Alexandra Cortese is a Sophomore at John Jay College, majoring in Law & Society (BA) and minoring in English Literature.
Alexandra has previously served as the Web Editor for The Sentinel during the 2022-2023 year and is now the Managing Editor. Alexandra’s love for writing motivates her to also write freelance for the student-led newspaper and has been doing so since September 2022.
Next year, Alexandra plans to take the LSAT, a crucial step in fulfilling her life-long dream of becoming the first attorney and college graduate in her immediate family. Alexandra is also a member of The John Jay Law Society and the John Jay Honors Program and is a Research Assistant at The Legal Disruption Project. A faculty-advised research project administered in John Jay requires RA’s (which are John Jay students) to analyze the effects laws have on peers’ lives. Specifically in regard to gentrification and human rights violations.
Alexandra’s favorite story she has written is “Greek Life at CUNY.” She has always been fascinated by Greek life. She even rushed to a sorority. But, upon consideration, Alexandra realized it wasn’t fulfilling for her personality. Greek life is controversial, and she feels her story pushes the envelope on that subject matter, in the voice of John Jay students. Alexandra’s story dives into the stained reputation of Greek life and how John Jay sorority and fraternity members are challenging that narrative by emphasizing diversity, equity concerns, and community service.
Alexandra’s favorite quote is “And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” - J.K. Rowling. The past year has been an abundance of hardships for her family. But no matter how mentally challenging a day was, Alexandra remained determined to accomplish her professional goals.
