The Johnnies Blog

Finding Your People in College: A Q&A with a First-Year, First-Gen Student
A first-generation student shares how stepping outside her comfort zone helped her find community and confidence at St. John’s University.

First-Year Mentorship Success at St. John’s: Laura’s Story
Between navigating new classes, building friendships, and adjusting to life away from home, starting college can feel exciting and overwhelming. That’s why St. John’s University created first-year mentoring opportunities such as E.P.I.C. (Establish Relationships, Promote Possibilities, Impact Direction, Confirm Next Steps)—pairing first-year students with experienced peers who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

Navigating Freshman Year: A Letter to First-Year College Students
In this letter, I share insights into navigating freshman year, from discovering my niche through campus involvement to transforming roommates into lifelong friends.

My Advice to a College Freshman: Embrace Growth, Keep Moving
Choosing to go to college is a challenging decision, especially if you are like me. During my first few years of high school, I thought I knew what I wanted to pursue, but eventually, I needed clarification about my future aspirations. I did not want to continue my education after high school, but at the same time, I was still determining what I wanted to do.
All I knew was that I needed a new start. In this blog, I share my experiences and insights to help you navigate this exciting, yet challenging, journey.
