John Pontius `10

I often reflect on and am proud of the many things I learned during my time at St. Lawrence.

I participated on sports teams, governing bodies, as well as clubs and organizations. However, one of my more memorable experiences was studying abroad in Kenya during my junior year. Before I applied, I concentrated my studies on Colonial American and African history. I was particularly interested in African history so I spent a semester in Kenya learning how historical events have shaped the country’s current social environment.

When I returned to St. Lawrence, I was given the opportunity to conduct a research project through the history department. I worked with Professor Matthew Carotenuto, and focused my research on the rise of Kenyan political parties during the female circumcision crises of the 1920s. With a grant funded by the history department, I was able to travel to Syracuse University to view rare slides housed in their microfilm collection.

While a SLU student, I spent three summers working various internships. During my first two summers at St. Lawrence, I worked for the New York State Senate in Albany where I was a legislative assistant. The next summer, I worked for a marketing company based in the Boston area. I am interested in a career in either business or law.