Clare Finnegan is a native of the borough of Washington, in
Warren County, New Jersey. She is also a Presidential Scholar
in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, a holder of the
Knights of Columbus Scholarship, the eldest of ten children, and a
student of Chinese with a deep interest in Asian
culture. Since coming to St. John’s, Clare has thrown herself
into the life of the University and the activities of its Honors
Program. These include such diverse involvements as the Alpha
Mentoring Program, fencing, and numerous walks around Manhattan
with members of her Discover New York class.
Having come from a small town to Queens, the most diverse county
in the United States, Clare quickly noticed the diversity of
cultures, both in New York City and at St. John’s. She is
quiet and unassuming but outgoing, and quickly responded to the
challenges of residential campus life. “Having only two roommates
has given me a whole lot more room than my brothers and sisters
ever did,” jokes Clare, though only a few minutes with her would
convince any potential roommate that Clare will make an ideal
friend, companion, and study partner.
Clare loves literature, and intends to see the revival of
Les Míserables through the program the Office of Student
Affairs sponsors. She is also scheduled to attend the
Metropolitan Opera production of The Marriage of Figaro,
available to her though the University Honors Program. “New
York and St. John’s have provided a new kind of living experience
for me, and I am enjoying it a great deal,” Clare says.
Clare plays tennis both at home and with her friends at St.
John’s. She claims that she plays badly, though it is difficult to
imagine she could do anything badly. She is also an avid reader,
was home schooled, and looks forward to taking her literature and
history courses. Clare is active as well in the Honors
Learning Community (LC) and regularly attends its Thursday
afternoon sessions. In essence, Clare seems to have found a
home away from home in St. John’s class of 2011.