“I’m going to make a difference in this world and I’m going to
begin with our future leaders,” says Lori Dougherty, sophomore
student in St. John’s University’s School of Education.
During her senior year of high school, after receiving the Catholic
sacrament of confirmation Lori’s faith became the focal point in
her life. “After Confirmation, I joined my church’s youth group and
became really involved in the community. I wanted to continue
serving the community with others my age who shared many of the
same beliefs and desires that I had - so I applied to St.
John’s.”
St. John’s commitment to helping the poor and disenfranchised along
with the success of its Division I
women’s cross country team attracted Lori to the University.
The sophomore education major from East Patchogue, New York is now
a distance runner for St. John’s women’s cross country/track and
field team.
“The cross country/track and field team provides a lot of
opportunities for women. The coaches are dedicated and determined
to seeing each athlete improve and compete at their top levels.
I’ve improved my race times tremendously and have developed amazing
friendships with my teammates.”
Along with being a student and athlete, Lori is also an active
member of several on-campus organizations including The School of
Education
Dean’s Scholars, the
S.T.A.R. Program and the
Education Society.
“People ask me how I do so much, but it’s really all about great
time management skills and going after the things you want in life.
Being involved in a number of different organizations has given me
the opportunity to develop my sense of self and has opened the door
to endless possibilities.”
Before coming to St. John’s, Lori had planned to follow the typical
path of an education major and become a high school history teacher
- but The School of Education exposed her to the countless
opportunities available within the education field.
“At first I wanted to teach high-school history, but college has
opened my eyes to the wide variety of professions that are out
there. I could be like Richard
Sinatra, Ph.D. and start an amazingly popular literacy summer
program that works with underprivileged students (After-School All
Stars), or live in France and be part of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.”
Lori believes with the help of St. John’s faculty and staff,
there’s no telling how far she will go. “The School of Education is
made up of helpful individuals who are truly interested in seeing
students pursue their dreams. They go above and beyond to make sure
students have the best college experience available.”