Whether it’s in the classroom, leading a club, or serving her community, Asma Hosein lives out the St. Joseph’s University, New York motto Esse non videri — “To be, not to seem” — every day.
A child study major with a concentration in psychology, Hosein stands up as a leader once more this spring, as she represents the Long Island Campus as its Class of 2023 valedictorian.
“I feel incredibly honored and grateful to be named valedictorian,” Hosein said. “Words cannot express how fortunate I am to be given the opportunity to represent my class. It makes me feel proud of the hard work I have put into my academics and various leadership positions over the past four years.”
Hosein shared her valedictory address with her fellow classmates at the Long Island Campus Toast to the Graduates event April 29.
Dedicated to St. Joseph’s
Hosein’s commitment to St. Joseph’s five pillars became abundantly clear even before she started attending the University, having been selected as a recipient of the University’s Presidential Scholarship.
Throughout her four years at St. Joseph’s University, Hosein served in many leadership roles, including co-program director for Campus Activities Board (CAB), co-founder and president of the CEC/Educators Club, orientation team leader and planning committee member, president of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, senate member of the Student Government Association, member of the Student Alumni Association, co-founder and treasurer of the Women’s Empowerment Club, vice president of the Muslim Student Association, and member of the LEAD program.
She’s also been the recipient of many awards at the University, has been named to four different honor societies and has made the Dean’s List each semester.
“My favorite memory from my time at St. Joseph’s is CAB’s Charity Field Day,” the Selden resident said. “The funds from this event went to a local teen with a rare skin condition. A lot of students, alumni, faculty and staff showed up to support this cause.
“Students were enthusiastic and had a great time,” Hosein continued. “It was amazing to see people come together, compete, make friends and have a great time. I love planning events, so this initiative is one I will always remember.”
Dedicated to Service
Hosein’s drive to help others also shines through in her community service. She served as coordinator and tutor for a program where St. Joseph’s students tutored students in the Patchogue-Medford School District. Additionally, she’s served in many positions at the Selden Mosque, including coordinator of SMYLES, a summer leadership program; kindergarten teacher at Saturday School; co-coordinator and vice principal of the mosque’s summer program; and co-coordinator of the Muslim Girls’ Youth Group.
Hosein is enrolled to begin pursuing her M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at St. Joseph’s next fall. She has also landed a position in the Patchogue-Medford School District.
“I will continue to be an active alumna through the Student Alumni Association and seek out further opportunities that may come my way in the field of education,” Hosein said.
She’s excited to take this next step after graduating.
“I will continue to represent St. Joseph’s motto, Esse non videri, in all my future endeavors and dedicate my time to being a leader,” she said. “I have a lot of passion and ambition that I will use to help others and make a difference in the world.”
