By: John Jay Sports Information
This week, johnjayathletics.com caught up with former student-athlete Yotam Bloom ('16). Bloom was a four-year veteran of the men's soccer program. The midfielder was a scholar-athlete and an International Criminal Justice major. Off the field, he dedicated his time and efforts to volunteer for Meals on Wheels. A native of Tel Aviv, Israel, Yotam credits John Jay Athletics on helping him adjust to a new lifestyle in a new country.
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
Life after John Jay has taken me away from the International Criminal Justice field and into the Hospitality field, where I have held and continue to hold various managerial and directorial roles. Not where I thought life would take me, but as many graduates find themselves after graduation, your interests and career paths can change at any moment.
2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
On a professional level, I am most proud that I was able to fast rise into my roles in an industry that I'm passionate about, in an industry where I have found my calling. On a personal level, managing to make it through two master's degrees while working full-time to get my career off the ground.
3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
There are so many things that I am proud of from my time as a Bloodhound. Two come to mind when thinking about how to answer this question. The first; the go-ahead goal that I scored against NJCU my freshman year. This game was significant in many different aspects. It broke a long-standing losing streak that John Jay had against NJCU. It was also a goal that I had dedicated to a childhood friend from Israel, who had just lost his mother – who I had known my entire life and treated and cared for me like I was her own. The second thing that I am most proud of was spending four years with a group of guys that was part of a process that helped build a strong foundation and pave the way to make the men's soccer program strong and successful for years past our time. Watching this team win the CUNY Championship was a proud moment even if it was years after we left. I am proud to have had the coaches we had, from Chris Weeks, Nate Bell, and Brad Johnson, each of them taught us different things to reach the same goal.
4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
As simple as it sounds, don't take those four years for granted. They were honestly some of the best years I've had, and I miss that team every day. From my coaches, to my teammates, to spending hours upon hours in the training room nursing injuries. I wouldn't trade the time I had. These years will flash by you, enjoy it as much as you can. Learn from your coaches, from your teammates, and from those surrounded by you whose purpose is to help you succeed. Don't get discouraged if you graduate without a plan, or not knowing where you want your career to end up. College for me opened doors to things in life I didn't expect, it opened the door to a path I didn't know I would become so passionate about.
5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
While I've always had a strong work ethic, John Jay helped me improve that characteristic. John Jay is a unique school, where majority of the student body puts themselves through school, while working 1,2,3 full-time jobs, caring for their family, while studying simultaneously. Coming from a different country, John Jay also helped me get accustomed to the vast cultures that New York has to offer. As the city can be a culture shock to anyone coming from a foreign place, it was incredible to see.
6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I play pickup every now and then but my last game senior year was certainly my last competitive game. Through pick up, some in line skating, always try to keep yourself fit and healthy outside of the competitiveness.
2021 Men's Soccer Update: The men's soccer team just completed their regular season schedule and will gear up for the CUNYAC postseason tournament starting with the quarterfinals on Wednesday, September 27.
To view all of the previous Alumni Spotlights, please visit www.johnjayathletics.com/alumnispotlight.
Follow John Jay Athletics
Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ YouTube
