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.
St. John's University First-Generation College Student, Teodita Cabral

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.

Teodita Cabral
Headshot of St. John's Alumna and founder of Fin Lit Kids

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.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. John's Alumni Female Entrepreneurs

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.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
A group of St. John's University college students studying abroad

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.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
St. John's Universtiy Red Sports Fans Cheering in a crowd

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.

A collage of male and female black entreprenuers

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.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
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.

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?