The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to the Johnnies Blog—where your college journey comes into focus. Designed for prospective students and their families, this space brings together authentic student voices, expert perspectives, and practical guidance to help you explore opportunities, navigate decisions, and build a meaningful path forward.
St. John's University student

The Ultimate Guide to Your First College Résumé (Even with “No Experience”)

You’ve been taking classes, joining clubs, and maybe picking up shifts somewhere between midterms. But when it comes time to actually put a resume together, all of that suddenly feels impossible to translate. What counts? What’s worth including? What’s going to make a company want to hire you?

In this guide, we break down several experiences to add to your first college résumé and how to highlight them in an impactful way.

College student speaking about mentorship to other students

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.

St. John's University Student, Ava Wilson

Leadership with Purpose: How Ava’s College Experience Fueled Her Advocacy

Originally from Bowie, Maryland, Ava Wilson arrived at the St. John’s University Queens, NY, campus eager to dive into the full college experience.

What she didn’t expect was that it would take her from the campus stage to national advocacy platforms, shaping her future as a leader and changemaker.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
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.

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

St. John's University student in a white lab coat, participating in research

Undergraduate Research: Why You Should Get Involved

You don’t have to wait until graduate school to start your research journey. Undergraduate research offers you the opportunity to explore the subjects that inspire you; work alongside faculty who are experts in their fields; and apply what you’re learning in meaningful, real-world ways.

In this blog, you learn more about what undergraduate research is, what it looks like in practice, and how it can shape your college journey.