Chemistry Student Values her Opportunities at St. John’s

“If I had become complacent and stayed at the same point where I was instead of trying something new, I would never have experienced the opportunities that I encountered,” said Julie, who expects to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry this May. “I knew that I could always do more.”

Her advice to her fellow and prospective students? “Try it all. If you do not like it, find something else. There is something for absolutely everyone at St. John’s.”

To date, Julie, who is minoring in Business Administration at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, has enjoyed assuming roles that include membership with the President’s Society, the highest honor society at St. John’s University; President of the Student Ambassador Program, where selected students represent the University to prospective families through campus tours, open houses, and major events; and Secretary of Student Government, Inc., which is the official representative institution of the undergraduate student body on the Queens, NY, campus, and the parent organization of all undergraduate student organizations on campus.

Julie also serves as a science tutor at St. John’s, as Vice President of the Queens chapter of the American Chemical Society, and as a student researcher in the University’s chemistry department.

She carves out time from her hectic schedule for service work as a beneficiary of a full Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship, working in concert with the St. Vincent de Paul Society to prepare a variety of items for those in need. The scholarship is awarded to women who are majoring in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field with the aim of working in a profession other than medicine.

“I have always had some form of service during my education, so college has been no exception,” Julie said. “I think being aware of what we can give back to communities or various neighborhoods should be one of the top priorities for everyone.”

She credits members of the St. John’s alumni community with boosting her confidence to take on new challenges that often lead her into uncharted territory. “The alumni of this University are so generous with the opportunities and advice that they offer,” said Julie, who is considering a career in hospital administration. “There are multiple resources that I accessed to talk to an alumnus about my plans for the future. I want to find a field where I can combine business and chemistry.”

“There have been many professors and advisors who have inspired me throughout my time at St. John’s and encouraged me to keep going,” she said. Julie reserves special praise for Anne Vazquez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemistry, and Elise G. Megehee, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Assistant Chair, Chemistry.

“Dr. Megehee was one of my first chemistry professors who continues to play an important role in my life. Dr. Vazquez very similarly has encouraged me to be a peer leader and teach chemistry classes throughout the semester. She also just takes the time to help us enjoy her chemistry classes.”

She continued, “Advisors such as Corinne Gentile, Director, Enrollment Management Events, and Ilana Ciccone, in their capacities as administrators of the Student Ambassador Program, have seen me grow from a first-year student interviewing for the program to now serving as the president. They have helped me through any conflict or barrier I may have faced during my time at St. John’s, whether it was academic or personal, and I could not be more grateful for their guidance.”

Julie became acquainted with St. John’s through her father, Jerome LoMonte ’84SVC. St. John’s Men’s Basketball was no stranger in my family,” she said. “Two of the best things about St. John’s are its size and diversity. You meet people from all over the world, and will most likely share mutual friendships. I have found that with most of the friendships I have made along the way. We are all so close and only want to see each other succeed.”