For JJ Demetrius ’26, Arcadia University has been a gateway to exploring the world, forming connections, and growing both personally and professionally. A Creative Writing major from Lansdale, Pa., Demetrius’ Arcadia experience began with a defining opportunity abroad.

“When I was accepted to Arcadia, I got admitted into our First-Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE) in London, and since studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, I immediately signed up,” they said. “My experience studying abroad in London taught me so many life lessons at such a young age that I knew I wanted to start making my impact on the world as soon as I could. I felt I could use my experience to inspire others to become as open in all aspects as I did through it.”

That experience led to deeper involvement on campus, including positions with the Study Abroad Mentor Program (STAMP), the Civic Scholars program, and as a student ambassador, a writer for Because Arcadia, and the Admissions social media team. 

“Becoming an ambassador, STAMP, peer mentor, and more after studying abroad has allowed me to have a special effect on prospective students and help them feel confident to go down the same path I did,” Demetrius said. “Overall, I hope that I was able to be at least a fraction as impactful to the students I’ve helped as my student leaders were to me.”

That focus on connection carried into their role as a peer mentor in the First-Year Seminar Advocacy in Action, which all first-year Civic Scholars are required to take.

“I was quite hesitant to accept the role because I had no prior experience in mentoring or teaching of the sort, but my connections with our Civic and Global Engagement program and my student leadership roles, I was ready for the challenge,” Demetrius said. “It was a great experience for the students to begin their college career and an opportunity for me to learn how much I loved being a part of the classroom as a peer mentor. They probably ended up teaching me more than I taught them, but the bonds I made and the knowledge I gained from these experiences are absolutely irreplaceable.”

Though they have supported other students for years, Demetrius’ path was not without its challenges.

“Throughout most of my life, I have dealt with mental health issues, which have always affected my schooling in some way,” they said. “Accepting my diagnoses as a part of myself rather than who I am has allowed me to be so open about how I’m feeling. This mindset has helped me in every way: classes, jobs, friends, graduation, etc.”

One of Demetrius’ most cherished moments came when they spoke to prospective students about their study abroad experience at a FYSAE lunch.

“After giving my speech, I felt relieved from the anxiety, but of course filled with so much joy and love for my experience, which was all thanks to Arcadia,” Demetrius said. “I have seen in real time how sharing these stories and giving advice has lit a spark of love for study abroad in these prospective students, and becoming someone I wish I had talked to before I went is what I aim to do.”

As graduation approaches, Demetrius plans to take time to reflect and recharge.

“My current after-graduation plan is to take a well-deserved break,” they said. “I plan on focusing mostly on my mental health… and honestly just seeing what makes me feel fulfilled.”