Spotlight: Senior Riley Turner

Spotlight

Riley Turner’s SelfJourney Helps Others By Debbie Lewis

Although Riley Turner ’22 changed his major three times, he never lost his focus on learning. His passion for poetry led him first to choose English Secondary Education. But he realized he did not want to grade papers and evaluate the “ideas of others.” He wanted to spark his own ideas. “What drives me as a human being is learning,” said Turner. “I always want to know things, ask questions, read ahead in the books and subjects I’m interested in. When I was younger, I actually wanted to be a marine biologist.”

He enjoyed tutoring science when he was a student at Neshaminy High School, so with that in mind, he changed his major to Biology Secondary Education. During his practicum, student teaching chemistry at the New Foundations Charter School, Turner determined he wanted to spend more time in the lab exploring his own curiosity. He declared Biology as his third and final major.

“If I could be the next Steve Irwin, that would take me to the moon and back,” said Turner. “Fortunately, the University supported my transition, and I’ve had a terrific advisor in Dr. Elizabeth Carroll, who helped me navigate to where I am today.”

In addition to his quest for knowledge, Turner is one of Holy Family’s most active students. He works 30 to 40 hours a week, as a Student Ambassador for the Office of Admissions and also in the Bookstore, to put himself through college. He participates regularly with Campus Ministry, and has served two years as Chapter Director for Holy Family’s Habitat for Humanity chapter.

“Riley has been a terrific advocate for our campus chapter and our overall Habitat experience,” said Michael McNulty-Bobholz M’11, Associate Vice President of Student Life. “He was the one who rallied our students to get through the challenges we faced this past Alternative Spring Break building new homes in Alabama. When the going got tough, he motivated us.”

This year, Turner will assume a new role as Collegiate Challenge Coordinator, planning the details for the 2021 Alternative Spring Break trip. He also will continue to lead student volunteer efforts at Habitat build sites throughout Bucks County and staffing the local Habitat Restore. He is as comfortable planning as he is up on a roof, or showing others how to use various tools to build homes.

“I can’t imagine my Holy Family experience without Habitat for Humanity,” said Turner. “There’s so much heartache in the world, and I’m an able-bodied person who can do good things. I hope to inspire others to go out and make a difference.”