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.
Student at a Spectrum LGBTQ+ Club tabling event at St. John’s University, celebrating inclusivity and community

LGBTQIA+ Student Support: How St. John’s University Leads the Way

As an LGBTQIA+ student, choosing a college or university that truly supports and celebrates you can transform your experience. St. John’s University is committed to creating a campus where you feel safe, valued, and empowered. Here, you find a community that genuinely embraces diversity with a strong dedication to fostering personal growth and academic success.

In this blog, you explore the resources and initiatives at St. John’s that make it a leader in LGBTQIA+ support. Plus, you hear directly from students and faculty involved in making campus life inclusive and supportive.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Students practicing wellneses by excercising at the gym on campus

7 Daily Habits That Fuel College Success

College success is not only about getting good grades; your focus should also be on finding a balance and creating a fulfilling life. Whether you’re an incoming student or a rising senior, incorporating these seven daily habits into your routine can help you succeed in college and beyond.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. John's Alumna Nathalie N. Chara

St. John’s Alumna Reflects on Journey of Self-Discovery in College

Your first year in college can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you are far from home. It is also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Picture yourself discovering a new you in a lively city like New York while forming new connections and exploring different possibilities.

This was the experience of Nathalie N. Chara ’13C, ’14G, a St. John’s University double alumna. In this Q&A, Ms. Chara shares how her journey at St. John’s went beyond the classroom, allowing her to find her interests and make lasting connections.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. john's first-year latinx student smiling next to faculty

My Journey into a Hospitality Career as a First-Generation Latinx Student

As a first-generation Latinx student navigating the dynamic environment of St. John’s University, I am driven by the challenges and opportunities that will prepare me for a successful career in hospitality management.

In this blog, I share some valuable experiences that have ignited my passion and equipped me with the skills needed to make a significant impact in the hospitality industry.

St. john's student, Emely Almendariz
Emely Almendariz
St. John's Study Abroad Student Acayla Wray

Self-Discovery Abroad: Insights from a St. John’s Student’s Journey

Have you ever longed for a life-changing experience that challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and reveals a deeper understanding of yourself? Studying abroad has the power to be that pivotal moment of self-discovery.

In this Q&A, we hear from Acayla Wray, a St. John’s University education major and aspiring teacher who spent a life-changing semester in Rome, Italy. Now a senior, she reflects on her study abroad journey, the challenges she faced that forced her to grow, and the unexpected passions she discovered.

Study abroad in Rome student headshot

Global Adventures and Personal Growth: My Unforgettable Journey Studying Abroad

Maxie Hom, a senior at St. John’s University, shares her impactful journey studying abroad through the Global Passport program. She offers firsthand accounts of her global adventures, including personal development, cultural immersion, and the unique opportunities that studying abroad offers.

Study abroad in Rome student headshot
Maxie Hom ’25SJC
Incoming St. John's Students exploring the dining options

How to Eat Healthy in College: Nutrition Tips and Dining Options

College life brings newfound freedoms, including choosing your meals. With diverse dining options on campuses and all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging.

This blog post covers how to eat healthy in college with nutrition tips, meal-prep ideas, and strategies for navigating campus dining halls.

St. Johns University Campus Dietician, Simon Gmuca
Simone Gmuca
A female student lying on her bed

Handling Homesickness at College: Tips and Strategies

Starting college is exciting, but it's also completely normal to feel homesick as you adjust to your new life on campus. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution or magic remedy to homesickness, there are some practical steps and strategies you can use to improve your outlook and make your college experience more enjoyable.

Students preparing for a career in small business cosulting at St. John's University

Student Leaders Launch Consulting Club to Empower Small Businesses

When two business students were looking for early consulting opportunities at St. John's University, they decided to create their own path forward. Now Cecilia Bottino and Jeondo Lee's groundbreaking Consulting Club and Consult Your Community chapter are transforming how students gain real-world experience while supporting small businesses.