September 12, 2024
New and returning students from all Schools and Colleges of St. John’s University gathered on September 9 for the annual Fall Activities Fair, where representatives from more than 100 student organizations showcased their work and mission to those eager to get involved.
From Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math-based clubs (STEM), to those focused on the arts, sports, and philanthropy, a range of interests were highlighted during the fair, which was held on the Great Lawn of the Queens, NY, campus.
For new Johnnies, the activities fair, held on the second week of fall classes, is one of the first opportunities to see what the University and its vibrant community offer.
Among those students eager to get involved was Michelle Okoro, from Ebonyi, Nigeria, a first-year Computer Science student at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies. An international student who made her first visit to the United States in August, Michelle was excited about meeting new people and joining several organizations. The African Students Association, Black Students Association, Women on Wall Street, and Sinai’s Radiant Liturgical Praise Dance Team caught her eye.
“I’d like to work on Wall Street, that’s the goal,” she said. “I had never even been to the US until I decided to come to St. John’s. Now I want to see how involved I can become.”
For returning students, the fair is an opportunity to learn more about organizations they might have heard of, but not yet joined.
Isabella Patterson, a junior studying Marketing at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, is the Music Director of WSJU, St. John’s student-run radio station. Throughout the school year, the station offers members the resources they need to pursue a career in broadcast journalism and radio, as well as social events such as open mic nights, watch parties, and interviews with personalities in the field.
Isabella sought to recruit new members for on-air and behind-the-scenes roles at the station after the graduation of several members in May. “This is a place where you can meet new people interested in media,” she said. “Music has been in my blood for a long time.”
Likewise, Chris Young, a junior majoring in Sport Management at the Collins College of Professional Studies, is President of the 194-member Sport Management Association, which promotes career development and other professional opportunities for students eager to enter the sports industry. He said the club plans to highlight the “fun side of sports” this year with Wiffle ball, basketball, and touch football games on campus.
Members of the St. John’s eSports Club were recruiting new members ahead of its first competition of the school year, against Bowie State University of Maryland. The club has more than doubled in size in three years as gaming has become more popular.
Arianna Guida, a junior majoring in Physics, said membership in the club is open to all students, not just those in technology-related majors. “We have people from several different majors,” Arianna said. “The people you will meet in this club are wonderful.”
Organizations such as the University’s chapter of UNICEF were among those clubs that enable students to embrace St. John’s Vincentian mission. An arm of the United Nations, UNICEF provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. At St. John’s, members of the organization help communities in need through fundraisers, toy drives, awareness campaigns, volunteer activities, and more.
“UNICEF’s mission is to defend the rights of children and help meet their basic needs. Here at St. John’s, we align ourselves with this same global mission,” Monica Ochoa, a third-year Business Administration student and the organization’s President, said. “As student leaders, I think it’s important to give back to our communities in any way that we can.”
Monica encouraged all first-year students to get involved in campus clubs and activities and to be as engaged as possible. “Say yes to any opportunity that is presented to you because you never know what you will get from it,” Monica said. “There are so many opportunities here at St. John’s, so don’t be shy or afraid to open those doors.”