John-Paul Cheluget
Eldoret, Kenya
Class Of: 2012

Campus: Manhattan
Major: M.S., Human Resources Management

As the graduate student director of the new Community Service Center (CSC) in Manhattan, John-Paul Cheluget has a win-win. His new role not only gives him real-world experience as he studies for his master's degree in human resources management, but it also reinforces his-and his family's-lifelong commitment to service. Born in Eldoret, Kenya, John-Paul and his family moved to India when he was five years old and he credits his knowledge of English to their six years there. After attending high school in Kenya, Jean Paul set his sights on Manhattan and earned his undergraduate degree at Manhattanville College before 2009. When he set about looking for a graduate school to continue his studies, friend and former supervisor John Agnelli (NYIT-Manhattan Dean of Campus Life) suggested that he apply to NYIT. The rest, as they say, is history. John-Paul took the time to answer our questions about his family, his plans, and the new CSC:

Three Questions for: John-Paul Cheluget

Your parents obviously played a large role in all your decisions, from attending school here in New York to your future plans. How so?

I would have to say that both my parents are my role models. They have both been extremely supportive to my siblings and I. One of my father's goals was to serve his country. He worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya for a long time even when times were rough. He managed to pursue his ultimate goal of being an ambassador and he has done it. Both my parents pursued their college degrees in the United States and are now making a difference in their communities. My father is currently the High Commissioner of Kenya to Zambia and Malawi and is also the Permanent Representative to COMESA. My mother is a professor at Kenyatta University. All I want to do is make them proud and make a difference.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to graduate with my master's degree in human resource management from NYIT and hopefully get a full time job in New York. Once I get more work experience I plan on going back to Kenya and following my father's footsteps. I've always been interested in diplomacy and politics, so one day I hope to be a diplomat for my country and travel the world and experience different cultures.

Tell us a little more about the new CSC?

The student-managed Community Service Center (CSC) promotes, facilitates, and organizes community service for members of the NYIT community, especially students within clubs, organizations, and athletics. It strives to respond effectively to needs identified by community agencies by empowering and uniting the campus to effect social change through direct service. In promoting service, the center hopes to support a lifetime commitment to social justice. I'm excited about CSC because it is a new program and there are limitless opportunities in New York City. NYIT is extremely diverse and I feel that students have the ability to make a difference in their community through many of their unique experiences. I want to be a part of it. Through my experiences I know that anything is possible, especially in New York City.