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.
Headshot of Chiyoko Goya, St. John's University Catholic Scholar

Exploring the St. John’s Catholic Scholars Program: Student Insights and Reflections

Are you looking for a college experience that deepens your faith, challenges you intellectually, and helps you grow as a leader? In this Q&A, get an inside look at the Catholic Scholars program at St. John’s University through the eyes of current student and scholar Chiyoko Goya.

Chiyoko shares how the program has enhanced both her academic journey and personal development, offering valuable insights into how this unique opportunity can shape your own college experience.

Leslie Alhakim ’24SJC, a graduate student and previous ozanam scholar at St. John’s University, Queens, NY

Exploring Social Service through St. John's Ozanam Scholars Program: Student Q&A

In this Q&A, we explore Leslie Alhakim ’24SJC’s transformative experience in the Ozanam Scholars program at St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is now navigating a master’s degree in data science. Leslie shares insights from impactful service-learning projects, immersive study abroad trips, and how the program has shaped her academic and career path.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. John's Student Andre Duchatellier Exploring Rome Through the Cybersecurity in a Global Context program

Cybersecurity in a Global Context: A Student’s Journey in Rome

In this Q&A, Andre Duchatellier shares his insights and experiences from his unforgettable week in Rome, Italy, with St. John’s Cybersecurity in a Global Context program, where cybersecurity studies intertwined with cultural exploration and personal growth.

Andre Duchatellier
St. Johns Study Abroad Student Kaitlyn Blanck

Two Continents, 10 Countries: An International Business Major’s Study Abroad Story

Meet Kaitlyn Blanck, an ambitious International Business major at St. John’s University, who transformed her academic and professional journey through three study abroad experiences across Europe.

During her travels, she visited two continents, ten countries, and countless cities. Read further to learn more about her extraordinary experiences, the invaluable insights she gained, and how studying abroad can transform not only your academic path but also your personal and professional aspirations.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
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