Exploring the St. John’s Catholic Scholars Program: Student Insights and Reflections

What is the Catholic Scholars program?  

The Catholic Scholars program at St. John’s University is a prestigious, four-year, leadership development initiative designed for select incoming first-year students. This program offers a $5,000 annual scholarship—totaling $20,000 over four years—to students who excel academically and demonstrate a commitment to Catholic values through leadership and service. 

As members of the Catholic Scholars community, students engage in a holistic learning experience that integrates faith, reason, and service. 

Chiyoko’s Personal and Educational Background  

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I was born and raised in Forest Hills, NY, and attended Catholic schools throughout my early education. Growing up in a religious environment significantly shaped my values, but it was during my transition from high school to St. John’s University that my faith truly deepened. 

Academically, I started college as a computer science major, but soon discovered a stronger passion for careers involving direct human interaction rather than working behind a screen. In my sophomore year, I switched my major to speech-language pathology and audiology—a field closely aligned with my experiences and my aspiration to positively impact others’ lives. 

What drew you to St. John’s University and the Catholic Scholars program? 

Beyond the financial support, what drew me to St. John’s was the sense of genuine community and the University’s values. 

The Catholic Scholars program resonated with me because it expanded on the service and faith-based experiences I was already involved in during high school. It offered an opportunity to deepen my understanding of service and push me beyond my comfort zone. 

Reflecting on Service Experiences  

Can you describe some of the opportunities you’ve gained through the program? 

The program has offered me an incredible range of leadership and service opportunities that continue to shape my growth. I’ve helped organize and lead campus retreats, taught weekly religious education classes, and participated in the music ministry. I’ve also collaborated with Campus Ministry to design new service programs and events that engage students meaningfully. 

Beyond campus, I’ve taken part in Vincentian Service Immersion trips, where I’ve worked alongside communities nationwide. I’ve also represented the University at social action workshops and conferences throughout New York City. 

What has been the most impactful experience(s) so far through the program?  

Two highly impactful experiences were attending the SEARCH 19 retreat and my recent Vincentian Service Immersion trip (also called a “plunge”) to Macon, GA. 

During the SEARCH 19 retreat, I participated as a retreatant rather than as a leader, which allowed me to deeply explore my own faith journey alongside others who shared similar experiences. 

My plunge trip, on the other hand, was a deeply humbling experience that reshaped my understanding of service. 

Alongside Campus Ministry leaders and seven fellow students, we served at Daybreak, a day shelter where we provided breakfast, laundry services, showers, and tech support to community members in need. We also worked with other local organizations, including the thrift store Wear, St. Peter Claver Catholic School, and Family Advancement Ministries. 

Living and eating in the same facility as the individuals we served allowed me to witness the reality of homelessness in a deeply personal way. Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, I gained insight into their perspectives beyond surface-level assumptions. This reinforced for me the importance of human dignity and the transformative power of truly listening to those in need. 

Building Campus Community and Connections 

Has the program helped you build connections within the St. John’s community? 

From my first-year cohort to professors and fellow students, I’ve formed meaningful relationships that have deeply enriched my time at St. John’s. 

One of the most valuable aspects has been the consistent sense of community—friends I see at Mass every Sunday, join on retreats, and collaborate with on service projects. These shared experiences have not only strengthened my faith, but also my sense of belonging on campus. 

Do you feel the program made you more engaged in academic studies or extracurricular activities? If so, how?  

Absolutely! The program exposed me to various leadership opportunities and organizations across campus, helping me develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.  

Academically, I’ve become involved with the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and the American Sign Language Club (ASL). These groups have helped me apply what I’ve learned in class, explore career paths, and build relationships with peers who share similar goals. 

Beyond academics, the program encouraged me to step into leadership roles across campus. I’ve helped plan retreats for both college and high school students, participated in the President’s Society and the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), and taken part in service and plunge trips. Each of these experiences has sharpened my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills—tools I know will serve me well in my future career. 

Personal and Professional Development  

How have these experiences challenged you in unexpected ways? 

The responsibilities and service opportunities pushed me to grow, while also allowing me to form meaningful, lasting connections with my cohort and mentors. I also gained a broader perspective on different cultures and what it means to serve diverse communities. 

Balancing the program’s commitments with my coursework can be difficult at times, but with the support of my peers and moderators, I learned how to manage my responsibilities while maintaining my faith life, social life, and academic performance. 

How do you believe these service experiences can enhance a student’s résumé or future job opportunities? 

Service experiences not only shape a student’s character, but also provide invaluable professional skills. Engaging in service teaches teamwork, communication, adaptability, and problem solving—skills that are essential in any career. 

From a résumé perspective, these experiences set students apart, demonstrating humility, leadership, and a commitment to causes beyond themselves. Employers and graduate programs value individuals who have shown dedication to serving others and working collaboratively in diverse environments. 

Advice for Future St. John’s Catholic Scholars   

What advice would you give to a student considering the Catholic Scholars program? 

I would tell them to go for it—it’s one of the best decisions I made during my time at St. John’s. The program offers incredible mentorship, a strong sense of community, and experiences that will shape you personally, academically, and spiritually. 

My biggest advice would be to embrace every opportunity the program provides, build relationships with your cohort and mentors, and make the most of the time you have with the people you meet along the way. 

How do you think your experience in the program will continue to impact your future? 

This program has provided me with both a strong network and essential life skills that I will carry with me beyond graduation. I’ve grown in my faith, while also developing leadership skills that will benefit me in my career and personal life. 

Being surrounded by driven, service-oriented students and mentors has encouraged me to take on leadership roles and push myself in ways I never expected. The lessons I’ve learned about service, faith, and community will continue to guide me as I pursue my professional goals in audiology and beyond.