Exploring Social Service through the Ozanam Scholars Program: Student Q&A

What is the Ozanam Scholars program?

Students passionate about social service and community engagement can enrich their academic journey through the Ozanam Scholars program at St. John’s University. Combining service projects, study abroad opportunities, and research, this program empowers students to make a meaningful impact. 

Q&A with Leslie Alhakim ’24SJC

What inspired you to apply to the Ozanam Scholars program at St. John’s?

I was referred to the Ozanam Scholars program during my admission interview with St. John’s. I had just been accepted, and the interviewer believed my passion for social justice and research experience perfectly aligned with the program.  

After reading about it, I knew I had to apply. Its commitment to social justice through community service, scholarship, study abroad opportunities, and research was all I wanted to experience at a university. As a teenager with lived experiences of social injustice who wanted to be a better community member and ally for others, I felt this program would transform me into that.

How did the Ozanam Scholars program shape your career goals in social justice and research?

The Ozanam Scholars program has given me the education and experiences that have expanded my knowledge of social justice values. Through the program, I obtained a minor in Social Justice: Theory and Practice in the Vincentian Tradition, which has equipped me with the scholarly ideologies and language to discuss societal injustices. Without this program, I wouldn’t have learned how to engage in social justice work within an educational setting, significantly benefiting my career in psychological research and pursuing a Master of Science in Data Science.

Can you share an Ozanam Scholars service-learning project that made a lasting impact?

My time in Ozanam is filled with countless experiences for which I will forever be grateful. One of the most impactful opportunities Ozanam offered me was our fieldwork while abroad, specifically my Global Sustainable Development course with Professor Pablo Sanchez in Ecuador. As a researcher, I often distance myself from participants and draw a clear distinction between researcher and participant, but Prof. Sanchez demonstrated the possibility of community-based research.

With community-based research, the clear distinction between researcher and participant faded, and community members took an active role in the research process. This was an enlightening experience because I realized how important it is to have people at the forefront of research. It is the responsibility of the scientific community to uplift people’s voices and experiences rather than see them as mere data.

What was your most valuable lesson from studying abroad through the program? 

A valuable lesson I learned through the program is the idea of intersectionality, a sociological perspective emphasizing how the intersection of identities can create unique experiences. As a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, this concept introduced me to viewing social justice solutions from a new perspective. I broadened my understanding of how communities are often excluded from social justice conversations due to their unique experiences. This perspective taught me the importance of embracing intersectionality in everyday social justice efforts. 

How did the Ozanam Scholars program help you grow personally and as a leader? 

One aspect I love about being part of the Ozanam Scholars program is experiencing the diversity of our community. Although we all share similar ideas on social justice, we have various interests and career paths. 

I enjoyed seeing how my peers took our knowledge of social justice outside of the classroom and applied it to their passions. There is no singular way to practice social justice, nor a specific community on which to focus, so having such a diverse group of students allowed me to see the application of our Vincentian values in many fields, such as government and politics, literature, psychology, medicine, and more. 

What advice do you have for prospective students considering the Ozanam Scholars program?

Apply! Ozanam is such a unique program, and I am beyond grateful for it. Between the community service opportunities, the study abroad trips, the courses you take, and the people you meet, there is something for everyone. And although I love this program, it wouldn’t be what it is today without its students, so please apply.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re passionate about social service and global engagement, the Ozanam Scholars program at St. John’s University could be the perfect fit. Learn more about how this unique program shapes your academic and professional journey.