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.
Students and faculty gathered for the Johnnies innovation challenge

St. John’s Students Turn Big Ideas into Real-World Impact

At St. John’s University, students are empowered with hands-on learning opportunities to build skills, gain valuable mentorship, and turn visionary ideas into action. One standout event is the business pitch competition known as the Johnnies Innovation Challenge.

In this Q&A, we hear from the three winning student teams of the 2025 Johnnies Innovation Challenge. They share the inspiration behind their business ideas, the skills they gained through participating, and how experiences like this are helping shape their futures.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
College student attending a fashion event

A Week in the Life of a Public Relations Major in NYC

In this blog, I take you through a typical week as a public relations major, from classroom learning to networking events, internships, and campus involvement. If you’re curious about what it’s like to study public relations and build a future in the field, this is your inside look!

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
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
Student

Navigating Tech Internships: A St. John’s Grad Student Shares His Path to EY

As a college student passionate about tech, AI, or data science, you’ve probably wondered: How do you land that first big internship? The endless applications, tough interviews, and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But what if that internship wasn’t just a step toward your degree, but a transformative experience that reshapes your career—and the way you think about technology?

That’s precisely the story of Tomas Santos Yciano, a fast-track Bachelor of Science (B.S.)/Master of Science (M.S.) Computer Science and Data Science student at St. John’s University. In this Q&A, Tomas shares how he landed a coveted internship at Ernst & Young (EY), offers career advice, and reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a Launch Intern in Technology Consulting.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Headshot of St. John's University Sports Management Graduate, Jeneva

More than a Degree: My Path to Success in Sport Management

Just four short years ago, I was finishing up my last days in high school. Now, I am a proud graduate of St. John’s University with a master’s degree in sport management. The journey has been incredibly transformative, eye-opening, thrilling, challenging, and rigorous, and at times has tested my strength.

In this reflection piece, I share the hurdles I overcame, the pivotal moments that redirected my course, and my passionate pursuit of a fulfilling career in sport management.

Janeva Holland
St. john's first-year latinx student smiling next to faculty

My Journey into a Hospitality Career as a First-Generation Latinx Student

As a first-generation Latinx student navigating the dynamic environment of St. John’s University, I am driven by the challenges and opportunities that will prepare me for a successful career in hospitality management.

In this blog, I share some valuable experiences that have ignited my passion and equipped me with the skills needed to make a significant impact in the hospitality industry.

St. john's student, Emely Almendariz
Emely Almendariz