As graduation approaches, Marissa Alvarez, a senior communication student reflects on her time at Monmouth University. Originally from Manchester, NJ, Marissa’s college journey has been one of growth and change.
When Marissa first started looking at colleges, she wanted to stay close to home. Monmouth’s location made it a great choice but what really caught her attention was its strong business program. “What made me choose Monmouth University was that it was close to home,” she said. “Coming into college, I was a business major, and I saw MU had a really good business program which pushed me to pick Monmouth even more.” Like many students, Marissa’s path changed once she discovered new passions.
Over time she realized business wasn’t the right fit and made the switch to communication where she put her focus on journalism and public relations. It was a big decision, but one that helped her find what she truly loved.
College is a time of transition and for Marissa these four years have taught her important lessons, especially about the importance of community. “My college experience has changed me since freshman year by helping me understand the importance of having good people around you,” she said. “It’s important to have a support system that helps you in a positive way.” She also learned a lot about herself.
Changing majors wasn’t easy and she had moments of doubt, but those challenges helped her grow. “My biggest challenge in college was figuring out what was and wasn’t right for me, including my major,” she continued, “Over these four years, I discovered a new version of myself and passions I never knew I had. It’s been an incredible journey through the good, the bad, and the confusing moments but ultimately, it all led me to where I am today.”
Marissa’s dedication and talent have led to remarkable achievements. One of her proudest moments came last spring when she received the Excellence in Writing Award from the Communication Department. She also took a significant step toward her career by landing her first internship with VUE Magazine, a premier New Jersey-based luxury publication covering lifestyle, travel, fashion, food, and design. Marissa also later joined mxdwn.com, a well-established online entertainment magazine specializing in news, original reviews, features, photography, and interviews. As an album reviewer, she had the opportunity to cover the Sea Hear Now festival this past September. Her work impressed the team, leading to her current role as mxdwn.com’s music managing editor.
Like many college students, Marissa had to learn how to juggle multiple responsibilities between classes, internships, and personal life. “I balance academics, work, and personal life by staying organized,” she said. “To be honest, it’s not always easy. Every week feels different but having a planner definitely helped me throughout these four years and made balancing everything a little easier.” She admits that sometimes things felt overwhelming but staying organized and keeping track of her priorities made all the difference.
With graduation right around the corner, Marissa feels a mix of emotions. “I feel nervous and excited!” She shared, “I’m nervous for what’s next but excited about the fact that a new journey will begin.” That next journey includes big goals. In five years, Marissa sees herself earning a master’s degree and working as a journalist at a publication where she wants to report on entertainment and culture. She has a passion for storytelling and hopes to bring that to the media industry.
Looking back on her college experience, Marissa has learned a lot. If she could give advice to incoming freshmen or underclassmen, she would remind them that change is okay. “Don’t be afraid to explore new things and step out of your comfort zone,” she said. “You might end up discovering a passion you never knew you had.” She also stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage you to grow.
As she prepares to graduate, Marissa leaves behind a strong legacy at Monmouth. From her academic success to her contributions in journalism, she has made the most of her time here. While she may be nervous about what’s next, she is also ready to take on new challenges.
