David J Seale

“Spending twelve to sixteen hours at my desk or some corner of the library is not uncommon for me. I always have equations to balance, speeches to practice, application essays to craft, or nails to bite. My friends call me a perfectionist, and joke about my New Years Day tradition of updating my ‘Life Trajectory Plan.’”

  • Program: 2011 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Denville, NJ
  • Hometown: East Hanover, NJ
  • Age: 26

Biography

Profile: For David Seale, community college was his ticket to the future.  David grew up poor in material things but rich in spirit.  He and the County College of Morris were a perfect fit.  He thrived there both in and out of the classroom and became active with Phi Theta Kappa, was elected International Vice President and traveled around the nation speaking to various chapters.  Often when he spoke the message was about how experiences of community service and leadership are valuable elements of our education. “Rosa Parks was the African American woman who wouldn’t move to the back of the bus and ignited the civil rights movement. I use her story as an example of how someone with little leadership experience can make a great difference in their communities.”  For David, 24 hours in a day just didn’t seem to be enough to do all that needs to be done.  In addition to taking a full-course load at college, being involved with various community service organizations, and serving as a caregiver, he also managed a liquor store near his home in northern New Jersey. 

Inspiration:  David had a teacher at Hanover Park High School in New Jersey “whose impact on me is ineffable.” In David’s teenage years, his father was dying and family life was very difficult. “This teacher, with whom I shared much in common, spent a lot of one on one time with me. He came to be something of a role model for me.”

Aspiration:  After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees it is David’s hope to work in International Sustainable Economic Development.

Making a Difference: The list of service organizations to which David has given his time over the years fills a page of his resume.  But for David his tenure as Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa ranks at the top of his experiences.  “My most salient accomplishment was the  privelege of representing hundreds of thousands of Phi Theta Kappans at the international level.”

Accolades:  David was selected as a member to the All-USA First Academic Team and also was named New Jersey’s New Century Scholar.  In addition, David was awarded a Guistwhite Scholarship.

Interesting Fact:  No matter how old he gets, David said he still looks up to Spiderman!   “With great power comes great responsibility!”

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