Unlike many of her peers at John Jay, Selina Li ’20 was unsure about her future career path when she first came to campus. “I felt some pressure to pick a major and minor, and apply to internships like everyone around me,” said Li, who initially toyed with the idea of joining law enforcement. “But I eventually realized that I was actually in the best position I could be in—undecided.” Keeping an open mind about her future, Li joined APPLE Corps, sought guidance from her mentors and made the most of the College’s resources. Now, after earning her bachelor’s degree in English, Li knows that her passion lies in educating others and she’s looking forward to guiding future generations as a teacher.

What made you want to come to John Jay?
In high school, a lot of my classmates were applying to out-of-state colleges and I decided to apply to some too. As a CUNY alumna, my mom saw the colleges I was applying to and urged me to apply to CUNY schools. That ended up being one of the best decisions I would ever make. Initially, I chose John Jay to pursue a career in law enforcement, but I knew I had to keep an open mind to all the career options and experiences the College had to offer. I’m happy that I chose John Jay because it has given me the best support and resources to realize my potential and my dreams.

When you first came to John Jay, what were some of your biggest challenges?
My biggest challenge was not knowing what career I wanted to pursue and what major I wanted to declare. To see everyone around you actively taking steps toward their careers, you feel this pressure to choose a major and plan your career path. When you’re not on that track, you begin to doubt yourself. I remember talking to Devin Deane, my APPLE Corps peer success coach, about my concerns and he kept reassuring me that being unsure was okay. Being undecided was actually a blessing. It allowed me to take classes I was interested in and attend career fairs with a broader focus. I could concentrate on my strengths and weaknesses, and then envision my ideal workplaces.

If you had to point to one organization, cohort, or person at John Jay that made your experience especially fulfilling, who would it be and why?
The APPLE Corps program was my home away from home. It fulfilled my academic journey in a way that no other program could have. From day one, I was supported by a team of five professionals, including a peer success coach, professors, and peers, who helped me grow into the person I am today. I felt fully supported in all areas because the APPLE Corps team had their own specializations. Whether it was Natalie Jordan from Academic Advising helping me organize my life, or Jennifer Hernandez-Khan, the Program Coordinator, inspiring me by talking about her own aspirations, they all strive to show us our potential. And I can’t forget Professor Greg Donaldson in the Communications and Theatre Arts Department. Professor Donaldson saw something special in me that I didn’t even know was there. With his guidance, I became a polished public speaker, winning the CUNY-Wide Speech Contest the year I took his class.

What’s your favorite and most memorable story interacting with your APPLE Corps peers?
There are so many, but if I had to pick one it would be my official first day of College. Although I had just spent the summer with the APPLE Corps program, I vividly recall being excited to go to school on this day. My first class was Communications 155, where I sat in the first row with my good friend Rosa on my right and my peer success coach on my left. Since we all knew each other from the summer, we were all talking and laughing like if we were a family. It was the perfect way to start my academic journey at John Jay, feeling comfortable in my surroundings and supported by my peers.

Is there a particular classroom, fellowship, or internship experience that helped shape you as a person?
Interning with the John Jay Sustainability Council was a great experience personally and professionally. I worked with Chairwoman Lindsey Kayman and assisted her in producing an Earth Ally Training Program for John Jay. The goal of the project was to create a presentation that she could deliver to the College community to raise awareness of climate justice issues and action steps we could take to mitigate climate change. We had to comb through mountains of research to highlight the most important parts of climate change issues and make it as engaging as possible. From a student perspective, it was comforting to see the faculty advocating for an environmentally friendly campus alongside us. This experience enhanced my leadership skills and helped me become the President of the Environmental Club.

What do you hope to do after you graduate from John Jay? Why have you decided on this career plan or graduate school?
Currently, I am looking at teaching opportunities. My goal is to work in higher education as a professor. I decided to pursue this career because teachers have so much power and responsibility to help future generations and steer them in the right direction. If you ask anyone if they’ve ever had a favorite teacher, most will tell you the name of at least one. When I looked back at the support I received from educators throughout my life, I realized how fundamental and influential teachers were on my journey. I aspire to play that same role for future students.

Is there someone special that’s particularly proud of your accomplishment?
My loved ones have definitely seen the positive impact John Jay has made on me. Now, I’ll quickly debate any social justice issue that comes up, and I’m a bit of a stickler for recycling at parties. They are proud that I’m setting a great example for future generations, especially all the little ones who’ve joined the family. To my nieces, Lianna, Elisa, and Jaylee: I can't wait to see the fierce, intelligent, womxn you become.