First-Year Mentorship Success at St. John’s: Laura’s Story
Between navigating new classes, building friendships, and adjusting to life away from home, starting college can feel exciting and overwhelming. That’s why St. John’s University created first-year mentoring opportunities such as E.P.I.C. (Establish Relationships, Promote Possibilities, Impact Direction, Confirm Next Steps)—pairing first-year students with experienced peers who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
In this Q&A spotlight, we feature Laura Obuchowicz, a Biomedical Sciences student in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, who began her college journey as a mentee navigating challenges with the guidance of her mentor. Now, she has stepped into the role of an E.P.I.C. mentor, offering the same reassurance and care to first-year students just beginning their own journey.
What was the biggest surprise or challenge about starting college, and how did having a peer mentor help you navigate it?
The biggest challenge about starting college was finding myself in a completely new environment. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and displacement, unsure of where I fit in. I wanted so badly to feel like I belonged, and having a mentor gave me that sense of connection and comfort. They reminded me it’s okay to take time to adjust and that I wasn’t alone in feeling that way. Eventually, I realized I didn’t need to change who I was. I just had to open up, and that’s when I began building real, lasting connections that made St. John’s feel like home.
Related Blog: Enhance Your College Success with Peer Mentorship
Was there a moment when your mentor helped you feel less overwhelmed—or even more excited—about college life?
Yes. During finals week, I felt completely overwhelmed with assignments and exams, questioning how I was going to manage it all. My mentor sat with me and helped create a list of everything I needed to do, prioritized the most urgent tasks, and broke them down by day so I had a clear plan. They also checked in regularly and reminded me it was okay to take breaks, whether that meant grabbing a coffee or watching a few episodes of my favorite show. Their support helped me realize that college is not just about grades. It is also about learning how to take care of yourself while building skills like time management.
What inspired you to become an E.P.I.C. mentor yourself?
I wanted to make sure other first-year students felt supported, because I knew how challenging the high school-to-college adjustment could be. I wanted to be a person and a resource they could rely on, offering the same guidance, reassurance, and sense of belonging I received. More than anything, I wanted to help someone feel that they truly matter; to make them feel seen, heard, and cared for.
What are a few skills you’ve gained as a mentor that you’re excited to take into your career or future internships?
One skill I’ve gained is truly listening to what others have to say, instead of just waiting to respond. I’ve also become better at navigating tough conversations, offering support without always trying to “fix” everything. My emotional intelligence has definitely grown. I’ve learned to read social cues, create a comfortable space for my mentees to be vulnerable, and respond in ways that meet their unique needs.
Has being part of E.P.I.C. influenced your goals after graduation? In which ways?
Absolutely. E.P.I.C. showed me the importance of keeping community and mentorship at the heart of everything I do. Whether I end up working in a hospital or clinic, I want to carry this experience with me. I want to lift others up, treat people with grace and respect, and remember that leadership does not have to be loud. It can be quiet, consistent, and supportive, and still make someone’s day brighter.
What advice would you give to new first-year students who might feel unsure or overwhelmed right now?
You are not behind, and you are not alone. Even if it feels like everyone else has it all figured out, they don’t. Give yourself grace and love yourself enough to make space for mistakes. You will mess up sometimes, but you will also try again and grow. You belong here, and sometimes it just takes a little time to believe it.
Interested in Joining the St. John’s Community?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to lead, programs like E.P.I.C. create opportunities to grow, connect, and give back.
Related Blog Posts
4 Flexible Ways to Earn a College Degree on Your Schedule
The traditional college model wasn’t designed for the way most students live today. Work schedules, family responsibilities, financial realities, and shifting timelines all influence how—and when—you pursue your degree. For many, the biggest challenge isn’t choosing a major; it’s finding a pathway that actually aligns with the life you’re already managing. That’s why colleges and universities like St. John’s University are reshaping what flexible learning can look like.
In this guide, we break down four realistic pathways that give you more control over how you learn so you can find an option that truly fits.
Core Curriculum, Prereqs, Electives: College Class Terms Explained
Confused by core curriculum or prereqs? Get a clear guide to college course types and learn how St. John’s University supports your academic success.
How to Find a Strong Academic Program That Supports Your Goals
What does it really mean when someone says a university has a strong nursing program or a great business school? How do they know? And more importantly, how can you know?
In this post, we walk through the telling signs of a high-quality academic program and how to do your college research successfully, using St. John’s University as a real-world example.
College Support 101: What is Academic Advising?
Starting college represents a new level of independence. You’ll have the opportunity to shape what you study, explore new interests, and set a direction for your future. But with so many decisions in front of you, it’s natural to wonder if you’re choosing the right path or spending your time in the most meaningful way.
That’s where academic advising plays a transformative role.
How to Balance Academics and a Social Life Without Burning Out
College life looks exciting from the outside: freedom, friends, opportunities, and the chance to finally study what you care about. But behind the highlight reels, most students are quietly juggling an impossible mix of classes, work, social plans, and the pressure to keep up.
Finding balance isn’t just about managing a schedule. It’s about managing yourself. It means recognizing that energy, focus, and mental health all have limits (and learning how to use them wisely). The truth is, balance in college is not a fixed point you reach. It’s a skill you develop, week by week, through awareness, boundaries, and small daily choices that protect your peace and your purpose.