Finding My Community Beyond the Classroom

When I first arrived at St. John’s University, I wasn’t sure if I would ever truly feel like I belonged. Like many commuters, I came to campus for classes and then headed home, worried I would miss out on the friendships, memories, and opportunities that students living on the Queens, NY, campus seemed to build so naturally. I knew I wanted more from my college experience, and I hoped to find a community that made the campus feel like home. I just wasn’t sure where to begin.

Everything changed the day I attended the Student Activities Fair.

I signed up for organizations that genuinely interested me, hoping to meet new people and become more involved. I never imagined that one decision would completely shape my college career. The organizations I joined became far more than extracurricular activities. They became communities where I discovered confidence, compassion, leadership, and lifelong friendships.

Growing as a Leader Through Student Organizations

My leadership journey began with the Cooking Club. I’ve always believed food has a unique way of bringing people together, and I wanted to help create that same sense of community on campus. Before long, I stepped into the role of events coordinator, where I planned club meetings and organized campus events.

Eventually, I had the privilege of serving as president, leading the organization while helping other students connect through a shared love of cooking.

One event that will always stay with me was our sushi-making workshop. I expected students to enjoy learning how to roll sushi, but what stood out wasn’t the food. It was the people. I watched strangers introduce themselves, laugh over imperfect sushi rolls, exchange phone numbers, and leave as friends.

Another unforgettable event was our end-of-year cultural potluck, where we partnered with several cultural organizations across campus.

Students from diverse backgrounds came together to share dishes representing their cultures, and before long, the room was filled with conversation, laughter, music, and new friendships. Watching so many people connect reminded me that while we all come from different places, food truly is a universal language.

As my confidence grew, I looked for more ways to serve others.

Embracing Service Experiences

I joined Project Sunshine hoping to brighten the lives of pediatric patients. During my first hospital visit, I walked in thinking I would be the one bringing joy to the children. Instead, they changed my perspective on life. Despite everything they were facing, so many of the children smiled easily, laughed wholeheartedly, and found excitement in the smallest moments. Spending time with those patients showed me that resilience often looks very different from what we expect. I left the hospital that day with a deeper appreciation for gratitude, empathy, and the power of human connection. That experience continues to shape my perspective and has reaffirmed my desire to pursue a career in medicine.

As my involvement continued, I served as events coordinator, then vice president, and eventually president of Project Sunshine. Leading the organization while never losing sight of its mission taught me that true leadership is rooted in compassion. Every volunteer event, executive board meeting, and hospital visit reinforced that serving others is one of the greatest privileges a leader can have.

Service became a defining part of my experience at St. John’s. I served as events coordinator for both the American Red Cross Club and FLO, organizations dedicated to supporting others in different but equally meaningful ways.

Another organization that helped shape me was H.A.R.M.O.N.Y. (Healthcare Advocacy and Resource Management Network For You), where I connected with fellow students who shared my passion for health care, service, and personal growth. Being surrounded by peers with similar aspirations challenged me to grow while reminding me that compassion should always remain at the center of health care.

Mentoring and Giving Back to the St. John’s Community

One of the experiences that meant the most to me was being involved in the E.P.I.C. (Establish relationships, Promote possibilities, Impact direction, and Confirm next steps) mentor program. I entered the program as a mentee, learning from upper-level students who generously shared their advice and helped me navigate my transition into college. A year later, I became a mentor myself. Having the opportunity to encourage incoming students and help them find their own place at St. John’s felt like my journey had come full circle.

Serving as a student ambassador (Instagam @sjuambassadors) became another defining chapter of my college experience. Representing St. John’s at Open Houses and Accepted Student Days and on campus tours allowed me to share my story with prospective students and their families. One experience in particular has stayed with me. A family arrived nearly an hour late for their scheduled campus tour after the rest of the group had already left. Rather than turning them away, I offered to give them a tour myself. As we walked across campus, I answered their questions, shared my own experiences, and introduced them to the community that had become my second home. At the end of the tour, the family thanked me for taking the time to make them feel welcome. Later, I learned the student chose to attend St. John’s. Knowing my story helped someone choose the place where they would begin their college journey remains one of the most rewarding moments I’ve experienced as a student ambassador.

What Student Leadership Taught Me Outside the Classroom

Looking back, I realize leadership wasn’t something I discovered overnight. It grew through every opportunity I embraced, from planning events and serving others to mentoring students, representing the University, and learning from every success and challenge along the way.

As a biology major preparing for a career in medicine, I spent countless hours studying, completing laboratory work, and preparing for exams. Yet, many of the most valuable lessons I learned at St. John’s University happened outside the classroom. I learned how to communicate with confidence, organize large teams, solve problems under pressure, lead with empathy, and build meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. Those lessons can’t be found in a textbook, but they have prepared me just as much for my future career as anything I learned in the classroom.

My Advice for Future Students

If I could offer one piece of advice to incoming students, especially commuters, it would be this: get involved. Attend the first meeting. Volunteer for the event. Apply for the leadership position that feels just outside your comfort zone. The opportunities that seem the smallest often become the ones that shape you the most.

Through the many organizations and leadership opportunities I pursued, I discovered lifelong friendships, incredible mentors, opportunities to serve others, and a passion for leadership that will stay with me throughout graduate school, medical school, and beyond. Those experiences didn’t just help me grow beyond the classroom. They shaped the person I am today. For that, I will always be grateful to the St. John’s community.