Senior JJ Tauil knows what it’s like to get the full Fordham experience. As a student in the Gabelli School of Business, he’s taking advantage of one of Fordham’s top programs. On top of that, he is one of Fordham’s many student-athletes, dedicating his time and talents to the Men’s Tennis team. So what makes him so special? He balancing school work and practice all while stepping into leadership roles (see “What activities are you involved in?” below) in both aspects of his college career. Whether you’ve seen him around campus or watched him in a match, here’s your chance to learn more about JJ.
Where are you from? Hewlett, New York
What year are you? Senior
What is your major? Finance major, economics minor value investing specialization
What activities are you involved in? Fordham tennis captain, National Association For Black Accountants Vice President (NABA), and Finance Society
How did you decide to come to Fordham? I’m originally from Harlem and have a lot of close family in the city and also wanted to be close to my immediate family in Long Island. We were building a great tennis program and were the 23rd best recruiting class in the country. And my goals to eventually work in finance meant being in the finance capital of the world would be a smart move.
Do you have any tips for students who are trying to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars, and other obligations like internships? Focus on your goals and on the reasons you’re at school. It’s really easy to get distracted by externalities but if you keep a mind set work hard now play hard later your results will be exponentially greater.
What’s your favorite thing about New York? Favorite thing about New York is everything. But if I had to pick something it would be the food. Being Dominican food is a big part of my culture and life and I love trying and seeking out new foods as well as restaurants.
Do you have a favorite NYC memory? Favorite NYC memory was my first game at the garden watching the bulls play the Knicks. Although I’m from New York I’m a die hard Bulls fan because of my dad.
What’s on your NYC bucket list? Jet ski on the Hudson
Do you have a favorite Fordham memory? My favorite Fordham memory was setting the record for most wins by the men’s tennis team in the schools history.
What’s your favorite class you’ve taken at Fordham? Behavioral finance with Dean Mario Difiore
If you could give one piece of advice to a Fordham collegiette, what would it be? Remember that you go to school in the best city in the world that’s a lot bigger than tri bar.
What’s your dream job? Top executive at a real estate fund
Who is your favorite professor at Fordham? Dean Mario Difiore
What’s one thing everyone would be surprised to learn about you? I love country music and the NHL
Pick one!
Bronx Zoo or Botanical Gardens? Bronx zoo
Arthur Ave or Fordham Road? Arthur Ave
Cafeteria or Grille? Grille
RamVan or Subway? Depends where I’m tryna go but I try to take the metro north as much as I can worth the extra few bucks
Met or MoMA? Met
Hot Dog or Bagel? Bagel. I’m a New Yorker.
Broadway or Off-Broadway? Off-Broadway. New York has so much more to offer than that one avenue.
Radio City or Madison Square Garden? MSG
Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge? Central Park