Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Livingstone Harriott, a law student at St. John's University, is using his experiences from football to give back to his hometown of Central Islip on Long Island. Football played a significant role in shaping Harriott's life, providing him with lessons that continue to guide him as he pursues a career in law.

“I owe a lot of who I am to my experience playing football,” Harriott says. “Learning how to embrace challenges and adversity during the most stressful points in life and day to day is so important. What it takes to be successful, and how you respond to obstacles, are all experiences that are common to football.”

Harriott's journey took him from being a high school football star to playing as an Ivy League wide receiver at Brown University, where he earned honorable mention All-Ivy for his performance. After graduating from college and working at a tech startup, he decided to attend St. John’s Law. He is now in his final year and has spent the past two summers working at a top New York City law firm.

In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Harriott serves as president of the Federal Bar Association Law Student Division’s St. John’s Chapter. Despite his busy schedule, he returns to his high school stadium each summer to oversee the Central Islip Alumni Football Camp, an eight-day program where he teaches football techniques and foundational skills.

“Because of my appreciation for what sports have taught me, I want to give kids in my community that same opportunity for life-shaping experiences,” he shares.

Harriott plans to continue supporting youth sports as he completes his legal education and prepares for a career as a corporate attorney. “Many of the effects of letting youth sports deteriorate in our communities, especially under-served communities, are latent but have major impacts on student outcomes,” he says. “I want to push my community in the right direction, to inspire youth football players to be better versions of themselves on and off the field, and also inspire community leaders to do more."

He emphasizes that this effort is collaborative: "Together with former teammates who also volunteer their time, I have more in store to give back.”