The Johnnies Blog

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.

St. John’s Alumna Reflects on Journey of Self-Discovery in College
Your first year in college can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you are far from home. It is also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Picture yourself discovering a new you in a lively city like New York while forming new connections and exploring different possibilities.
This was the experience of Nathalie N. Chara ’13C, ’14G, a St. John’s University double alumna. In this Q&A, Ms. Chara shares how her journey at St. John’s went beyond the classroom, allowing her to find her interests and make lasting connections.

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®.

St. John's First-Year Students Share: ‘Why Do You Want to Be a Nurse?’
If you’re interested in positively impacting people’s lives, nursing could be the perfect career path for you! In this Q&A session, we speak to St. John's first-year nursing students Lauren Chan, Beverly Dekyem, and Natalia Dookharan. They share their personal experiences, on why they chose a nursing career path and their reasons for enrolling in the Bachelor of Science program in Nursing at St. John’s University. Read on for some inspiration!

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.

A Junior’s Advice to a College Freshman
Dear future college student, congratulations on making it this far! My name is Madison, and I am a junior majoring in public relations at St. John’s University.
It’s normal to feel nervous about starting college, but don’t worry—resources are available to help you succeed. In this blog post, I share valuable pieces of advice that I wish I had received when I was a college freshman.

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.
Kick-Start Your Career Journey: Insights from St. John’s Career Adviser
Are you looking to take your career journey to the next level? Meet Elisa Zervos ’22MBA, an exceptional career expert with extensive experience in operational management and professional development coaching across all industries. As the Associate Director of Career and Internship Advising at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University, Ms. Zervos combines her strategic vision and hands-on experience to deliver guidance and support to ambitious professionals seeking to achieve their goals.

