Sharing a Positive College Experience A native of Mauritius, Africa, Michael Lam Cham Kee ’10TCB, had never traveled abroad before coming to St. John’s, but while researching colleges, Michael came across St. John’s and was impressed by the University’s Actuarial Science program. “I always liked math and business, but I also liked communicating,” Michael observed. “There aren’t many actuaries back home, and I thought it was a great profession.” St. John’s offered eye-opening new experiences, Michael said. For example, prior to his experience at the University he was never involved in service-related activities. But they have become very important to him. “My first real exposure to service came while living in the residence halls,” he recalled. “My RA (resident assistant) invited me to work at a shelter in the month of November. After that, I participated in the University’s annual Service Day, went on midnight runs and organized similar events when I became an RA.” Michael also attributed his success to the support and guidance he received from his professors. Each of his courses, he said, helped him in ways he never expected.
“I’ve become more proactive. I take initiative and take steps to correct something I see as wrong. It’s that interaction with people that is so important.”