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 supporint diversity, equity and inclusion

Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in College: Student Q&A

At a time when promoting and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial, Basmalla Hussein, a committed and passionate third-year Muslim student at St. John’s University, has taken charge of creating a positive impact. Drawing upon her high school experiences and a desire to contribute to a cause larger than herself, Basmalla shares her journey in this inspiring Q&A session.

Headshot of an Senior Actuarial Science St. John's University Alum

Exploring a Career in Actuarial Science: an Expert Q&A

Are you interested in risk assessment, financial forecasting, and strategic decision-making? If so, get ready to explore the fascinating world of actuarial science. In this Q&A, we talk to St. John's University alum Brandon Alcaide,’19C, ’20GSRM. He is a Senior Actuarial Associate at TIAA, a well-known Fortune 100 financial services company providing extensive financial solutions.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Maciek Nowak, Ph.D.,

Q&A with Maciek Nowak, Ph.D.

Dean of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business and the Joseph H. and Maria C. Schwartz Distinguished Chair at St. John's University.

Female, nonprofit leader looking out into the city view

Driving Social Impact: Alumna’s Path to Nonprofit Leader

In this inspiring Q&A, we explore the remarkable professional and academic journey of St. John’s alumna Bobbie L. Brown ’10G. With more than ten years of experience in community development, criminal justice, and education, Ms. Brown is passionate about investing in the principles of social impact to address the needs of under-resourced communities.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Woman standing and holding books

Restoring Generational Wealth through Education and Empowerment

Ebony (Rentas) Beckford transformed life's challenges into opportunities for personal growth. Through self-reflection and the supportive community she nurtured as a student, she discovered her strength. Now, as the founder of Fin Lit Kids, Ebony illustrates how her transformative journey fuels her mission to empower future generations with the tools for financial success.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Maj. Gen. Joseph A. McNeil, Bill Freeman and Joseph McNeil Jr.

My Grandfather, One-Quarter of the Greensboro Four

On February 1, 1960, four African American first-year students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) courageously took seats at a “White only” F.W. Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. This seemingly small act of defiance in the South sparked similar protests for racial equality and civil disobedience across the United States.

Kimimila
Kimimila wi McNeil, Class of 2025
Standing portrait of student on campus

Student Perspective: Lessons I’ve Learned as an Orientation Leader

For business Management major Joel G. Stephen, choosing to become a campus Orientation Leader was the perfect fit. In today’s Q&A, Joel shares more on the benefit of taking on a campus leadership role and how it continues to positively impact his college journey.