St. John's University Athletics
Lori Dougherty Goes The Distance For Others
12/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Dec. 16, 2009
QUEENS, N.Y. - It's 9 am on a sunny brisk Tuesday morning and Lori Dougherty '11 has just finished her first class. After her daily run, she heads over to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat with her teammates on the University's Division I women's cross country team. Then she's off to another class before heading home to prepare for a Dean's Scholars meeting. Dinner and some schoolwork and it is now 10 pm.
But Lori's day is not over just yet - she's on her way to Manhattan to participate in a midnight run.
Inspired to Give Back
Campus ministry sponsored midnight runs are an opportunity for St. John's students to help serve New York's City's homeless population. By providing food, warm clothes and companionship they are able to offer direct assistance to those least fortunate.
"Pulling up in the campus ministry van, you can't help but smile when you see all those faces light up. They know that we have come to help because we really care. Being able to give people in need a little bit of joy always leaves me with an incredible feeling of fulfillment and purpose."
Throughout her childhood, Lori was encouraged to seek ways to give back and serve others. Joining her church's youth group and participating in community service at a young age instilled in her a responsibility towards helping those most disadvantaged.
"After I graduated from high school it was important for me to be able to continue working in the community with people my age who share the same beliefs that I do. St. John's does a wonderful job of creating opportunities for the whole student body to be involved in service."
Driven to Succeed
Lori, an accomplished junior distance runner, was attracted to St. John's for both its athletic reputation and its highly regarded Vincentian mission to serve others and make a real difference in the world. Her sense of compassion, combined with a love of working with children, compelled her to pursue a career in education.
"I want to use my education and experience to help others and St. John's has given me the ability to do just that. I have traveled to Paris, France with The School of Education to teach English in middle and high schools, helped special needs children learn how to read and developed important leadership skills as a member of the women's cross country team."
Being involved in organizations like the Education Society, Jumpstart and S.T.A.R., while receiving helpful support from faculty mentors along the way has made the last couple of years for Lori a period of personal growth and exploration.
"I love every aspect of college," says Lori. "People ask me how I do so much, but I believe it's all about going after the things you want in life."
Prepared to Make a Difference
All of her experiences have prepared Lori to become not only an effective educator but an individual capable of making a sustainable difference in the lives of others.
"Once I enter the classroom, I will be teaching children from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Knowing that I have had an impact on the lives of so many people already has given me the confidence to know that I really can be an inspiration to others - that I truly can make a difference."
Players Mentioned
