November 2, 2026
Natania Anderson
Natania Anderson is from Jamaica and grew up in a rural community and “was never rich,” but had a dream and goals she wanted to accomplish. “The main reason I chose St. John’s,” she remarked, “was because of their incredible actuarial science program, but I also decided to come here because out of my 15 acceptances, St. John’s was the only university that continuously reached out and made sure I had all the information I needed to start this new journey. They made me feel a part of the family before I even made my decision. I chose to come here because that showed me that this is an institution that looks out for its international students.”
Karola Monserrat Vargas Rodríguez
Karola Monserrat Vargas Rodríguez is from Mexico and is majoring in government and politics. He loves the campus and the welcoming St. John’s community. He plans to get involved with Student Government, Inc., and the mock trial team. Karola chose New York because he wanted to “challenge himself.” His aim to become a lawyer in the future is connected to that challenge. He would like to pay it forward someday by helping others like they have helped him. St. John’s School of Law was a major factor in his decision.
Alisha Chippy
Alisha Chippy comes from Jamaica and is pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in social justice. During her first year, she would like to make meaningful connections with other students and be a part of at least five student organizations. She wants to become an orientation leader so that her confidence and leadership abilities will improve. Alisha is a people person and stepping out of her comfort zone and experiencing a different country has given her the opportunity to meet people from Turkey, the Dominican Republic, and Italy, to name a few. She aims to become a heart surgeon and build her own old-age home.
Danielle Burton
Danielle Burton is from Jamaica and found out about St. John’s through her college adviser. She chose to come here based on how the faculty communicated with her and how much she loved the green campus and welcoming community. She is a fun and chill person to be around. She has loved New York since she was a child, so it seemed like the perfect choice.
Jelai Carlington
Jelai Carlington is from Bermuda and heard many positive things about St. John’s when she attended a college fair. She remarked that St. John’s is very welcoming, and the teachers are resourceful. “The Queens area is very quiet,” she noted, but she also loves going to the city to shop and hang out with friends. She is majoring in marketing.
Julia Victoria Novaes Couto
Julia Victoria Novaes Couto is from Brazil and is interested in biomedical sciences. Studying in New York has been a dream of hers and she is excited about this next chapter in her life. She first learned about St. John’s while researching universities in New York and chose St. John’s because of its strong academic opportunities in health and its Christian community. She is excited about exploring new opportunities, meeting people from different backgrounds, and growing both personally and academically.
Sheriff Sesay
Sheriff Sesay is from Sierra Leone and is a biochemistry major. He has lived in four countries and finds New York City “mesmerizing.” On his wish list is to meet Rick Pitino!
Alessia Salgarello
Alessia Salgarello comes from Verona, Italy, and is a film studies major. “I started applying for college two years ago, but for different reasons it didn’t work out,” she wrote. “So, I spent a year working in Italy as a server to put some money aside for my education.” On Niche.com. she learned about St. John’s and the opportunities and connections it had, especially for her major. Alessia has also been accepted into the Ozanam Scholars program.
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