Applying to St. John’s was a last minute decision for Alyssa-Rae
Hug ’13C. “Most of the schools I applied to were much farther away
from home,” says Alyssa-Rae, a 19 year old from Long Island, New
York. “So my mother encouraged me to apply to a local school – just
in case.”
Born and raised on the Island, Alyssa-Rae always wanted an
out-of-state college experience. But when she decided to visit St.
John’s, she found the campus environment was enough to make her
reconsider.
“I decided to visit St. John’s and shadow a
student for a day,” recalls Alyssa-Rae. “I fell in love with the
look and feel of the campus, and the people I met were very
friendly and welcoming. The students walking around campus seemed
genuinely happy to be there. I instantly imagined myself living,
working, and playing there.”
Alyssa-Rae is now a proud member of the St. John’s community and
says she has never regretted her decision to remain close to
home.
“I am involved in the Leadership,
Education and Development (LEAD) and Women
in Leadership programs,” says Alyssa-Rae who is majoring in
government and politics and English.
I just became a member of the Francophone Club and the
Student-Alumni Association. As of recently, I work as a consultant
in the Queens Campus Writing Center – I
feel like I was destined to be here.”
Being involved on campus has also paved the way for opportunities
outside of St. John’s. Alyssa-Rae completed an internship last
summer at the Department of Investigation. She learned about the
internship from a faculty mentor when she attended a LEAD
networking event.
“The Department of Investigation internship gave me an idea of what
career I might like, provided me with the opportunity to make
connections in the industry and was an amazing addition to my
resume,” says Alyssa-Rae.
Alyssa-Rae has yet to decide if she wants to become a lawyer, a
professor or work for the Department of Investigation after she
graduates, but the University’s offers a number of resources – from
the School
of Law to the Career Center, to help students attain
their life-long goals.
“Even though I haven’t made up my mind on what I would like to do
when I graduate, I’m not worried,” explains Alyssa-Rae. “The
University has something for everyone no matter what you’re
interested in!”