Jan 5, 2010 9:06:55 AM

Crystal Ferguson, a two-sport student-athlete at John Jay, is serving for the next four months as an intern at the White House.

Ferguson, a sophomore who plays varsity basketball and also competes in cross country, began the internship Monday after appearing in four basketball games this season, including the Bloodhounds' game Saturday at Catholic in Washington, D.C.

Ferguson's internship runs through May 7.

"When I first found out I got the internship, I was crying," Ferguson said. "I hope to make as many connections as possible, learn as much as I can and represent myself and John Jay College to the best of my ability."

She emerged from a competitive application process to be selected from among hundreds of candidates for the internship.

Ferguson, a major in the school's program in deviant behavior and social control, submitted a resume, completed two essays, was interviewed by phone by a White House representative and obtained three letters of recommendation as part of the application process.

The aspiring attorney hopes to be assigned to the White House Office of Political Affairs.

Ferguson already has an impressive resume, having participated during fall 2007 in a leadership-training program offered by the All-Star Project. That experience led to a paid summer internship during the summer of 2008 with one of the program's sponsoring companies.

She also has worked in the office of Lenora Fulani, a political activist and former presidential candidate who has founded and directs programs serving minority communities in the New York City area. Ferguson also is youth choir director and assistant director of the children's choir in her church in New York City.

At John Jay, Ferguson competed in six of the Bloodhounds' eight cross country races last fall, finishing 26th individually at the City University of New York Athletic Conference championships.

"The department of athletics is very proud of Crystal for her accomplishments," said Dan Palumbo, John Jay director of athletics. "This is as great opportunity for her. I am confident she will do a great job as she continues striving toward her career goals."