Finding Her Voice in Yarn, Words, and Community
Graduate Spotlight: English major Faith Monesteri spun a quiet start at Montclair into a campus legacy of creativity, connection, and leadership.
Posted in: English Department, Homepage News and Events, Student News
When Faith Monesteri arrived at 精品成人福利在线, her plan was simple: stay under the radar, keep her GPA up, and graduate early. Two out of three goals stuck鈥攕he鈥檚 graduating ahead of schedule with a 4.0鈥攂ut staying quiet? That didn鈥檛 last long.
鈥淚 began to get more involved in the Montclair community and eventually fell in love with the student body,鈥 she says.
Switching her major to English during her first year opened the door to new opportunities and connections. A class called Great Books and Ideas () made her feel confident and inspired, and a memorable trip through the Literary London class helped her form lifelong friendships.
Faith quickly became a powerhouse presence in the English department: vice president of the English Club, producer of its podcast, and co-creator of the Hawk+ show . She also served as secretary for creative arts magazine and was the first recipient of the Dr. Edwin Fulcomer Internship Award in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
But it鈥檚 鈥攖he knitting, crocheting, and fiber arts club she founded鈥攖hat鈥檚 closest to her heart. 鈥淚t鈥檚 flourished in such an amazing way,鈥 she says. 鈥淭he most rewarding part is meeting lots of people.鈥 In 2025, the club was named Special Interest Club of the Year.
Behind her accomplishments are mentors who made a lasting impact: Dr. Lee Behlman, Dr. Jeffrey Miller, Dr. Jeffrey Gonzalez, and Dr. Laura Nicosia. 鈥淓ach of them helped me in a different way鈥攚hether it was building confidence, opening doors, or guiding me into the Combined BA/MA program.鈥
Faith鈥檚 journey has changed how she defines success. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about a bulleted list of achievements鈥攊t鈥檚 about meeting people and improving their lives,鈥 she says.
With her English BA complete and studies for her English MA underway, Faith鈥檚 not done yet – she鈥檚 ready to deepen her study of literature and its power to connect, inspire, and make change. Her advice to new students? 鈥淭alk to people and go for it. Whatever 鈥榠t鈥 is, don鈥檛 let college pass you by.鈥
And as for that old myth that English is an 鈥渆asy鈥 major? Faith says: 鈥淚t鈥檚 not easy鈥攁t least not if you care. English teaches you to understand the messages behind what you read. And in today鈥檚 world, that鈥檚 more important than ever.鈥
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