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.
Female student in cap and gown raising arms in excitement

Four Debt-Free Ways to Pay for Graduate School

We often hear about the rising costs of student debt and tuition fees, but fortunately, there are options to fund your graduate program—including a few that don’t require a student loan.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Jasmine Batacan

Becoming Jas '21TCB, '22MBA

As a first-year student, Jasmine Batacan arrived at St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus ready to welcome any opportunity—and she shows no signs of stopping after recently graduating. As an undergraduate, she was involved in the fashion club Red House and the Executive-in-Residence Program, and served as a Resident Assistant. She has used all of her platforms and creativity to mentor and inspire people to allow their light to shine. Although her story is just getting started, take a moment to read below how she created her own Johnnies experience, and stop by her art page on Instagram, @the.studio.73!

Joben Santos holding graduation cap on steps of Peter J Tobin College of Business

Striving for Excellence as a Servant Student Leader

For Joben Santos ’22TCB, college was his opportunity to give back and be the change he desires in the world. At The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, which he refers to with a playful wink as The “Joben” College of Business, he educated and taught his fellow Johnnies how to serve their communities.

Graduate Student Standing in front of Tobin Stock Ticker

Should You Pursue an M.B.A.? Benefits and Advantages

An M.B.A. is a popular choice for those considering a career change or advancing an existing one. In fact, more than 250,000 people are pursuing an M.B.A. worldwide. However, pursuing an M.B.A. is not a decision to be made lightly. There are several factors to consider such as: going full-time vs part-time, financial impacts, and your career trajectory. And while there are certainly career benefits, an M.B.A. is not a magic wand that will instantly put you in the C-Suite. There are several benefits and advantages to pursuing an M.B.A. that include applying skills recruiters love and marketing knowledge and perspectives that make you a desirable employee.

Manouchkathe Cassagnol, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCP, FACC, FAHA.

Manouchkathe Cassagnol, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCP, FACC, FAHA Receives National Equity Award

For her outstanding work in the arena of reducing racial and ethnic disparities in health care, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Association of Black Health System Pharmacists (ABHP) have presented their annual ASHP-ABHP Joint Leadership Award to Manouchkathe Cassagnol, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCP, FACC, FAHA.

Fireworks

150 Reasons to Love St. John’s: A Winter Wonderland

When the days get shorter and the temperature drops, St. John’s University is filled with the spirit of the season. No matter how you celebrate, there are countless opportunities for Johnnies to enjoy this time of year.