Name: Allie Manalili
Age: 18
Major/Minor: Visual Arts with a Concentration in School and Community Settings. No minor yet, but I’m looking into English.
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Wanaque, NJ
Clubs/Organizations you belong to on Campus: Her Campus Contributing Writer, MSU Admissions Ambassador
HCM: Why did you decide to attend Montclair State?
AM: I decided to go to MSU because of its affordability, how there were so many ways to get involved, and how it just gave off a very welcoming vibe.
HCM: What’s your favorite thing about Montclair State?
AM: My favorite thing about Montclair State is that even though we do have a large number of students attending the university, there’s always a home for you here.
HCM: What’s your “go-to” spot on campus?
AM: In my downtime between classes, you can usually find me on the second floor of the Sprague Library in the study area overlooking College Hall. It has a great view and it’s an even better place to study or just wind down for the day.
HCM: Why did you choose your major?
AM: I chose my major because I’ve always thought that art is the perfect way of expressing yourself when you can’t find the words to say. I feel like art is something that a lot of people can get easily turned off by if they see that their work isn’t like what most people deem as being good. I want to change that and maybe even help students see the potential they have within themselves.
HCM: What is your favorite thing about your major?
AM: My favorite thing about my major is how I have the opportunity to learn more about myself and others through being creative.
HCM: Do you have a favorite class that you’ve taken?
AM: I’m currently taking Philosophical Orientation to Education. It’s only been like two weeks, but I can most definitely say it’s my favorite class I’ve ever taken so far. We basically learn and discuss the different pedagogies and different issues regarding education. I love the class because it really gets you thinking and it’s so cool to hear everyone’s perspectives on different topics.
HCM: What has been your favorite part about college overall so far?
AM: I’m just really grateful to be involved with all these organizations and classes where I get to meet a lot of amazing new people all the time!
HCM: What are your plans after graduation?
AM: After I graduate, I hope to be able to work in a school and maybe even look into graduate school for Educational Leadership.
HCM: What’s your dream job?
AM: Right now I’d have to say my dream job would be becoming an art teacher. But, I believe that education, in general, is imperative and would be more than happy to have a career that would allow me to advocate for students.
Speed Round
Favorite song(s)? My current jams on Spotify are “I Wanna Be Good” by The Walters, Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”, and “Mean Streets” by Tennis.
Words/Quote you live by? “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
Favorite movie(s)? Current favorite would have to be La La Land.
Favorite book(s)? Of all time? Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
Favorite food(s)? Literally, anything served at brunch.
Top three countries you would visit? Greece, Spain, and England.
Celebrity crush(es)? Matthew Gray Gubler from Criminal Minds, Eddie Redmayne.
Favorite season? Autumn.
Pet Peeve? When you’re hanging out with friends and everyone’s on their phones.
Fun Fact? I self-taught myself to play guitar during high school.
HCM: What motivates you?
AM: What motivates me is the idea that your life is entirely up to you. Who you want to keep in your life, what you want to do with your life- it’s all up to you so why not do what you can to make your life a good one?
HCM: Who inspires you?
AM: Friends, family, Ambassador Mentors, teachers. You. There’s so many people. I’m inspired by the strength and passion everyone has. I feel like there’s a lot to learn by each of the people you come across in life.
HCM: What does your perfect day look like?
AM: My perfect day consists of warm weather, good music, and adventuring to new places with friends.
HCM: What is one thing you wish people knew about you?
AM: I’ve always been on the quieter side, but that doesn’t mean I’m down or have nothing to say. I tend to take a lot of time just thinking or taking everything in.
HCM: What’s your favorite thing about being a part of Her Campus Montclair?
AM: I love how HCM is really just a team of talented collegiettes who get to write and spread positivity!
HCM: You’re having a dinner party and can only have five people come: who do you want there and why?
AM: Joe Biden because he’s my favorite political figure, Rupi Kaur because she’s an amazing poet, John Oliver because he’s hilarious and two of my best friends because any time with them is the best time.
HCM: To wrap things up, what’s one piece of advice you have for our Montclair collegiette’s, especially our freshman starting college this year?
AM: Believe in yourself and be open to all the new experiences college has to offer. Times change and you will too. Sometimes you need to get a little lost in order to find who you’re meant to be.