Leading Today, Teaching Tomorrow

SGA President Emma Sasso ’26 has a passion for working with people and a desire to make a positive impact

Emma Sasso ’26 came to St. Joseph’s University, New York already set on her future of becoming a teacher. Currently in her senior year, the child study major is ready and eager to apply what she has learned on campus, and through one of SJNY’s study away opportunities, to the real world.

The desire to be an educator was inspired by Sasso’s mother, who is a third-grade teacher.

“When I was younger, I loved helping her set up her classroom and listening to the stories she shared with me throughout the school year. Those experiences inspired me to follow in her footsteps,” said Sasso. “She often told me I would make a great teacher one day after seeing how naturally I connected with younger family members, and her encouragement continues to guide me on my journey.”

Sasso chose St. Joseph’s for its smaller class sizes and one-on-one connections with professors, not knowing that the decision would shape her into the person she is today.

When she first got to St. Joseph’s, Sasso made the decision to join the Eaglettes Kickline Club, combining her passion for dance with a desire to create meaningful and lasting connections. In the spring of her freshman year, she took a bold step outside of the traditional college path by participating in the Disney College Program, an internship where students live and work at Walt Disney World Resort. There, she developed her communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced and guest-focused environment. The experience further fueled her passion for working with people and desire to make a positive impact.

Upon returning to campus, the opportunity arose to run for treasurer of SJNY’s Best Buddies chapter, and Sasso embraced it. The experience deepened her involvement within the student life program, but also paved the way for future leadership roles.

Sasso has continued to grow her leadership skills by becoming an orientation team leader, Student Government Association [SGA] secretary, and most recently president of SGA.

As the president of SGA on the Long Island Campus, Sasso views her position not as a role or title, but as a way to give back to the St. Joseph’s community while continuing to strengthen skills she will use in her future classroom.

“I am passionate about fostering a positive impact on others, whether it’s through mentoring freshmen as an orientation leader, supporting students as SGA president, or helping children grow as a future educator,” she said.

Throughout her four years at St. Joseph’s, Sasso has become a more confident, patient and adaptable leader, excited to make a meaningful impact on young children as a teacher.

“I’ve learned that small acts of support and guidance can make a big difference, and that drives me every day,” she concluded.