The most popular groups on campus are the cultural and social groups, such as the aforementioned NAACP and Haraya organizations and sororities and fraternities. However, some other prominent clubs are those geared towards intellectual development such as the Debate Society, or those promoting activism such as STAND or the Earth Club. The basketball team is the most popular sports club because it has enjoyed significant success in recent years.
I’d like to describe an organization that I am co-Captain of: the St. John’s Mock Trial Team. The team is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year (2011-2012). Twenty years of promoting logical thinking, articulation of that thinking and organized presentation of arguments have benefited a countless number of students and has earned St. John’s University a national reputation for academic excellence. Out of the twenty years, St. John’s has earned a bid to the Nationals at least 17 times, and this year, the team is optimistic about earning yet another bid. All members cite invaluable lessons learned and an increase in self-confidence. All members foster close-knit friendships with their teammates and their extremely dedicated coaches.
In the dorms, some students leave their doors open when there is a slight lull in academic demands in the middle of the semester immediately following midterms. Being that when the RAs are on duty, they leave the office door open, many students frequent the office to chat with the RAs.
Athletic events are very popular. Often, tickets are sold out quickly and sporting events are packed with people, St. John’s students and supporters alike. Guest speakers are less popular, but widely advertised and supported by the department or organization they’re invited by. Most classes require the attendance of a few guest speakers’ presentations, so there is always a steady turnout. Theatre is very popular, as several shows are put on each semester for the students’ enjoyment. Performing Arts is a heavily funded department that is seen as an esteemed fraction of the St. John’s community.
Unfortunately, I can’t speak extensively about the dating scene, for I’m not currently involved in it. But I can say that several of my friends have found their significant others at St. John’s University and being that there is every type of person here, there is sure to be a person out there for everyone. The campus is beautiful and scenic. Oftentimes, there are couples having a picnic or studying together on the Great Lawn, lounging at Starbucks in the D’Angelo Center or taking a stroll through campus and enjoying the elaborately-designed fountains.
I met my closest friends through living on campus and getting involved in various organizations. My best friend Andrea was my roommate Freshman and Sophomore year (we still remain best friends though I’m now a Resident Assistant). Another good friend of mine, Katie, is my co-Chaplain and co-Librarian of the Voices of Victory Gospel Choir. Another good friend, Pete, is a fellow leader of the Mock Trial Team. I’ve known all of them for three years so far (since Freshman year) because I took advantage of all the opportunities afforded to me and I am now blessed to call them my best friends. I am also very close with all of the Resident Assistants in my building, DaSilva Hall.
If I’m awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I am most likely finishing a paper after having helped lead a rigorous Mock Trial practice. Most likely, I am going to the bathroom every half an hour to splash water on my face. Sometimes, there will be a tentative knock on my door that indicates that a resident is feeling homesick or locked out of their room.
There are many traditions and events that occur every year and are advertised throughout campus. The most prominent ones are the Student Activity Fair, the Greek Life Activity Fair, the Fall Harvest Fair, the Winter Carnival (featuring hired carolers, a horse-drawn carriage around the Great Lawn and a fireworks display), the Tunnel of Oppression (a large scale student-constructed display of all the ways people are oppressed), all the Black History Month events (the Gospel Choir’s busiest time of year), Relay for Life and University Service Day (when the largest group of St. John’s students gather for a day of organized service).
On average, students party about 2-3 times a week. A certain population parties almost every day, but these students usually don’t last past their Freshman year. Most of the successful students party about once a week, if at all.
Though fraternities and sororities make up less than 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student body, they are some of the most active organizations on campus, especially in the area of service. They work closely with Campus Ministry to attend service trips both locally and abroad, and offer support for all university-sponsored events. There is little controversy with St. John’s Greek Life because the university is very strict when regulating fraternity/sorority conduct.
Last weekend, on Saturday, I attended Mock Trial practice from 9am to 5pm. Afterwards, I studied for the LSATs with my study buddy from 7pm to 10pm. On Sunday, I tidied up my room and washed my steadily-building pile of dirty laundry and then went out for dinner with my mom and brother, who came to visit. That night, I went back to my dorm and prepared for another full-day practice the next day.
Every weekend, including Saturday nights, there is usually some university-sponsored event or activity occurring on campus. For example, last Saturday night, there was a Midnight Breakfast at the dining fall that included dinner, massages courtesy of the Stressbusters, haircuts, and giveaways, all free. The University’s 24/7 Sober Campaign is dedicated to keeping students away from bars and local house parties.
I usually go off-campus to the Barnes & Nobles located conveniently right next to campus. Or I’ll grab a bite to eat with a friend, go to the library or go to Jamaica Avenue to shop. Since there is a shuttle bus provided and public transportation is fairly easy to navigate, sometimes I’ll go to the city to the library, a Broadway Show (some tickets are free for Honors students) or out for a night on the town.