Bridgette Frank ’11

Bridgette Frank 2011
Majors: Philosophy; Religious Studies
MA, in Jewish-Christian Studies, Seton Hall University
Elementary School Teacher, Newark, NJ

Why did you choose to study Religion – and why at Montclair State?
I chose to study Religion for two reasons. One side of my family is Jewish, the other Catholic, and this led me to be interested to finding out more about my identity. I wanted the opportunity to study these religions through an academic lens, and try to find out more about my traditions and understand myself better. The second reason was because my mother studied Religion with Dr. Kogan at Montclair State, and told me if he was still there that I had to take a class with him. And so I did. After my first class with him, I was hooked!

Which courses and/or professors did you enjoy the most?
That’s hard to say, I really enjoyed every class I took with the department. I think some alums joke about “majoring in Kogan”, rather than Religion—so I guess I fall into that category. Other standouts would be the classes I took with Dr. McDermid (Philosophy of Science and Epistemology) and Dr. Clatterbuck (Native American Religions).

What are you doing now, and how has your study of Religion helped you in your “life after Montclair State”?
I think “to be determined” would be the best answer to this question. My studies have helped shape my identity, given me strong reasoning skills, and pushed me to question the world in which I live. I have yet to find the right fit,career—wise but my pursuit of knowledge and ethics- which really started when I began studying with the department—is only possible because of the education I was given. I am so grateful for every professor that I was lucky enough to learn from. I wish I could take classes with these truly wonderful professors again!