Psychology Student Is an Advocate for the Overlooked

Sarah, 21, from Richmond Hill, NY, will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in May, part of a dual-degree program in which she will earn a Master of Arts in Criminology and Justice in 2024. Her four years at the University have included two study abroad semesters, membership in the Catholic Scholars program and the Chappell Players Theater Group, and work as a Resident Assistant in Founder’s Village.

Since 2021, she has also been part of the  Laudato Si’ Advocates Program, which is managed by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and responsible for spreading the word on Catholic environmental policy consistent with Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical.  

The unifying thread in all the causes Sarah champions has been respect for marginalized members of society, particularly those impacted by environmental change, criminal justice issues, or those struggling with issues of faith.

Her ultimate goal is to work as a crime victim’s advocate, a specialty within the field of criminology.  

“I used to think service was just interchangeable with volunteering,” Sarah said. “You do this, or you do that. But the Vincentian mission and my experience here have made me realize it is something deeper and more spiritual. Any interaction with a person is an interaction with God, and when we act with grace toward another person we receive back grace from God.”

A graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood, NY, Sarah was drawn to St. John’s Vincentian mission and values. Her decision to commit to the University was cemented while listening to a student presenter during Accepted Student Day. “She spoke so passionately about St. John’s, and the way she carried herself really drew me here,” Sarah said.

Likewise, Sarah said the University’s study abroad program was a selling point for a young woman of faith eager to experience life in Europe. As a junior, she spent the Fall 2021 term at the University’s Rome, Italy, campus and the Spring 2022 term at the Rome; Paris, France; and Limerick, Ireland, locations.   

Her Fall 2021 study abroad cohort was small, a by-product of travel complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. By the following spring, European society had reopened, prompting more study abroad interest from St. John’s students.

“One of the reasons I wanted to attend St. John’s was to experience the study abroad program,” Sarah said. “The first semester, it was a smaller group of students, but we became close. By the time I returned to Europe for the spring, things were opening up a bit. In Paris especially, things were lifting.”

Rome was so inspiring, in January 2023 Sarah returned for a third visit with other Catholic Scholars. By that time, she had fully embraced her role as a Laudato Si’ advocate, writing opinion pieces for New York-area media on topics ranging from climate change to environmental refugees, coastline protection, and more. 

Recently, she and other Catholic Scholars, as well as representatives of the University’s chapter of Catholic Relief Services, began maintaining the organic garden and arboretum on the southwest corner of the campus. Student stewardship of the garden ceased during the pandemic. As always, produce grown in the garden that is not consumed at the University is donated to St. John’s Bread & Life.

“Several of us started thinking, ‘what are some things we can do to promote urban agriculture, and what can we do to help the disadvantaged?’” Sarah said. “We began a beautification effort that included turning over some ground, planting flowers, and more.”

Environmental stewardship is only one of several issues to which Sarah bears witness. In January 2023 she attended the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, DC, sponsored by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. There she spoke to legislative aides of area lawmakers about social justice issues, including expansion of the child tax credit, foreign aid, and refugee citizenship.

“It is empowering to feel as if you have a small part in issues that are so important,” Sarah said. “I’m grateful I had that chance.”

Sarah’s dual-degree program ensures her one more year at St. John’s, where she will continue to advocate for causes that inspire her, including the rights of crime victims. Victim advocates work with police investigators and attorneys, guiding victims through the legal process. They also provide much-needed emotional support to those impacted by crime.

Criminologists study crime patterns, the motivations of offenders, the social causes of crime, and more. Both disciplines require practitioners to go beyond surface-level study, which is fine with Sarah.

“It is not just looking at crime statistics,” Sarah said. “We attempt to dig down deep to find the true causes of crime. Why are some people more prone to crime? Certainly, it can be a lack of resources, but plenty of things play into it as well.”

“But we should never forget about those who have been victimized by crime,” Sarah continued. “Often they do not have anyone to advocate for them. I just want to have a clear understanding of the world in which I live.”