First-Year Mentoring

A Letter from the Director of First-Year Mentoring

Dear St. John’s University Community,

Starting college is an extraordinary milestone, one filled with excitement, curiosity, and new beginnings. It can also come with moments of uncertainty and challenges. That’s why the Office of First-Year Mentoring is here: to ensure every new student feels supported, empowered, and connected from day one.

At St. John’s University, we are proud to offer two signature mentoring programs E.P.I.C. and R.I.S.E. Network, each uniquely designed to meet students where they are and help them grow into where they are meant to be.

Two Pathways. One Mission: Student Success

E.P.I.C. (Establish Relationships, Promote Possibilities, Impact Direction, Confirm Next Steps)

E.P.I.C. is a flexible, virtual peer-to-peer mentoring program that allows students to connect with trained upper-year mentors on their own schedule. Whether through messaging, video calls, or guided conversations, students can access meaningful mentorship right from their phone or laptop anytime, anywhere. It’s mentoring on your terms.

R.I.S.E. (Reach, Inspire, Succeed, Empower)

The R.I.S.E. Network is a hands-on, in-person mentoring experience rooted in community and leadership. Through group gatherings, one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and social events, R.I.S.E. creates a vibrant, supportive space where students are equipped to thrive academically and personally.

Whether you choose the flexible support of E.P.I.C. or the immersive community of R.I.S.E., both programs offer:

A personalized match with an experienced student mentor
Academic, personal, and professional development guidance
Events, resources, and opportunities tailored to first-year success

Why Mentorship Matters

Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice; it’s about unlocking potential. It’s about having someone walk beside you who believes in your ability to succeed, even when you’re still finding your footing. Studies show that mentored students are more likely to persist in college, feel connected to campus, and reach their goals. But beyond statistics, it’s the personal stories that inspire us most.

As actor and activist Denzel Washington once said:

“Show me a successful individual, and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in their life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well, I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.”

At St. John’s, we believe every student deserves that cheerleader, that guide, that mentor. Our E.P.I.C. and R.I.S.E. mentors are trained to offer support with compassion, cultural awareness, and an authentic desire to uplift others.

Join Us

The journey through college is not meant to be traveled alone. Whether you’re seeking support, connection, or simply someone to talk to, our mentors are ready to meet you with open hearts and real experience.

Ready to get started?

If you have any questions, I invite you to reach out to me directly at [email protected]. We can’t wait to welcome you into our mentoring community.

Stay Great,

Amber Wilson
Director, First-Year Mentoring Programs

Our Staff

Amber Wilson
Director of First-Year Mentoring
718-990-5383
[email protected]

Ulises Garcia Jr., M.A.
Assistant Director of First-Year Mentoring
718-990-5269
[email protected]