The Johnnies Blog
From High School to College Life: What Really Changes (and How to Thrive)
Do you wonder what really changes when you leave high school behind and start college life? The quick answer: a lot—but that’s not a bad thing. From managing your own schedule to handling bigger classes and more independence, the transition can feel like a major shift. It’s also an excellent opportunity to grow, try new interests, and carve out your own path.
Finding Community and Opportunity: Roshni’s Transfer Journey to St. John’s
In this Q&A spotlight, Roshni shares what led her to switch, how she built her community at St. John’s, and the advice she has for other students considering a new path forward.
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.
Fast Track to Impact: How St. John’s Accelerated My Homeland Security Career
Michael Trivino '25CCPS shares how St. John’s University’s Fast Track program helped him complete a Homeland Security degree, gain real-world experience, and build a successful career.
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.
How a Global Service Trip Transformed My Career and Life Perspective
Read how a St. John’s University service trip to Panama helped a communications student learn connection to humanity from Indigenous communities.
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.
Adventuring Through Rome: My Week Studying Abroad as a Grad Student
Read how a cybersecurity grad student from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, faced fears, explored Rome, and gained career and life lessons through studying abroad.
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.
First-Gen and Fearless: Miguel’s Journey at St. John’s University
From Brooklyn, NY, to leadership success—how one first-generation student turned a challenge into a calling.