Santos '15 Does It All

By Kasie Lyons

Jeffrey Santos, 21, of Beverly, Massachusetts, has never been one to sit on the sidelines.

 His list of accomplishments and activities are almost as tall as his 6’4” frame. From being accepted to the Moreau Honors Program as a freshman, working 20 hours a week, starring in the college’s production of Footloose, interning in the nation’s capital, and singing with Stonehill College’s coed a capplla group, Surround Sound, Santos has no room in his schedule for downtime and that’s the way he likes it.

 “I was very involved in high school. So when I got to college I wanted to take it slow because of how overwhelmed I was senior year, but then I got to Stonehill and I realized that you can’t change the essence of who you are,” Santos said.

 Being involved is not only a defining feature of Santos’ life, but he said it also helps him prioritize.

 “I work well under pressure. It makes me better with time management,” Santos said.

 Santos credits his semesters spent off-campus with teaching him how to juggle and deal with pressure. 

When he studied abroad, he learned how to be alone. Studying at the University College of London, which has an enrollment of over 26,000 students, was a big change for Santos.

 “It was my first time being alone.” Santos said. “Eight people from my high school went to Stonehill, so it was my first time being by myself.”

 How did being alone help?

 “I learned that exploring a new place by yourself can be one of the greatest things a person can do. You’re left to your own devices and all that makes you is kind of stripped away, and what’s left is who you truly are,” Santos said.

 When he came back to campus in the spring of his junior year, Santos found himself back with the crowd. As Student Government Association Executive President, he must be approachable and active on campus. As a result, Santos is one of the most recognizable students on campus.

 “It’s unusual for me to walk to class and not see someone I know.” Santos said. “I’m definitely a people person. But I also enjoy my alone time once in a while to regroup and process life.”

 Santos, as executive president, must stay up to date on campus issues and serve as an open bridge between staff and students. This means staying neutral on issues, which Santos admitted can be a struggle.

 “As president the hardest thing is being neutral. I’m supposed to facilitate conversation and not add my own opinions, which is hard because I’m very opinionated.” Santos said.

 Santos does have a strong view on the importance of family.

 What are his long term goals?

 “My biggest goal is to enjoy my career and have a family. That’s always been my number one dream because I am very family driven and I love tradition.” Santos said.

 As for short term goals? Santos is looking ahead to graduation in the spring.

 “I want to graduate with high honors.” Santos said.

Published in Stonehill College's newspaper The Summit