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.

How Risk Management Fuels This St. John's Grad Student's Entrepreneurial Success
Meet Uday Kumar, founder of start-up company KnotHastags and current international graduate student in the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) degree program at St. John’s University.
In this Q&A, he discusses how his real-world experience, from launching a start-up to utilizing campus resources, fuels and supports his entrepreneurial ambitions.
The First-Generation Student Advantage: What Sets You Apart?
What does being the first in your family to attend college mean? For many, it’s about breaking barriers and stepping into new opportunities. First-generation college students, especially those studying outside of their home country, bring unique strengths and perspectives that make their journeys one of a kind.
In this blog, we explore what it means to be a first-generation college student and hear directly from those leading the way, sharing their experiences and the advantages they’ve discovered.

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.

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.

Importance of Voting in 2024: Why It Should Top Your College To-Do List
Navigating elections as a young adult can feel overwhelming. From staying informed about candidates and policies to managing election-related stress, it can be a lot to handle.
In this guide, we explore the importance of voting and how your voice can shape the future. We discuss the significant challenges students encounter during the election season and provide practical tips to help you stay informed, calm, and prepared when it’s time to vote.

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.

7 Daily Habits That Fuel College Success
College success is not only about getting good grades; your focus should also be on finding a balance and creating a fulfilling life. Whether you’re an incoming student or a rising senior, incorporating these seven daily habits into your routine can help you succeed in college and beyond.

Building a Finance Career: Lessons from a VP at BNY Mellon
Are you interested in a finance career where you can help people achieve financial empowerment? In this Q&A session, you get to know Duane Shippey '97A, a St. John’s University alumnus. As the current Vice President (VP) of Client Services at BNY Mellon, Mr. Shippey shares his journey of building a career in finance, the skills he has developed, and the challenges he has faced and overcome.

Prioritizing Your Mental Health in the Workplace: Q&A with Priscilla O. Agyeman ’16C
Balancing mental health and work responsibilities can be a challenging task. However, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being and seek support when needed to achieve personal growth and career success.
During this Q&A session, we speak with Priscilla O. Agyeman ’16C, a St. John’s alumna and mental health advocate. She shares her personal experience with mental health issues and the strategies she uses to navigate mental health in the workplace successfully. She also discusses the mental health resources she offers through her company, Saddie Baddies®.
