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.
Student exploring allergen-safe dining options at a campus dining hall

Allergy-Safe College Dining: Life-Changing Tips from a Registered Dietitian

Navigating the dining halls on a college campus can be intimidating for new students, especially those with food allergies. With so many food options available, it can be challenging to know what is “safe” to eat. The number of students with severe food allergies is steadily rising, and many college campuses are doing more than ever to ensure that food-allergic students feel comfortable when choosing meals and snacks.

As the St. John’s campus dietitian, I work closely with food service staff and food-allergic individuals daily to ensure that allergen-friendly options are available and that proper food handling protocols are followed when preparing meals for students with food allergies.

St. Johns University Campus Dietician, Simon Gmuca
Simone Gmuca
A group of diverse student leaders at St. John’s University, smiling and engaged in conversation outdoors on campus, representing various leadership roles such as student government, peer mentors, and student ambassadors.

7 Campus Leadership Roles That Will Set You Apart in the Job Market

When considering your future career, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the competitiveness of the job market. Employers want real-world experience, leadership, and problem-solving skills. But how do you acquire those skills while still in college?

A great place to begin is by taking on leadership roles on campus. At St. John’s University, you discover countless opportunities to assume leadership responsibilities, enhance your college experience, improve your résumé, and make it stand out when applying for jobs or internships.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Students handing out clothes at Midnight Run

7 Actionable Steps to Build a Social Service Career

As a college student, there are many opportunities to combine your passion for social services with professional growth. From service-focused clubs to social justice initiatives, universities provide pathways for students to create meaningful change.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
First-year college student navigating burnout

Avoid Burnout in Your First Year of College: Proven Tips

Starting college is an exciting, but challenging, time. Between adjusting to a new environment, keeping up with classes, and trying to build a social life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re a first-year student, you’re not alone—many students face burnout as they juggle these new responsibilities. In this blog, we break down the common signs of burnout and share practical strategies to help you stay balanced and thrive during your first year.

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
a group of people do yoga on a lawn

10 Mental Health Activities for College Students

Starting college is an exciting and transformative time; it’s crucial to prioritize your mental health to make the most of this opportunity.

As we enter National Suicide Prevention Month, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of mental health, especially for college students who often juggle academic, social, and personal pressures. To help you stay healthy, happy, and productive throughout your college journey, we’ve compiled a list of 10 mental health activities.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs