The call to serve others lies at the root of the mission of SJC. Likewise, for Jessica and Jaden Mecham — freshman twin sisters and softball players out of Copper Hills High School in West Jordan, Utah — the need to serve others runs just as deep.
“I love participating in community service because I like to make other people happy,” said Jessica, a child study major and a pitcher for SJC Brooklyn. “It also makes me realize how fortunate I am and gives me a chance to express my gratitude through serving others.”
In their short time at the Clinton Hill campus, Jessica and Jaden have immersed themselves into campus life. Their community service efforts include participating in the annual Breast Cancer Walk, the NSSHLA Teen Club and the First Year Experience Day of Service. Their most notable contribution to date was their service to the Guild for Exceptional Children, a school for differently abled children.
Active in Community Service
“Both Jessica and Jaden have been active in community service since the moment they arrived on campus,” said Sherrie Van Arnam, vice president for student life at SJC Brooklyn. “In particular, their instant connection and involvement with one of the College’s long-standing partners, the Guild for Exceptional Children, made our annual fundraising event a great success.”
Jaden Mecham, a nursing major who catches and plays first-base for the Bears, said she and her sister are anxious to continue taking part in service projects.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what new projects emerge — as long as I help make people’s lives easier each time I engage in an act of service,” she said.
Consistent with SJC’s Mission
Rosemarie Hamlin, M.S. CCC-SLP, assistant professor and associate chair of communication studies at SJC Brooklyn, said the Mecham sisters’ willingness and ability to help others is consistent with the mission and values of St. Joseph’s College.
“They have volunteered at several events for young adults with developmental disabilities — they immediately made a connection and instinctively knew how to relate in a positive and meaningful way,” Hamlin said.