Meet Your Orientation Leaders
Major: Forensic Psychology
Year: Junior
Hometown: Jackson Heights
Fun Fact: I am a professional dancer.
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I wanted to become an orientation leader because it allows me to be more involved within my John Jay community, as well as it will let me educate other people about this college.
What you love about John Jay: What I love about John Jay is its diverse community, and its opportunities and extra activities it has to offer.
Major: Forensic Psychology
Year: Senior
Hometown: New York
Fun Fact: I was a classical opera singer for 9 years
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?:
When I was a new student I was nervous and worried that I wouldn't be able to find my way, which is how I felt at my other colleges. When I went to new student orientation I had never felt so welcomed and comfortable that I would not only find my way, but receive the help I need especially being a part of the accessibility department. I want to give new students the same feeling and excitement to come to john jay as the previous orientation leaders gave me.
What you love about John Jay:
I love that everyone is so welcoming and no matter matter what someone is always willing to help you. If they are unable they will go above and beyond to either find someone that can or will do their best themselves.
Major: Criminal Justice BA
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Colombia
Fun Fact: I worked with dogs for over 2 years and I can tell you what breed has which personality
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?:
Because I’ve always wanted to help people be more involved in the John Jay community, I love talking to different people. When I was college hunting, I loved seeing the people who did orientations and always wished to be one of them. So now, it feels like all the things I love doing and have wanted for so long have come together in this amazing opportunity and I just took it.
What you love about John Jay:
The thing I love most about John Jay is the people and how everyone is so together and friendly. There are so many resources to help students out, whether it's for academics, career goals, or just personal support. It really feels like a place where people want you to grow and succeed. I also love how everyone just seems like they want to do their best and are motivating too.
Major: Criminal Justice Management BS
Year: Junior
Hometown: Harlem, New York City
Fun Fact: I’m a nail tech & I love anime (one piece is my favorite)
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?:
I wanted to give the same/a similar experience that I got when I came to John jay for orientation. The OL leaders made the school seem less intimidating and welcoming so I wanted to pay it forward.
What you love about John Jay:
The community, the ambiance, and the fact that there are so many opportunities for growth and a place for everyone.
Major: Criminal Justice BA
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Rockland NY
Fun Fact: I rowed boats in high school.
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: To show how welcoming John Jay is and all the new students, both freshman and transfer, will be more excited than nervous for their educational journey at John Jay.
What you love about John Jay: I love how nice and welcoming the overall John Jay community is to everyone.
Major: International Criminal Justice
Year: I am an incoming Junior, which means I’m entering my 3rd year at John Jay.
Hometown: Richmond Hill, Queens, NY.
Fun Fact: I used to be the captain of my high school’s swim team.
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?:
I want to be an orientation leader because I want to show incoming students how great John Jay really is. I always dreamed about attending John Jay and when I attended my orientation I fell in love with the school, it felt like home. I just want to be able to share my experience with others and hopefully make someone feel the same way I do about John Jay.
What you love about John Jay:
Honestly, I love everything about John Jay. My favorite place in the school would be the library. It is so beautiful and so peaceful. The jay walk is stunning during spring and summer and the pool looks so big.
Major: CUNY BA: Unique & Interdisciplinary Studies
Year: Lower Senior
Hometown: New Hyde Park
Fun Fact: I’ve been a competitive rifle athlete for 8 years.
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?:
I wanted to be an orientation leader because I want to show students how there’s something for everyone at John Jay!
What you love about John Jay:
I love how John Jay gives phenomenal opportunities to lead and learn both on and off campus.
Major: Criminal Justice
Year: Rising Junior
Hometown: Jamaica Queens, NYC
Fun Fact: Fun fact is I’m an explorer with a federal agency
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?:
I wanted to give incoming freshman, honest insight on what to experience coming in as a freshman and share my experiences as well as making them feel comfortable coming to John Jay
What you love about John Jay:
I love how diverse John Jay, and how many opportunities are provided for you at the school. There’s also always something going on.
Major: MA International Crime and Justice
Year: 1st year
Hometown: Bethpage
Fun Fact: I am Paraguayan
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?:
To encourage new students and make them feel comfortable and safe at John jay
What you love about John Jay:
The community.
Major: Criminal Justice
Year: 2026
Hometown: Black river Jamaica
Fun Fact: I love dogs like im deeply obsessed
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: To give guidance to students and contribute to my school community.
What you love about John Jay: Everything.
Major: Criminal Justice
Year: 2027
Hometown: New York
Fun Fact: I love pineapples on pizza
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: To make College a safer and smoother transition for people coming in.
What you love about John Jay: The sun I can get from the jay walk.
Major: Human Services and Community Justice
Year: 2026
Hometown: Brooklyn
Fun Fact: I was featured in an early action advertisement for John Jay and have earned the nickname “Mr. John Jay”
Why did you want to become a Peer Ambassador? Higher Education quickly became a passion of mine after being an Orientation Leader in Summer of 2023, so when the offer was brought to me to become a Peer Ambassador, I jumped at it. It was an amazing opportunity to see the Behind the Scenes of NSO as well as gain valuable skills and knowledge that I can forever carry with me.
What you love about John Jay: John Jay has so many opportunities to develop in different aspects of life, whether it be academically, socially or professionally. I truly believe that in some way, shape or form, there is something for everybody here.
Major: Criminal Justice Masters
Year: 1st year Grad student
Hometown: Manhattan
Fun Fact: My brother asked Santa for a baby sister the year before I was born, and I came early on December 19.
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I enjoy helping others and being a part of this community.
What you love about John Jay: The way everyone helps you to accomplish your goals.
Major: Law and Society
Year: Senior
Hometown: Kingston/Brooklyn
Fun Fact: I played dungeon and dragons in highschool
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I wanted to be an Orientation leader because it is important to show new students coming into the school the tricks and tips on how to properly integrate themselves into the school and have a happy college life.
What you love about John Jay: What I love about John Jay is that on almost every other day, if you search hard enough you will find places where someone is hosting an event with free food, you just need to have a bloodhound nose to find it.
Major: Law and Society
Year: Senior
Hometown: Kingston/Brooklyn
Fun Fact: I played dungeon and dragons in highschool
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I wanted to be an Orientation leader because it is important to show new students coming into the school the tricks and tips on how to properly integrate themselves into the school and have a happy college life.
What you love about John Jay: What I love about John Jay is that on almost every other day, if you search hard enough you will find places where someone is hosting an event with free food, you just need to have a bloodhound nose to find it.
Major: Forensic Psychology
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Jamaica, Queens
Fun Fact: I enjoy doing nails and I love music and attending concerts.
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?:I wanted to be an orientation leader not only to further my experience but I wanted to engage in my community and help others the same way I needed help when I was an incoming student as well. Being a part of a student orientation leader feels like an amazing opportunity to connect and further learn from my community.
What you love about John Jay: I love how inclusive and welcoming John Jay is. Amongst John Jay there are many opportunities whether it's building your career or making new friends and being a part of a big community feels really nice because you won't feel like you're on your own.
Major: Forensic Psychology
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Bronx
Fun Fact: I have a dog.
Why did you want to become an Orientation Leader? I wanted to be an orientation leader because I want to be able to bring in the inclusive spirit of coming to John Jay.
What you love about John Jay: It’s a great place to be at.
Major: Political Science
Year: Lower senior
Hometown: Freeport, NY
Fun Fact: I use preschool sized shoes :)
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I love helping others out and this was a way for me to do something that I love while having fun!
What you love about John Jay: I love the diversity and the aesthetic of the school, there are various places to study and sit down.
Major: Criminology
Year: Junior
Hometown: Brooklyn
Fun Fact: I know American Sign Language.
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I want to be an Orientation Leader to provide the welcoming environment and support for incoming students as I was once an incoming freshman. I hope to be an encouraging and inspiring OL for these young students so that they too can feel confident and comfortable learning their way throughout John Jay and its community, especially to take part in the campus community and thrive on their own.
What you love about John Jay: I love the open community John Jay has and the environment it brings to either take part or join events that occur around campus. Especially when there is free food and music playing, I love to see everyone get together and share an experience.
Major: Cell & Molecular Biology
Year: Lower Sophomore
Hometown: The Bronx
Fun Fact: I have an extra rib in my body
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: My biggest challenge coming into John Jay was seeing so many unfamiliar faces and not being able to assert myself. I want to be an orientation leader so I can support incoming students who are facing similar challenges as I did and help build community.
What you love about John Jay: Meeting many people every semester and exploring many of John Jay’s opportunities.
Major: Criminology
Year: 2028
Hometown: Trinidad
Fun Fact: I love to read
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I want to be apart of something that helps others who need guidance and i do know the college journey can be a lot.
What you love about John Jay: I love the community as everyone is so welcoming.
Major: Forensic Psychology
Year: 2028
Hometown: Brooklyn
Fun Fact: I love spring.
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I wanted to be an orientation leader because being a student who’s new to the environment can be difficult and challenging. I want to be that person who welcomes students into John Jay. I also want to keep building my leadership skills while still working on other skills I might lack.
What you love about John Jay: I love how diverse John Jay is.
Major: Criminal Justice
Year: Senior
Hometown: New York
Fun Fact: I love to paint and I am a police explorer for the NCPD.
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: To gain firsthand experience in a leadership position and make the first year for incoming students a smoother, easier and more fun process.
What you love about John Jay: The campus and the community. There is always something happening at JohnJay.
Major: Computer Science & Information Security
Year: 2026
Hometown: Brooklyn
Fun Fact: The Fall semester is way better than the spring
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I wanted to help new students feel welcome and supported the way I did when I transferred in.
What you love about John Jay: The sense of community and how easy it can be to connect with people.
Major: Forensic Mental Health Counseling
Year: 2026
Hometown: Trinidad and Tobago
Fun Fact: I am a petite runway model
Why did you want to become a Graduate Intern? It was and continues to be a way to give back to the community and help foster a sense of community at John Jay. I also love working with the STP Team in every capacity.
What you love about John Jay: The staff and faculty.
Major: Forensic Science
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Queens
Fun Fact: I have 21 Squishmallows!
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I want to make sure freshmen don’t feel alone and help them navigate any challenges they may face.
What you love about John Jay: I love how criminal justice oriented the curriculum at John Jay is.
Major: Criminology
Year: Junior
Hometown: Brooklyn
Fun Fact: I love Harry Potter
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: I acquire good skills that can be applied to this position and help me thrive, further improving them over time. This position requires a lot of public speaking, and there are times when I close myself off. Even though I am social, I don't show it as much anymore, and I want to change that. Additionally, this position can open other pathways for me since I'll be putting myself out there rather than limiting myself.
What you love about John Jay: I love the events the school throws, there's always something going on, and I love that since there isn't dull moments, it makes going to campus enjoyable.
Major: Criminal Justice BS
Year: Senior
Hometown: raised in Brooklyn, born in Pakistan
Fun Fact: I know American Sign Language :)
Why did you want to be an Orientation Leader?: To be an Orientation Leader again, allows me to create a safe space for students like it had been for me. It is always a memorable experience which I would do over and over!
What you love about John Jay: The People! John Jay has given me my community and a sense of belonging, there is always someone new to know and grow with.