Brianna Correa, a first-generation college student from Paterson, New Jersey, will serve as the undergraduate speaker at Montclair State University’s Winter Commencement on January 13, 2026. Correa completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work in two and a half years while working as an EMT and serving in the Army National Guard.
“I am a go-getter. I like to do as many things as possible. If I’m not busy, I feel like something’s wrong,” said Correa. She noted that flexible online courses helped her balance work, service, and study.
Correa’s journey reflects Montclair State University’s mission to support students from diverse backgrounds, including military-connected learners and first-generation graduates. The university is recognized as New Jersey’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institution and serves more than 23,000 students across multiple communities such as Montclair, Little Falls, Clifton, and Bloomfield (source).
Correa began her service-oriented path in high school by enrolling in the medical arts program at Passaic County Technical Institute and earning her emergency medical services license while training as an EMT.
“Being an EMT was never part of my original plan, but I don’t think half of my life was,” she said. Correa credits her family and Puerto Rican heritage for supporting her through new opportunities. “My family is small, but we’re huge when it comes to love and affection and caring.”
She enlisted in the Army National Guard on her 18th birthday in July 2022. “At the time of my enlistment, I did not know my purpose. I didn’t know why I wanted to join. Obviously they had good benefits that stood out to me, meaning they would pay for college. I decided to use that as my starter.”
After graduating from National Guard training as a signal support system specialist—responsible for communications—she found new independence and direction: “I found independence, but most importantly, I found a family. Serving my country has shown me so many new opportunities. It’s given me more insight on where I want to go in life.”
Using education benefits from the National Guard, Correa enrolled at Montclair State University—a public research institution established in 1908 that offers programs across arts, sciences, education and more (source). At Montclair State University she connected with resources for military-affiliated students.
Correa managed full-time EMT work alongside National Guard recruiting duties with long shifts: “There was no way I could sit in a class. I was lucky that all of my classes I needed at certain points were online. I ended up doing fall, spring, summer, winter, and I maxed out on all my credits and finished super fast.”
“I have the discipline that it takes to be able to take so many online classes without forgetting one or falling behind,” she said. “Whether it came from my parents or whether it came from the military, I was on top of my stuff.”
Her studies included psychology with a social work minor inspired by meeting a counselor who helps veterans facing PTSD or substance abuse issues—connecting what she called her civilian world with her military world.
Currently employed as a registered behavioral technician working with children with autism while seeking advancement within the Army National Guard by taking the Basic Leader Course—and applying for graduate studies at Montclair State University—Correa reflected: “There are times I get emotional. I’ve completed so much at the age of 21. I cannot believe I’m only 21. I have such a great support system that I feel anything I put my mind to, I can accomplish.”
Montclair State University provides broad educational opportunities focused on academic excellence and community involvement (source). More than half its students come from underrepresented minority groups (source), aligning with stories like Correa’s which demonstrate commitment both to personal achievement and public service.
This feature is part of an ongoing series highlighting graduates who embody Montclair State University’s mission.
