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 Student, Ava Wilson

Leadership with Purpose: How Ava’s College Experience Fueled Her Advocacy

Originally from Bowie, Maryland, Ava Wilson arrived at the St. John’s University Queens, NY, campus eager to dive into the full college experience.

What she didn’t expect was that it would take her from the campus stage to national advocacy platforms, shaping her future as a leader and changemaker.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Thomas Rudzewick, President and CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings

5 Financial Literacy Tips Every Young Professional Should Start Now

Landing your first job. Paying rent. Tackling student loans. Whether you’re wrapping up college or stepping into your first full-time role, one thing becomes clear fast: every dollar counts.

When you understand how to protect your money, manage debt, and plan for the future, you give yourself more freedom, not less.

Students working at computers and in front of a large cybersecurity screen

How to Get into the Cybersecurity Field

Whether you are a career-changer or a recent graduate looking to break into the cybersecurity industry, there are a few key things you can do to succeed.

Graudates with back to camera caps in air

How to Build Your Personal Brand as a Student or Young Professional

Think personal branding is just for influencers or people with shiny business cards? Not anymore.

Whether in college, working part-time, or still figuring things out, you already have a personal brand. The real question is whether you’re intentionally building it or letting it develop on its own without your input.

As a university career advisor, I’ve worked with dozens of students and young professionals learning to own their voice early. In this post, I break down what personal brand means and give clear, actionable steps to shape your brand with intention.

Nikki Pebbles-Perretti Assistant Director, Career Advising | St. John's College & School of Education
Nikki Pebbles-Perretti
St. john's university student in a red cap and gown

What Helped Me Succeed as an International Student? A Mentor Who Believed in Me

Starting college is a big step—but doing it in a completely different country? That takes a special kind of courage. When Antonia Cuellar Urrutia ’25C arrived in New York from Santiago, Chile, she was excited, determined, and far outside her comfort zone.

But amid it all, she found something that changed everything: mentorship.

Group of students walking down the hallway discussing their M.B.A. studies.

Healthy Relationship Tips for College—and Life 

Whether it’s your roommate, study buddy, or significant other, the people around you shape your college experience. But what does a healthy relationship look like—and how can you make sure the connections you form support your personal growth? 

St. John's Salvatore Guimaraes
Salvatore Guimaraes