Why did you initially decide to become a Peacock?
I initially decided to become a Peacock for three distinct reasons. It’s always been a dream of mine to live in the city and Saint Peter’s is located at the heart of Jersey City, which is the second largest city in the state. Among the various benefits of attending college in a city is the access to networking and job opportunities important to my career goals. My second reason is because of the forensics concentration provided in the psychology department, which aligns with my aspiration to be a forensic psychologist. Lastly, Saint Peter’s offered me a merit scholarship, allowing me to pursue a degree without the financial stress and burden
What is your major at SPU? Is that what you thought you would major in coming out of high school?
My major is psychology, concentrating in forensics, and I am also a minor in criminal justice. Coming out of high school, I knew I wanted to study the human mind and behavior. My fascination with studying humans started when I was in middle school because I realized I would observe details that other people wouldn’t notice. The forensics and criminal justice aspect came during high school when I spent my free time watching true crime documentaries, which piqued my interest in studying criminals and why they commit crimes.
As a sophomore in the class of 2029, you have many leadership roles like being class president, a student ambassador, and an orientation team leader. Where did that drive and desire to get involved early on come from?
To give a little context, I am originally from Edison, New Jersey, a suburban town about an hour away south from Jersey City. Starting from the time of my freshman orientation, I was still unsure about my journey at Saint Peter’s because I had never stepped foot on campus before. At my orientation, I was shy and naturally introverted, but from that experience, I told myself that I could be whoever I wanted to be here. I had a fresh start in a new city and social environment, so I mentally pushed myself to get to where I am now. I knew absolutely no one and knew nothing about Jersey City. I mustered up the confidence and completely re-branded myself. I was involved in extracurricular activities in high school, but I never stepped up to be a student leader. Starting fresh in college gave me the opportunity to try something new and from that point, my peacock feathers fanned out and I flourished. Quite frankly, my desire to get involved partly stemmed from curiosity, inspiration, and my passion to serve. The moral of the story is, college is what you make of it. I came here with a dream and a scholarship, but it is really my willingness to adapt and be proactive in my education.
How do you define success for yourself and how do you think your education at Saint Peter’s plays into that definition?
Success for me is purpose and contentment. Outside of our passions and interests, we pursue higher education in order to earn a degree that will land us a nice job. In my opinion, while earning a degree is very important, building a life that you enjoy is just as important. My purpose is to serve and help others, whether that’s as a student leader here on campus or out in the world helping victims of crimes. This purpose fulfills me and makes me excited for my future, despite the rocky journey ahead of me. While focusing on getting a degree is important, don’t forget to live and take a breather once in a while. Don’t put your life or health on pause for anything! My education at Saint Peter’s plays into that definition through the copious amounts of resources, services, and extracurricular activities that the university provides. Being a student leader definitely gives me a purpose outside of just going to class and getting good grades by representing my class and programming events. Most importantly, as a student leader, it’s important to foster a safe and fun environment where students feel like they belong and have a sense of community. The best part of my “success” is that there’s always room for improvement. Success to me is not defined by an achievement or end goal, its infinite growth and relentless efforts to build a better life for yourself and society!
Which of the Jesuit principles (finding God in all things, people for and with others, cura personalis, faith and justice, magis, and for the greater glory of God) do you identify with most?
The Jesuit principle that I identify the most with is cura personalis because of my compassion for others. As a first generation college student with immigrant parents, I have always been aware of my privileged position in life. I have a family, shelter, clothes, food, clean water, and access to higher education. Seeing the news of natural disasters, war, climate change, poverty, and social injustice while in the comforts of my home ignited my compassion for others at a young age. Cura personalis, “care for the whole person,” means that we are all brothers and sisters under God. We all bleed the same despite our different features, backgrounds, and cultures. It’s also a principle that I commonly see on campus. Saint Peter’s University is a school that cares about the wellbeing of their students and equips them with the principle that we should be “men and women for others.”
What advice do you have for any incoming freshman or new students at Saint Peter’s?
My advice for incoming freshmen or new students at Saint Peter’s is to make the most of your college experience. What I mean by that is to be introspective. Find out the type of person you want to be in this chaotic world; make mistakes, reach for your dreams, meet new people, pick up new hobbies, fail and get back up again. These are our years of self-discovery and exponential growth beyond the classroom. I am only in my second year, but I’ve learned so much about myself and the type of person I want to be. On your journey, you have to ask yourself two important questions, “Who am I?” and “How will I make my mark on the world?” While the answers may not come to you easily, stay true to yourself and remember, the world needs more Peacocks!