Recently Noelle Roller reflected on her experience at Montclair State University and took the time to share how Louise Davies helped her have success during her undergraduate experience. Noelle stated, "The truth is, you can't do anything entirely alone. There will always be many people along the way, they influence you and inspire you."

Noelle met Louise before classes started. She needed a job and found the listing for an MFA student assistant job on campus. For Noelle, applying for the position "started off as just an idea . . . to make some money" to help pay for some of her expenses, but the job became much more over time and Noelle states that "without Louise I would not have had the same college experience . . . ."

Little did Noelle know that she would spend the next four years working in the MFA office as Louise's student assistant. The job "became so much more" for Noelle.

Her freshman year at MSU was challenging. It was Noelle's first time living on her own while learning how to juggle work, school and her social life. It was a lot to balance but not "having a job wasn't an option." She recalled feeling very "overwhelmed and anxious and at times really home sick." She realized for the first time that she couldn't rely on her mother for support. However, she soon found she could turn to Louise.

Noelle explained that Louise was much more than her boss. "She kept me on my feet and gave me a hug when I needed [one]. . . If I was really stressed out about a big test or paper, she let me make up my hours another day. I don't know what I would have done without her help."

"Anyone who knows Louise knows what a genuine and salt-of-the-earth person she is. . . . She goes beyond the title of being the MFA Program Assistant." Noelle explained that it was difficult at times for others in her life to understand the "challenges of adjusting to a new environment like college, but Louise understood. . . . [S]he made coming to work feel like a break from all of my stress. She helped me feel good about myself. . . ."

Louise helps her to remember "what it is like to be passionate and good at what you do. . . ." According to Noelle, it is a person like Louise - someone who is "dedicated and skilled" who keeps "things running smoothly and efficiently." Louise inspires Noelle to do the same.

Noelle shared her thoughts about Louise because she believes that individuals "like Louise need to be recognized not only for their hard work and contribution to their jobs on campus, but also [because of] who they touch and inspire." Noelle is one of the many students Louise has had a positive impact on and she feels "fortunate to say that Louise has been a huge part of what got me by during my years here at Montclair State."

Noelle is now preparing to graduate and is in the process of searching for her next job. Because of Louise's support and guidance, she knows she can "let go of some fears thanks to what Louise" has taught her.    

City Hall in Newark -  

Tuesday, April 26th  

at 5:30 p.m.     

AFT, in conjunction with Labor, Community and Faith Leaders, is holding a rally in support of collective bargaining and workers rights on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. The featured speaker will be AFT President Randi Weingarten.  

If you wish to attend, please contact the Local  

via email at:  

msuaftlocal1904@gmail.com.  

Let us know if you will need transportation. AFT T-shirts are also available for pick-up in the Local's office, CO 314A, in sizes small, medium, large and extra-large.