Watson Fellowship Opens Global Doors for St. John’s Sophomore

Branson Bailey, a sophomore studying Legal Studies, was recently honored with the prestigious Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship—a three-year, international internship program funded by the Thomas J. Watson Foundation.

The fellowship provides internships, mentoring, and enriched educational opportunities to promising undergraduates, developing these exceptional students’ capacity to make a difference in the world. The Watson Foundation selects students from 12 partner colleges and universities in New York City each year for the fellowship. 

Branson was born in Atlanta, GA, and raised in Los Angeles, CA, which played an instrumental role in his decision to attend St. John’s University. 

“Being from the other side of the country, I chose St. John’s to become independent, gain exposure to a different environment, and form a new professional and academic identity in New York City,” he said. “I loved the beautiful campus with direct access to the city. I also felt it was time to leave the nest and start anew for myself.”

As a freshman, Branson lived in the Residence Village in Dasilva Hall, an experience he still relishes. “I loved the experience,” he explained, “I took extreme pride and joy in my suite and dorm room, and I bonded and connected with many friends. It was a great living community.”

In his limited free time, Branson serves as a Student Ambassador, leading campus tours, and representing the University at on- and off-campus events. “I consider it a service opportunity, since it’s a way of sharing hope with families and prospective students and giving them a glimpse of how bright of a future they can have at St. John’s,” he said. He’s also involved with the St. John’s chapter of the NAACP, where he is Community Service Chair. 

With his acceptance into the Watson Fellowship, Branson will get to explore the world well beyond the 50 states, as fellows are required to complete three paid summer internships: the first in New York City, the second anywhere in the United States or abroad, and the final one overseas.

“In leaving Los Angeles for New York City, Branson showed the rare courage to choose growth over comfort,” said Konrad T. Tuchscherer, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of External Scholarships and Fellowships, St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dr. Tuchscherer is also Branson’s advisor for the Watson Fellowship. “In the spirit of Sinatra’s famous line, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, and Branson is already proving it true.”

This summer, Branson completed the first of three internships through the Watson Fellowship, working on policy and legislation for the Office of the New York City Public Advocate. “My responsibilities consisted of summarizing and creating memos for high-level executive budget city council hearings, researching data and talking points for office reports and statements, and  drafting letters to city council members,” he said. “I even completed a personal report on a municipal issue of my own interest, which was segregation in the New York City Public School system.”

The experience made an indelible impression on him, and he is already considering his internship options for next summer. “My experience in city government was very enriching and fulfilling, so I want to explore politics on a larger scale,” he explained. “I don’t know exactly where I’ll go, but I'll be in another unique environment. The real question is whether I'll stay in the states or go overseas. Time will tell.”