The Johnnies Blog

Breaking Barriers: A First-Generation College Student’s Story
My name is Teodita, pronounced “tea-oh-dye-tuh.” I once felt my name was a burden, as it often led to teasing from peers and teacher mispronunciations. However, my name embodies my identity. I am half Guatemalan and half Dominican, and both cultures have profoundly influenced who I am as a first-generation college student.

Financial Literacy Tips and Lessons from Ebony Beckford ’03CPS
Are you a college student or a recent graduate who wants to learn how to build a solid financial foundation for your future? In this Q&A session, we speak with Ebony (Rentas) Beckford ’03CPS, a St. John’s alumna who is an author, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate. Ms. Beckford shares her personal story of overcoming financial challenges during and after graduation. She also provides simple steps that anyone can take to develop a healthy relationship with money and how these practices are applied in her company, Fin Lit Kids.

Celebrating Female Entrepreneurs: Five Stories of Representation and Resilience
In today’s world, gender equality is a top priority, and the representation of women in business is crucial and a powerful catalyst for change. Although progress has been made, the journey toward gender parity in entrepreneurship is far from over. That’s why it’s important to celebrate the stories of remarkable women in business—not only to recognize their achievements, but also to showcase the impact of diverse voices at the forefront of business.
Read the stories of five trailblazing female entrepreneurs and St. John’s University alums driving positive change in their communities and beyond.

Seven Reasons Why All College Students Should Study Abroad
If you’ve dreamed of exploring new countries, studying abroad may be your perfect opportunity! Studying abroad allows you to gain global connections, learn new languages, make new friends, and grow personally, professionally, and academically.

How to Show Your St. John’s Pride—No Matter Where You Are!
Are you a proud member of the St. John’s University community? Whether you’re an alum, a current student, or simply a fan of the Red Storm, showing your St. John’s pride doesn’t have to be limited to campus grounds. There are countless ways to display your love for St. John’s, no matter where life takes you.
From sporting the iconic red and white colors to participating in alumni events, here are several creative ways to showcase your St. John’s University pride.

Meet 8 St. John’s Alumni Shaping the Future of Black Entrepreneurship
It is essential to recognize the significance of representation in the business world. The establishment of Black-owned businesses not only promotes economic empowerment; it also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for future generations. In this blog post, we showcase the businesses of eight exceptional Black entrepreneurs. These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, from reshaping the discourse on mental health to pioneering diversity in law and entertainment. They exemplify the transformative power of vision and dedication.

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.

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?

Having an Impactful College Experience: an Alumna Conversation
Whether just embarking on your college journey or continuing your education, the experiences and opportunities you explore can significantly impact your career.

How to Succeed in Industrial Pharmacy: an Expert Q&A
In this Q&A, Dr. Gupta shares insights and advice for success in the pharmaceutical industry after more than eight years of experience.
