebanon.<\/p>\n
Atiyat suggested Atieh review the Family Science and Human Development<\/a> major. It proved to be the perfect bridge between her previous background and her goals. \u201cThis is all I ever wanted,\u201d she recalls thinking. She also discovered social work and felt \u201cthis is where I’m supposed to be.\u201d<\/p>\nAtiyat assured Atieh that she and other colleagues would help her reach the finish line as quickly as possible. She completed it in three semesters.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce Tia found a home in Family Science and Human Development, she transformed disruption into renewed purpose,\u201d Atiyat says. \u201cTia is a true inspiration. I have no doubt she will continue to make a meaningful impact as both a Montclair alumna and a compassionate global citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Helping the “Future Change Agents”<\/strong><\/h2>\nAtieh\u2019s passion earned her a spot as an inaugural CCHL Ambassador, where she shares her experience with prospective students. Her work didn’t go unnoticed; she was recently named one of the University\u2019s Outstanding Student Employee award winners, selected from over 100 nominees across the campus.<\/p>\n
As part of her role, she gives tours of CCHL and speaks highly about her major: \u201cI always tell prospective students, \u2018Imagine how welcoming, empathetic and understanding they’re going to be when they’re talking to you, a future change agent.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/042826_049277_Tia-Atieh-Graduating-Student_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\"\/)
Tia Atieh found a home at Montclair\u2019s College for Community Health for which she is now an ambassador and award-winning student employee. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA new horizon<\/strong><\/h2>\nToday, Atieh finds peace in the nature of New Jersey \u2013 running trails, kayaking and fishing. She recently completed her first half-marathon, a physical manifestation of her endurance.<\/p>\n
As she prepares to enter Montclair\u2019s Master of Social Work<\/a> program this fall, Atieh is no longer in denial. She is a survivor who has found her voice, nature and immense gratitude.<\/p>\n\u201cI never imagined getting out of those dark places in my head and overcoming all of this,\u201d she says. \u201cI feel more grateful. I\u2019m building a better life for my family and my future family and I’m going to try to help my family back home as much as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Monday, Atieh\u2019s family won\u2019t have to watch her graduate on a screen as she receives her BA in Family Science and Human Development. They will be in the stands, cheering for the eldest daughter who crossed an ocean \u2013 and survived a blast \u2013 to find her way home.<\/p>\n
This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University\u2019s graduates \u2013 students who embody the <\/em>University\u2019s mission<\/em><\/strong><\/a> to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cComing to the USA and choosing Montclair as my school was just life changing. I’m happy to be here. Sometimes, I can’t believe it’s real.\u201d ~ Tia Atieh ’26<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A sign in University Hall<\/h2>\n
Atieh describes her early days at Montclair as navigating a \u201cmaze.\u201d She was overwhelmed and hesitant to have her international credits evaluated, fearing her past hard work wouldn’t translate. She found the Physical Education<\/a> curriculum to be quite different from her studies. However, a chance encounter in University Hall changed everything.<\/p>\n While waiting to speak with an advisor, she noticed the nameplate for the assistant dean for Student Success<\/a> at the College for Community Health<\/a> (CCHL): Hanan Atiyat. Seeing a variation of her own surname on the door felt like a cosmic green light. \u201cI was like, \u2018Okay, it\u2019s meant for us to be here,\u2019\u201d Atieh says.<\/p>\n After some discussion, Atiyat learned that Atieh had loved tutoring children with learning disabilities in Lebanon.<\/p>\n Atiyat suggested Atieh review the Family Science and Human Development<\/a> major. It proved to be the perfect bridge between her previous background and her goals. \u201cThis is all I ever wanted,\u201d she recalls thinking. She also discovered social work and felt \u201cthis is where I’m supposed to be.\u201d<\/p>\n Atiyat assured Atieh that she and other colleagues would help her reach the finish line as quickly as possible. She completed it in three semesters.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce Tia found a home in Family Science and Human Development, she transformed disruption into renewed purpose,\u201d Atiyat says. \u201cTia is a true inspiration. I have no doubt she will continue to make a meaningful impact as both a Montclair alumna and a compassionate global citizen.\u201d<\/p>\n Atieh\u2019s passion earned her a spot as an inaugural CCHL Ambassador, where she shares her experience with prospective students. Her work didn’t go unnoticed; she was recently named one of the University\u2019s Outstanding Student Employee award winners, selected from over 100 nominees across the campus.<\/p>\n As part of her role, she gives tours of CCHL and speaks highly about her major: \u201cI always tell prospective students, \u2018Imagine how welcoming, empathetic and understanding they’re going to be when they’re talking to you, a future change agent.\u201d<\/p>\n Today, Atieh finds peace in the nature of New Jersey \u2013 running trails, kayaking and fishing. She recently completed her first half-marathon, a physical manifestation of her endurance.<\/p>\n As she prepares to enter Montclair\u2019s Master of Social Work<\/a> program this fall, Atieh is no longer in denial. She is a survivor who has found her voice, nature and immense gratitude.<\/p>\n \u201cI never imagined getting out of those dark places in my head and overcoming all of this,\u201d she says. \u201cI feel more grateful. I\u2019m building a better life for my family and my future family and I’m going to try to help my family back home as much as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n On Monday, Atieh\u2019s family won\u2019t have to watch her graduate on a screen as she receives her BA in Family Science and Human Development. They will be in the stands, cheering for the eldest daughter who crossed an ocean \u2013 and survived a blast \u2013 to find her way home.<\/p>\n This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University\u2019s graduates \u2013 students who embody the <\/em>University\u2019s mission<\/em><\/strong><\/a> to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.<\/em><\/p>\nHelping the “Future Change Agents”<\/strong><\/h2>\n
A new horizon<\/strong><\/h2>\n