Nicole Yator, who immigrated from the Philippines to the United States at age thirteen, has graduated from Bloomfield College of Montclair State University after a transformative college experience. Arriving as a freshman, Yator was academically strong but described herself as shy and reserved.
During her first year, an algebra professor recommended her for a tutoring position based on her academic performance. Yator declined the offer at the time due to self-doubt. “I thought I was too shy,” she said. “I didn’t think I could do it.”
Over four years, Yator became active in student life and took on leadership roles. She credits much of her growth to support from Bloomfield’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and EOF Scholars Programs. “I’m super grateful for TRIO and EOF,” she said. “They’ve been there for me since the beginning of my college career.” The EOF program also helped her manage unexpected financial gaps, allowing her to focus on academics.
Mentorship played a significant role in Yator’s development. As she progressed through her Biology major, peer mentors encouraged her and served as examples. Reflecting on their influence, she recalled reconsidering the tutoring opportunity she had once declined: “Seeing other people doing the thing I was most afraid of made me think, maybe I can do this too.”
In 2024, when another mentor recommended her for a tutoring position, Yator accepted despite initial nerves. She explained, “But I had this realization: the students coming to me for help were doing the same thing I do with my mentors.” This perspective helped her become more comfortable seeking help herself: “Once I understood that asking questions is part of learning, it broke me out of my shell.”
Yator went on to serve as a Biology Tutor, Peer Coach, Lab Assistant, Social Media Intern for CAACE, and earned Mental Health First Aid USA Certification. She joined Team Infinite—a student group focused on helping commuters get involved—and served as Vice President before becoming President in her senior year. Under her leadership in 2024, Team Infinite was recognized as Club of the Year.
Looking ahead, Yator plans to continue studying healthcare after graduation with hopes of becoming either a pharmacist or doctor: “After college, I want to continue my career and education in healthcare and science to share my knowledge,” she said.
At graduation, Yator will be joined by family members both locally and abroad celebrating her achievements.
For incoming students, Yator advises: “Be friends with people, and don’t gatekeep resources. If you know something that can help someone else, share it.” She emphasized community support: “Community makes such a difference,” she said. “No one should feel like they have to figure everything out alone.”
Bloomfield College is part of Montclair State University—a public research institution established in 1908 that now serves over 23,000 students across several New Jersey communities including Montclair and Bloomfield [source]. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields with an emphasis on academic excellence and community involvement [source]. More than half its students are from underrepresented minority groups; it is recognized as New Jersey’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institution [source].
This profile is part of a series highlighting graduates who represent Montclair State University’s mission to broaden access to education and promote contributions to society.
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