Everyone has different views on what it means to be an involved student. For junior criminal justice major Emmely Suarez, it means taking risks, embracing challenges and turning uncertainty into purpose.
But her journey did not start that way.
Suarez entered as a diplomacy major in her freshman year but soon realized that she was struggling to adjust. After breaking her straight-A streak and receiving a 3.0 GPA, she began to question her place at the university.
“I had always been a first-honor student, so that was hard,” Suarez said. “And I think in that time, had I not had that mentorship, I would have given up.”
That mentor encouraged her to get involved and apply to become a Peer Advisor. That single decision changed everything.
“Being a Peer Advisor changed my entire trajectory,” she said. “And in that, I really want to help other pre-law students. The impacts I’ve had and the connections I’ve made have been because I was a Peer Advisor.”
Starting as a peer advisor coordinator for the Center of Academic Success, Suarez worked with both students and advisors one-on-one. She also served on the founding executive board of Operation Smile , as secretary.
Today, Suarez is an active student leader on campus. She is president of the Pre-Law Student Association, a peer advisor for the Center of Academic Success, a member of the Buccino Leadership Institute, a scholar at the Joseph A Unanue Latino Institute and a student board member for the Pre-Law Leadership Alliance.
Suarez is also involved in Adelante and represents criminal justice students on the Dean’s Undergraduate Student Cabinet.
Through her various roles, Suarez found not only her confidence but also her passion for helping others. As a leader, she focuses on giving back to students who may feel the same uncertainty she once did.
Whether she is organizing events or mentoring peers, her goal is simple: make a difference.
One of her proudest accomplishments has been helping to plan the P-PAC Pre-Law launch event last May. After months of preparation, seeing it come to life was a full-circle moment.
As an LSAT Demon Harbinger, she partnered with them to provide discounts for pre-law students, expanding access to important resources.
Despite her packed schedule, Suarez has found ways to stay organized and balanced.
Suarez said she relies heavily on her digital calendar and prioritizes writing everything down. More importantly, she has learned to stay firm in her commitments while still making time for what matters most.
“‘I can’t do it’ will never leave my mouth; I will find the time to do it,” Suarez said. “I definitely have days where I just have to cry it out and days where I wish I had more arms and a twin that could do it for me, but every day, I’m just so thankful to be here.”
Outside of campus, Suarez values spending time with her family.
When her schedule clears, she spends time with loved ones, including her niece, siblings and her dogs; Yankee, named after the music artist, and Minnie, named after Minnie Mouse.
As both an aunt and a godmother, she strives to be a role model and create a better future for her niece and the next generation.
“As a first-generation student, I never want [my niece] to struggle like I struggled,” Suarez said. “I want to make sure that she has it better, easier and loves her college experience without worrying about finances, without worrying about disappointing anyone.”
Another motivator is her background and faith. Suarez shared that coming to Seton Hall became a very meaningful decision.
“My faith is important to me,” Suarez said. “I did originally come to Seton Hall because one, it’s Catholic, and I grew up Catholic, and two, La Mitad del Mundo, in Ecuador, where I’m from, looks exactly like what the Green looks like.”
She explained that the landmark’s center point, which is divided into different sections, mirrors the layout of the campus.
“I felt like that was a sign from God and my aunt who passed away that this was the right place for me,” she said. “And I guess that was also why I didn’t leave so easily.”
Looking ahead, Suarez plans to take her LSAT in the early fall, attend law school and someday work in Washington, D.C.—the epicenter of legislative actions.
Eventually, she wants to return to campus to mentor students just like others once did for her.
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that campus involvement has completely transformed her college experience. What once felt overwhelming and uncertain is now filled with purpose, leadership and growth.
For students who may feel nervous about getting involved, her message is clear.
“After a few years, no one will remember if you’re nervous or say the wrong thing,” Suarez said. “The only way to get over fear is to put yourself out there. Just do it.”
Suarez’s story is a reminder that all it takes is one step for opportunities to arise—and the rest becomes history.
Kassandrah Blake is a writer for The Setonian’s Features section. She can be reached at kassandrah.blake@student.shu.edu.
