International Student Flips Language Barrier into Benefit, Finds Voice at Montclair State University

This is one of several stories highlighting Winter Commencement 2025 graduates pursuing the American Dream and who have found a quality education and sense of belonging at Montclair State University. 

Andrea Uguna, an international student from Ecuador, vividly remembers the challenges of her first semester at Montclair State University. Struggling with English, homesickness, and seasonal depression, she was ready to quit. “I felt like an outsider, struggling with language barriers and wondering if I could ever find my place,” she recalls.

At her husband’s urging, Uguna decided to stick it out for just one semester. That decision proved life-altering in multiple ways.

Recalling Albert Einstein’s famous quote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” Uguna decided it was time to change things up and take action. “I started to ask questions, joined student organizations, took extra courses, and, most importantly, volunteered, which slowly helped me to find my voice,” she explains.

Today, Uguna celebrates her persistence and accomplishments as a graduate of Montclair’s College for Community Health, receiving a Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science at Winter Commencement 2025 at Prudential Center.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Uguna’s journey to Montclair began when she moved to the United States to join her husband, who was pursuing a master’s degree in structural engineering at Manhattan College. She volunteered to translate for Spanish-speaking patients at a hospital to improve her English. After a couple of years, she felt ready to tackle graduate school in the U.S.

She applied and was accepted to several but ultimately chose Montclair because she felt welcomed as an international student and people were willing to answer her many questions. Back in Ecuador, Uguna had earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the State University of Cuenca. But despite her academic background, the transition to graduate school was far from seamless. She soon discovered that “speaking English is not the same as taking a class in English,” she says.

Additionally, not all of her credits transferred, and she found herself in a daunting research class that she believed was unrelated to her career goals. “It didn’t make any sense to me,” Uguna recalls. However, her willingness to volunteer with professors soon revealed the importance of that research class and her own potential. Leveraging her Spanish fluency, Uguna contributed to projects on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, and lactation programs in New Jersey, reigniting her passion for academic research.

Academic and Professional Growth

Uguna’s perseverance paid off. She is a member of Alpha Epsilon Lambda Honor Society. She co-authored several research papers with Montclair Nutrition and Food Studies professors and presented findings at conferences, including one in Minneapolis and another in Galway, Ireland, where she presented an abstract co-authored with professors Yeon Bai and Soyoung Lee. She also collaborated with Professor Lauren Dinour on a food insecurity report focused on Montclair students.

These opportunities not only allowed Uguna to showcase her expertise but also deepened her sense of belonging. “At Montclair, I discovered a family,” she says. “The Red Hawks community surrounded me with friends, professors, mentors, and classmates who made me feel that I belonged. I found my inner voice here, the strength to stand confidently, and the courage to pursue meaningful goals.”

Her accomplishments were recognized when she won a scholarship at the Minneapolis conference for the second consecutive year. There, she publicly thanked her mentors, professors Bai and Dinour.

Even Montclair’s signature red, a color she once disliked, became symbolic of her transformation. She now embraces it as representative of empowerment, she says. “It was as if the University ignited a power in me that had been waiting to be seen, encouraging me to step up and be part of something bigger.”

A Supportive Community

Uguna credits Montclair’s supportive environment for much of her success, particularly during that first semester. From faculty and staff to student organizations and the Office of Global Engagement, she felt embraced by the campus community. During International Student Orientation, CAPS staff reassured her and other students that feelings of homesickness and sadness were to be expected, and University Police’s assurances of student safety provided her peace of mind.

“A lot of people in my country want to come to the U.S. to have opportunities but I was not happy at that moment,” she recalls. “I was completely sad. I missed my country a lot, my family. During orientation, they explained to us that this is normal.”

Looking Ahead: Goals Rooted in Service

Uguna is ready to embark on the next chapter of her career. This summer, she will complete a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian. She also plans to stay in the U.S. and pursue certification as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.

Her ultimate goal is to open her own lactation practice. “Montclair has changed my life, uncovered strengths and given me the final puzzle piece,” she says. “I feel ready to start a new chapter with infinite possibilities on the horizon.”

Story by Staff Writer Sylvia A. Martinez.

Are you a… 

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about Nutrition and Food Science or other programs in the College for Community Health or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

Journalist? Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.