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Graduate Student Spotlight

Meet Tahina Gonzalez

First-gen trailblazer, MSW candidate, and graduate assistant.

If there’s one thing you should know about Tahina Gonzalez, it’s that she never sits still for long. A proud first-generation student from Paterson and now a Master of Social Work candidate at ��Ʒ���˸������� University, Tahina thrives on connection, community, and creating spaces where others feel supported — values that have shaped every step of her journey.

From Involvement to Impact

Tahina’s Montclair story began as an undergraduate in Justice Studies with a minor in Psychology. She made the most of her time here; interning at Deirdre’s House Child Advocacy Center in Morristown, NJ, serving as a tour guide and orientation leader, finding community through Sigma Sigma Sigma National Sorority and connecting with her culture through clubs like the Latin American Student Organization (LASO). All this while commuting from Paterson – a testament to her drive and time management.

Now, as a graduate student, Tahina is building on that foundation with a focus on school social work. She’s completing her practicum at iLearn Schools, where she supports students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being through check-ins, interventions, and connecting families with resources. And on campus, she’s a Graduate Assistant for First-Generation Initiatives in the Office of Student Belonging, mentoring fellow first-gen students and helping them get involved and thrive. This fall, her team hosted the First-Gen Block Party, a huge success that brought students together to celebrate identity, community, and pride.

Giving Back While Moving Forward

As the oldest sibling and self-described “mom” of her friend group, Tahina is the go-to confidant, therapist, and cheerleader for those around her. That same instinct shows up in her professional life too—whether she’s guiding first-gen students toward success or working one-on-one with young people in schools, she leads with empathy and purpose.

What excites her most about graduate school so far is the chance to form deeper connections, especially with faculty. “The smaller cohort size makes it easier to build real relationships,” she shared. “Several of my professors have taken time to get to know us personally and mentor us, which makes a huge difference.”

It’s no surprise that Tahina’s generosity of spirit extends beyond campus, too. Her little sister is now planning to follow in her footsteps and attend college, proof that Tahina’s path is inspiring others in her own family and community.

Tahina was one of the winners of our Graduate Assistant Orientation survey this fall, earning $100 in Red Hawk Dollars for sharing her feedback. Your voice matters too—watch for more surveys throughout the year and you could be next on our winners list!