What Great Minds Can Do: Chris Adams
"Seton Hall is a place where faith is a strong aspect and where I could grow in my Catholic faith but in no way is anyone excluded. Seton Hall is welcoming and accepting of everyone from all backgrounds. It is an inclusive place that is Catholic in mission, placing strong emphasis on servant leadership compassion, morality and ethics, which are values that can be applied to all faiths, backgrounds, cultures and professions around the world."
Chris Adams was drawn to Seton Hall because of its diversity as well as its Catholic mission. "Seton Hall is one of the most diverse campuses I've ever been on. I have met people from all over the United States and all of the world," he says. "My own roommate is from Colombia. This rich diversity makes my college experience so much cooler in the sense that it makes the world seem so vast and full of endless opportunity."
The cornerstone of Seton Hall's mission promotes servant leadership and giving back to the global community. During his freshman year he interned with the Fresh Air Fund, a nonprofit agency that provides free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities, Adams worked closely with the families to match the children with host families in one of 13 states or Canada for two-week summer homestays. "Being from Virginia, I cannot imagine spending my entire childhood in the 'concrete jungle' and not experiencing an escape to the "fresh air,'" he says. "This internship allowed me to see how I can make a difference in one child's life while giving me an opportunity to gain a hands-on experience in a real work setting before graduation."
When not working in the city or attending classes, Adams is immersed in campus activities. "I learned early on that life is what you make it, and the best way to experience Seton Hall is through its many clubs and organizations—there are more than 100 to choose from," he notes. "Being involved on campus is one of the best ways to meet people who share your interests and ideas. It helps foster and build community in the sense that you are surrounding yourself with a group of students that help you learn not only about academics, but also about culture, politics society—and ultimately yourself." Plus Adams loves "being just 14 miles from New York City. When my friends and I want to go to the city, we just take the 10-minute walk into town and hop on the train. I love to see the cathedrals, the museums, the United Nations. I've watched games at Madison Square Garden, love walking around Times Square and going to see Broadway shows. I really think Seton Hall's location is awesome and provides so many amazing opportunities."
Seton Hall Career Highlights
- Study Abroad Trips to Spain, Portugal, Canada
- Internship with the Fresh Air Fund in Freshman Year
- Blue Crew campus tour guide
- Model United Nations
- Martin Luther King Scholarship Association
- Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)
- FOCUS National Conference Attendee
- University Chamber Choir
- University Choir
- Division of Volunteer Efforts Volunteer