The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to Johnnies Blog—your essential guide to college. From making friends and navigating New York City, to building a career-ready degree, our student stories and expert advice bring the college experience to life. Whether you’re exploring majors, planning to apply, or seeking support for a balanced and purposeful college journey, we’re here to inform, inspire, and connect you every step of the way.
St. john's university student in a red cap and gown

What Helped Me Succeed as an International Student? A Mentor Who Believed in Me

Starting college is a big step—but doing it in a completely different country? That takes a special kind of courage. When Antonia Cuellar Urrutia ’25C arrived in New York from Santiago, Chile, she was excited, determined, and far outside her comfort zone. Everything felt new—she had to get used to a new city, culture, and language. 

But amid it all, she found something that changed everything: mentorship.

St. John's University RISE network mentorship program

The Power of Mentorship: For Career Development

Do you ever feel lost when it comes to planning your career? Imagine having someone who has already been through the same experience and is happy to share their knowledge with you. They can guide you, answer your questions, and support you—that’s the power of mentorship.

In this blog post, we dive into the benefits of having a mentor for career development and equip you with the knowledge and tools to embark on your mentorship journey.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
group of male and female students standing together smiling

Enhance Your College Success with Peer Mentorship

The first year of college can be both exciting and challenging. It can take time to adjust to the new environment, meet new people, and navigate academic expectations; that’s where mentor programs come in. Having a mentor can significantly impact your experience and provide plenty of long-term benefits beyond your college years. 

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Maj. Gen. Joseph A. McNeil, Bill Freeman and Joseph McNeil Jr.

My Grandfather, One-Quarter of the Greensboro Four

On February 1, 1960, four African American first-year students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) courageously took seats at a “White only” F.W. Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. This seemingly small act of defiance in the South sparked similar protests for racial equality and civil disobedience across the United States.

Kimimila
Kimimila wi McNeil, Class of 2025
Standing portrait of student on campus

Student Perspective: Lessons I’ve Learned as an Orientation Leader

For business Management major Joel G. Stephen, choosing to become a campus Orientation Leader was the perfect fit. In today’s Q&A, Joel shares more on the benefit of taking on a campus leadership role and how it continues to positively impact his college journey.