John Jay Institute Fellow Profile - John Balonze
Education: Columbia University, B.S.; Fulbright Fellow, Galatasaray Universitesi; L'Institute d'Etudes Politques, M.A.; Regent University School of Law, J.D.; Universidad Abat Oliba, J.D.
Hometown: Woodland Park, New Jersey
Although he initially adhered to the typical conception of a merit-based relationship between God and man, John’s later exposure to the Gospel of grace led him into an intellectual and spiritual transformation. Realizing that self-interest was no virtue, he learned that surrendering completely to God’s will is required of the Christian. This spiritual pilgrimage from self-interest to the service of others piqued his intellectual curiosity in exploring the ideals of political liberty and the moral foundations of a just society. The John Jay Institute provided a thoroughly Christian integrative learning experience that helped him build a solid spiritual and intellectual foundation for his future. After his academic residency at the Institute, John interned at the U.S. Department of State. Ultimately he expects to be working in the fields of American constitutional law and international law and foreign policy in Europe, the Middle East, or Latin America.
What was the most memorable aspect of the Fellowship?
The opportunity to be taught by a world-class faculty was a true gift for me; one that I will always be reminded of as I remember the class gift we presented to the Institute, the replica of the British Royal Navy flagship, HMS Victory, whose commander, Adm. Horatio Nelson, was known for leading the vanguard at the Battle of Trafalgar with the famous words, “England expects that every man will do his duty.”
What was the most challenging aspect of the Fellowship?
Community. For some people, this comes naturally, but for more introverted individuals such as myself, who find themselves most comfortable reading a book or engaging in solitary activity, it can be challenging to spend so much time in a group setting. I enjoy friends but it was a real challenge for me to adjust to the informal “classroom” of the residence.
How has the Fellowship prepared you for your future vocation?
It gave me the opportunity to network, serve in the U.S. Department of State and ultimately shaped my vocational plans. Prior to the fellowship, I would not have considered entering the Judge Advocate General Corps of the U.S. military. Now, I am enthusiastic about this service to my country.
Tell us about your future plans.
I will spend the balance of the year serving at the U.S. Department of State, and next year, I will accept a commission to serve as an attorney for the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps.
What would you say to the donors who funded your Fellowship?
This program changes lives. The Fellowship inducted me into a true fraternity of like-minded peers and a network of men and women dedicated to sacrificing for the love of freedom and the service of God. I can’t overemphasize the degree to which alumni have gone out of their way for me, helping on various tasks, from the offer to help me find an apartment in Washington D.C. to the advice I received from alumni currently serving in the J.A.G. Corps of the U.S. military. There is a net under me of solid friends that I can turn to for help and that I can help, as a result of the Institute’s amazing ability to bring people together. Although this fraternity is still young, I believe it has the power in the long term to change the landscape of American politics. Thank you for providing me with this remarkable education. I feel truly prepared to engage in conversation on the great thinkers that have formed and continue to shape Western civilization, from the ancient Greeks to the modern voices, and to articulate the reasons undergirding my beliefs.
