{"id":1491,"date":"2025-09-15T11:39:52","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T15:39:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/social-work-and-child-advocacy\/?p=1491"},"modified":"2025-09-15T11:41:59","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T15:41:59","slug":"montclair-life-championing-families-chasing-dreams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/social-work-and-child-advocacy\/2025\/09\/15\/montclair-life-championing-families-chasing-dreams\/","title":{"rendered":"Montclair Life: Championing Families, Chasing Dreams"},"content":{"rendered":"

Through this photo essay \u2014 part of an ongoing series<\/a> \u2014 we highlight how Montclair students, faculty and staff embody the University\u2019s mission<\/a> in the classroom, on campus and beyond \u2013 empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.<\/em><\/p>\n

Photography by Mike Peters<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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 \u2013 all while championing young children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful to contribute to something meaningful, to inspire others to begin their educational journey and to show that it\u2019s never too late if we have the motivation and desire to grow,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren<\/em><\/p>\n

Study Time<\/h2>\n
\"Oscaterin
Oscaterin Bautista sits at her dining room table at dawn, typing a discussion post for her summer class, Working with Diverse Families.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even if I only get three hours of sleep, I know it\u2019s worth it. Soon, I\u2019ll have my degree and that will open more doors for us. I want my kids to see that it\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Oscaterin
Oscaterin Bautista starts each morning with an energy drink and study session, keeping her on track to graduate in December 2025.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I remind myself this is a temporary sacrifice \u2026 I want to be a role model for my kids \u2013 I can\u2019t expect them to be something I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Breakfast and Family Routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Kaylah
Oscaterin cooks breakfast with Kaylah, 8, as her older children \u2013 Ethan, Kamila and Liam \u2013 start on morning chores. The family\u2019s routine is simple: before anyone uses a phone or tablet, every household task is completed together.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Oscaterin<\/p>\n

I\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

On the Job: <\/strong>Advocating for Families<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Oscaterin
At her desk, Oscaterin champions children\u2019s success and guides families toward self-reliance through her work at Montclair Child Development Center in Glen Ridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Oscaterin
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I have a caseload of 113 families. I help them with self-assessments and services, even paperwork they\u2019re afraid to fill out. Sometimes I see what\u2019s missing \u2013 maybe a child isn\u2019t getting vaccines or a family needs food. If I can, I help them in my office \u2013 especially if they\u2019re afraid of being misunderstood or if there are language barriers.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"A
Oscaterin saves and treasures handwritten notes from children she\u2019s supported at the Montclair Child Development Center, reminders of the impact she\u2019s had on their lives.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I keep the notes as special reminders of my connection with the children, especially throughout their journey to kindergarten. I\u2019ve been part of some families\u2019 lives for one to three years, and when they leave our program, a real connection remains \u2013 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Evening: Family, Homework and Baseball<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Oscaterin
After work, Oscaterin heads home to her second shift \u2013 taking the family to her son\u2019s baseball game.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

I\u2019m there as his number one fan, even if he strikes out.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Back to School<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Oscaterin
Oscaterin walks across the Montclair campus on the first day of her final semester. She\u2019s on track to earn degrees in Child Advocacy and Policy and Family Science and Human Development.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u2019t alone.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"A
The flexibility of online and in-person classes has allowed Oscaterin to balance her education, work and family in ways she didn\u2019t think possible.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The support from professors and the resources available have prepared me to grow stronger as a family advocate \u2026 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Oscaterin
Oscaterin speaks with Assistant Professor Roxanna Ast during the Child Welfare Research and Evaluation class in University Hall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After I graduate, I want to get my master\u2019s 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\u2019ve struggled, so have others \u2013 and no one should face that journey alone.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Follow this link<\/a> for a more complete look at Oscaterin\u2019s day as a mother, student and family advocate.<\/p>\n

Are You Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?<\/strong><\/h2>\n