“I grew up in a neighborhood where I was constantly surrounded
by drugs and violence - I knew I had to change that. Attaining a
college degree will provide me with the tools I need to make a
positive difference in my community,” says Kevin James, a sophomore
in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Instead of following the path chosen by so many from his East
Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY, Kevin withstood those
negative influences and applied to college at St. John’s
University. “Applying to St. John’s not only impacted me, it
impacted everyone in my neighborhood who knows me. People saw that
I wanted to become a better person,” says Kevin.
Kevin believes that the best way to bring about change in his
community is to become a political leader. Currently enrolled as a
government and politics major on the Staten Island campus, Kevin
aspires to one day apply to law school and run for political office
in New York. “First, I want to improve the community I grew up in
and then I’ll go from there,” explains Kevin. “My parents wanted me
to get out of that environment, so that I could make something of
my self. They would always say ‘You have one weapon, your head, so
use it.’”
Through his involvement in several organizations on campus, Kevin
is already making a positive impact as a leader. He currently holds
executive and general membership positions in several student-run
organizations, working as treasurer of the Society of St. Vincent
de Paul and Sophomore Senator of St. John’s Student Government
Inc.
At St. John’s, Kevin also had his first experience traveling
abroad, attending the Executive Leadership Program at St. John’s Rome campus this past
summer. His experiences visiting another country, community
building with his peers and engaging in community service gave
Kevin the confidence he needed to truly make a difference, “Being
in Rome helped me realize that I am capable of being an influential
leader. Through my involvement in various programs and
organizations at St. John’s, I now know what it feels like to have
a positive influence on others.”
What does the busy sophomore like to do when he's not going to
classes, meetings, voting on by-laws, or planning for events? “When
I’m not busy running around, I enjoy hanging out in the dorms, just
spending time with my friends,” Kevin says.
All of these experiences combined, have made Kevin into a
well-rounded, qualified candidate for future political office, “I
know I’m going to leave St. John’s with a world class education.
Everything - from my knowledgeable professors to my involvement in
global study programs – has prepared me to become an agent of
change in my community.”