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.
A college student in a cap and gown celebrating her definition of success

How Do You Define Success?

If you were to search for the term “success” on the internet, you would find millions of results, each presenting a different interpretation. For some, it means achieving a small goal or victory for the day. Others may view it positively impacting society, earning a college degree, or amassing wealth. So, how do you define success?

Group of St. John's University Students Celebrating Friendship

How to Make Friends in College: 5 Practical Tips

Are you feeling anxious about making new friends as you prepare to start your first year of college? Don't worry—we have you covered! Our guide on college socializing can help you master the art of making friends during your first year. These new friends will be an essential part of your college experience, so putting effort into meeting new people is important. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to connect with others on campus; it doesn't have to be daunting.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
St. John's Alum and Risk Consultant

How to Get Started in Risk Management as a College Student

If you are a college student aspiring to pursue a career in risk management, then you are on the right track. This field is constantly growing and has a bright future ahead of it. It offers a plethora of fascinating career paths, including risk consulting.

Group of St. John's Students practicing their faith through service

Embracing Faith through Service: Q&A with Elvira Garcia ’20Ed

St. John’s University alumna Elvira Garcia ’20Ed has successfully integrated faith and service into her life and shared her extraordinary journey with us to commemorate Founder’s Week, an annual event honoring the University’s Vincentian and Catholic traditions.

St. John's University student supporint diversity, equity and inclusion

Building Cultural Awareness at St. John’s: Basmalla Hussein’s Story

At a time when promoting and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial, Basmalla Hussein, a committed and passionate third-year Muslim student at St. John’s University, has taken charge of creating a positive impact. Drawing upon her high school experiences and a desire to contribute to a cause larger than herself, Basmalla shares her journey in this inspiring Q&A session.

College students discussing majors at St John’s University Campus

How to Choose a College Major: 5 Steps for Success

Are you staring at a long list of college majors and wondering how anyone’s supposed to choose just one? You’re not the only one feeling that way. Picking a major can feel like a huge decision—and while it is important, it’s also something you can approach step by step. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down what a college major is, how it can shape your college experience, and five practical (and low-pressure) steps to help you figure out the right fit for you. 

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Students in red gowns throwing their black caps in the air after graduating

5 Tips to Prepare for Your Career Postgrad   

Graduating from college is an exciting and bittersweet moment. As you celebrate all the great friendships made and the hard work you put into earning a degree, it’s also time to start an entirely new life chapter. The transition from college to career can feel overwhelming; however, there are many great ways to prepare, even during the last few weeks leading up to graduation. In today’s blog post, we cover five tips to help you be successful as you prepare for your postgrad life.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli