Being a new student at SJC Long Island is the start of a new adventure. It’s a chance to meet new friends, gain new experiences and, of course, immerse yourself in a learning environment.
Here are some tips to make the most out of your first year at St. Joseph’s College.
1. Grow inside the classroom and out.
“Over the course of your time here, you will grow, make friends, learn and develop new skills,” Executive Dean Eileen White Jahn, Ph.D., said. “Some of this will happen in the classroom with your professors. Some of it you’ll learn on your own through reading and studying. But much of the process will take place through extra and co-curricular activities. Delve into service-learning trips, internship opportunities, presenting at conferences and studying abroad.”
2. Take advantage of all SJC has to offer.
“Get involved in a club, organization or athletics,” said Executive Director of Student Involvement, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement Bryan Gill ’06, M.B.A./M.S. ’10. “Find that one thing you would like to participate in outside the classroom during your college experience. There’s something for everyone, and students can always propose to create a new endeavor.”
3. Develop your roots.
“You are an intricate individual with many roots that make up your whole!” said Andrea Volk ’04, director of undergraduate admissions and admissions operations. “Use your time at SJC to define and develop all of your roots. Enhance your academic root, expand your social root, evolve your moral root… then, your core will strengthen and allow you to blossom into a strong, balanced adult, equipped with the skills to make a living, make a difference, and make your mark.”
4. Know you are supported.
“Here at SJC, we pride ourselves on our community feel,” Jennifer Rooney ’04, director of the Office of Career Preparation and Professional Development, said. “Everyone here, faculty and staff, are here to help in your success. Utilize the services and resources available to you at the College, never be afraid to ask for help, and get connected to others. You never have to feel alone here; know that there is something for everyone and vast opportunities to create your own path.”
5. Take the time to enjoy the process of learning and becoming part of this community.
“Often in life, we rush through experiences because we feel that we need to get to the next objective,” said Cristian Murphy ’14, Director of the Office of Campus Ministry. “I challenge you, as new students here, to enjoy the moments of pause and take time to fall in love with the process of whatever it is you do with your time here at St. Joseph’s. Prayerfully examine the process of learning, serving, socializing and growing, and fall in love with it all. You are a gift to this community, and we are grateful to have you here. God bless.”
