December 16, 2009
It’s
9 am on a sunny brisk Tuesday morning and Lori Dougherty ’11Ed has
just finished her first class. After her daily run, she heads over
to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat with her teammates on the
University’s Division I women’s cross country team. Then she’s off
to another class before heading home to prepare for a Dean’s
Scholars meeting. Dinner and some schoolwork and it is now 10
pm.
But Lori’s day is not over just yet – she’s on her way to Manhattan
to participate in a midnight run.
Inspired to Give Back
Campus ministry sponsored midnight runs are an opportunity for St.
John’s students to help serve New York’s City’s homeless
population. By providing food, warm clothes and companionship they
are able to offer direct assistance to those least fortunate.
“Pulling up in the campus ministry van, you can’t help but
smile when you see all those faces light up. They know that we have
come to help because we really care. Being able to give people in
need a little bit of joy always leaves me with an incredible
feeling of fulfillment and purpose.”
Throughout her childhood, Lori was encouraged to seek ways to give
back and serve others. Joining her church’s youth group and
participating in community service at a young age instilled in her
a responsibility towards helping those most disadvantaged.
“After I graduated from high school it was important for me to be
able to continue working in the community with people my age who
share the same beliefs that I do. St. John’s does a wonderful job
of creating opportunities for the whole student body to be involved
in service.”
Driven to Succeed
Lori, an accomplished junior distance runner, was attracted to St.
John’s for both its athletic reputation and its highly regarded
Vincentian mission to serve others and make a real difference in
the world. Her sense of compassion, combined with a love of working
with children, compelled her to pursue a career in education.
“I
want to use my education and experience to help others and St.
John’s has given me the ability to do just that. I have traveled to
Paris, France with The School of Education to teach English in
middle and high schools, helped special needs children learn how to
read and developed important leadership skills as a member of the
women’s cross country team.”
Being involved in organizations like the Education Society,
Jumpstart and S.T.A.R., while receiving helpful support from
faculty mentors along the way has made the last couple of years for
Lori a period of personal growth and exploration.
“I love every aspect of college,” says Lori. “People ask me how I
do so much, but I believe it’s all about going after the things you
want in life.”
Prepared to Make a Difference
All of her experiences have prepared Lori to become not only an
effective educator but an individual capable of making a
sustainable difference in the lives of others.
“Once I enter the classroom, I will be teaching children from
diverse backgrounds and experiences. Knowing that I have had an
impact on the lives of so many people already has given me the
confidence to know that I really can be an inspiration to others –
that I truly can make a difference.”