St. John’s Alumna Reflects on Journey of Self-Discovery in College

St. John's Alumna Nathalie N. Chara
By Toni Critelli

Your first year in college can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you are far from home. It is also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Picture yourself discovering a new you in a lively city like New York while forming new connections and exploring different possibilities.

This was the experience of Nathalie N. Chara ’13C, ’14G, a St. John’s University double alumna. In this Q&A, Ms. Chara shares how her journey at St. John’s went beyond the classroom, allowing her to find her interests and make lasting connections.

From a social perspective, can you share a little about your early years at St. John’s University? 

I’m originally from Texas. When I moved to St. John’s campus in Queens, NY, it was the first time I had ever been there. I moved into my dorm without knowing anyone in the city. It was scary—but it was also exactly what I wanted, even if I couldn’t articulate it then. My hometown felt small and I needed to experience life in another part of the country. Attending St. John’s was incredible and allowed me to reinvent myself. I was able to try new things, hang out with different people, and explore the city and the campus.

What were some ways you were able to leverage St. John’s resources to shape your academic and social journey? 

Outside the core curriculum, I chose specific classes that interested me—St. John’s has terrific professors with extensive real-world experience. I enjoyed discussing my ideas and the things I was reading about and trying to make sense of them.

I relied heavily on my professors to help me find myself and determine my future. I often visited them during office hours, which helped me focus on my academic pathway. One of my psychology professors suggested I explore sociology, which I loved after taking a few classes. This led me to pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sociology after earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology. 

Can you describe how you stepped outside your comfort zone at St. John’s and how it impacted your growth?

Studying abroad helped me step outside my comfort zone, and I highly recommend it to anyone at St. John’s. The locations, such as Salamanca, Spain; Paris, France; and Rome, Italy, are well-connected and offer a vibrant cultural experience. You can easily travel to other cities, making it an enriching adventure.

I felt more fearless because I had already moved from Texas to New York without knowing anyone. Going abroad without knowing anyone was another step outside my comfort zone. It was incredible to be in a completely different environment where people might not speak the same language and where I was unfamiliar with the culture.

Waking up in Spain and experiencing the city alone in the mornings helped me realize that life is much bigger than New York City or America. It challenged me to see how I fit into different parts of the world and to explore my identity from a broader perspective. My background in sociology and psychology helped me navigate these experiences, fostering a more profound curiosity about the world.

I loved studying abroad so much that I moved back to Europe after graduating from St. John’s. I lived in Amsterdam for three years and went to school there. This experience was incredibly impactful, allowing me to form connections across Europe and revisit places like Rome, where I had my favorite spots. It was a pivotal moment in my personal and social growth.

What St. John’s University resources did you find most memorable on campus? And why? 

I fondly remember attending events organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs at St. John’s. Although I may not have fully grasped their significance at the time, looking back on those experiences, I realize they had a profound impact on me.I often used the St. John’s concierge to purchase discounted tickets for Broadway shows and sports events, allowing my friends and I to enjoy the city at affordable prices. Overall, these resources and events were incredibly valuable. They fostered a sense of community, helped me navigate the demands of college life, and enhanced both my social and academic experiences.

What advice would you offer to college students navigating the journey of self-discovery and social growth? 

Be open to exploring the resources available to you. You’ll discover meaningful connections, meet incredible people, and find an environment that encourages your personal growth.

Secondly, it’s important to embrace uncertainty. Allow yourself to experience various emotions and approach life with grace and curiosity. Don’t feel pressured to conform to any specific identity or path. There’s a vast world out there with endless possibilities to explore.

Lastly, as you navigate your journey, remain open-minded and adaptable. Take the time to reflect on what resonates with you and where your strengths lie. It’s about embracing openness and gracefulness for your benefit and positively influencing those around you. Your attitude and approach can profoundly impact your environment, fostering a sense of lightness and possibility, even in the face of resistance.
 

Young female professional

Toni Critelli

Digital Content Creator

Toni Critelli is a full-time staff writer for Johnnie's Blog. Through engaging content, she captures the essence of the institution, its students, faculty, and alums.