A probing, inquisitive nature and a talent for clear, effective
communication are qualities that skillful journalists possess.
Diana Castaldini, a senior in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts
and Sciences fits this profile precisely.
“I’ve come to discover that my one defining quality is my curious
nature. My hunger for information, insight and understanding
surpass all other desires I might have, and I’ve learned that the
best way to conduct this exploration is through writing,” says
Diana.
A native of Queens, New York, Diana says she chose St. John’s
because of its accessibility to New York City and its wide range of
educational opportunities. Diana will graduate in May 2009 with a
degree in English literature and a minor in journalism. She says
her experiences at St. John’s have given her the confidence to
embark on the exciting road ahead: “What I love most about my
college experience is that I am not only able to locate and nurture
my passions, but actually take the knowledge I acquire in the
classroom and use it during my ‘real-world’ experiences.”
Diana is currently a tutor at St. John’s Writing Center,
secretary of Sigma Tau Delta (English Honor Society) and a member
of the Phi Eta Sigma
honor society. In addition to her on-campus responsibilities, Diana
took advantage of living in the media capital of the world and
obtained several internships throughout her collegiate career. She
says she gained invaluable experience working at some of the most
notable magazine and newspaper titles, including Good Housekeeping,
O, The Oprah Magazine, Redbook Magazine and The New York Daily
News:
“I was able to step foot into some of the most prestigious
corporations in New York City, meet accomplished working
professionals and write for their publications, while still a
student. Essentially, I was able to advance myself both
academically and professionally, and I’m sure I wouldn’t have been
able to do this at any other school.”
With a head start on her career in the magazine publishing industry
and a degree from one of the leading Catholic Universities in New
York City, Diana is destined for success beyond the classroom, “The
diversity of majors to choose from, opportunities to study abroad,
countless campus organizations to join and close proximity to the
city made St. John’s more appealing than any other liberal arts
college I could have attended.”