Johnny Wiley
St. John's University, New York
Johnny is a sophomore from Uniondale, NY who is majoring in Government and Politics. His academic record is excellent and his activities outside the classroom demonstrate his dedication to fighting for social justice and making a difference in the world. In the summer after his freshman year, Johnny interned at the international law firm Shearman & Sterling, LLP. There, he worked in a group on pro bono cases involving wage theft, immigration, unaccompanied minors, and more. On campus, Johnny is involved in service-learning activities including the Midnight Run, a late-night delivery of food and clothing to the homeless in New York City. He also served as a student panelist at both of the university's "Meet the Candidates" nights held in advance of the 2017 local elections. A member of the College Democrats organization, he also traveled to Albany, NY, with classmates as part of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities' New York Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day.
Personal Statement
I started to advocate for community - policing and became an advocate for diversity in the education field as a child. Growing up, I would walk to school and was taught predominately by people who didn't look like me. I had very little lessons about black history from grades one through twelve and I grew up with very few mentors who I could relate to. As I got older the walks to school started to become longer as I started to get stopped by the police more frequently. It was during this time period when I came to the conclusion that every child, at least once in my life deserves to be taught and educated by a member of their community. Furthermore, I realized that it was essential that people be able to walk throughout their Community free from harassment from law enforcement. On campus, as a member of Student Government, I've worked with student organizations on campus to promote mentorship programs throughout the surrounding neighborhood with the goal of giving a child something that I always wanted.
