November 11, 2010
St. John’s students are always being recognized for their
outstanding leadership abilities, dedication to academics and
contributions to society, but now the University can add a new top
honor to these accomplishments – recognition from the President of
the United States.
Janine Flores ‘12C, a junior biology major in
St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was recently
chosen to be part of the inaugural class of Obama Scholars – an
award entirely funded by President Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize
award.
Students receiving this prestigious award will have part of their
education paid for from the $125,000 gift President Barack Obama
made to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF). HSF then selected
twelve Obama Scholars based on essays they wrote about their
interest in teaching science-related fields.
A first-generation American with parents from Ecuador and
Guatemala, Janine says her drive to work hard stems from the many
summers she spent in her family’s native land.
“Every summer I volunteer in a hospital in Ecuador and see poverty
and the large disparities between our medical systems,” explains
Janine. “It is both a humbling and empowering experience. I come
back home each time motivated to work harder than I ever did
before.”
Planning to be the first in her family to go to college, Janine is
relying on the resources and academic support services offered by
the University to ensure she gets the most out of this once in a
lifetime experience. Joining the Ronald
E. McNair Scholars Program, participating in the Collegiate
Science Technology Entrance Program (CSTEP) and participating
in campus ministry programs like
service plunges, Janine is not your typical ‘go to class and go
home’ student.
“Being awarded the Obama Peace Prize scholarship is not only a
wonderful achievement for Janine,” declares
Irvin Hirshfield, Ph.D., Janine’s biology professor and faculty
mentor. “It is an honor for St. John’s University and the
Department of Biological Sciences as well.”
Janine agreed. “I’ve been able to accomplish so much with the
support of family, friends, professors and mentors,” says Janine.
“It was a dream come true to get on stage and accept my award, but
with so much support, to be honest, I kind of expected it!”