Asma Sarwary was born and raised in Queens, New York. She
initially had wanted to attend an out-of-state college, but
practical financial considerations coupled with generous financial
aid and proximity to home led her to choose St. John’s. Asma
applied, received a good scholarship and the rest is history in the
making. She has become a Communication Arts major in the College of
Professional Studies and has made firm connections as a program
host at the campus radio station, WSJU, 590 AM.
Music is a major part of Asma’s life — listening to anything
ranging from Japanese artists like Utada Hikaru, Korean groups like
DBSK and rock groups like Nine Inch Nails. Always her dream to work
in radio, perhaps as a disc jockey, Asma has still been mindful of
the uncertainties behind the microphone. So, Asma decided to add a
business minor to her communications major. Though a career in
radio, media or video games is her major goal, she also enjoys
working with children. Having previously worked as a math tutor and
camp counselor, Asma may one day decide to become an elementary
school teacher or try to have a career that incorporates both music
and children.
Asma was consistently involved in after school activities while
a student at William Cullen Bryant High School. She was president
of that school’s Key Club, the National Honor Society and its
Photography Club. She has maintained this active involvement at St.
John’s. One afternoon, she wandered into WSJU — St. John’s radio
station — and since that day she has become an avid and dedicated
staff member and on-air personality. She has since become a loud
rock disc jockey and is currently the station’s Loud Rock Director.
WSJU Radio, the Voice of St. John’s University, is now one of the
places that fills her day after classes and has become a wonderful
home for her filled with great friends and good music.
While WSJU feels like a home to Asma, so does the Honors Commons in
St. Augustine Hall. Venturing into the commons the second day of
freshman year after her Discover New York class, she quickly became
friends with other members of the Honors Program. What has amazed
Asma most about them is their different interests and yet the
strong sense of collegiality they share. Asma has taken advantage
of the Honors Program’s many activities, from Manhattan walking
tours, to Honors Program underwritten ballet performances at the
New York City Ballet, the program’s Uncommon Hours, which are its
open house lunches, and its other activities. The program has
offered Asma not only small classes and great professors but also a
community of other students and activities.