Journalism Student Makes the Most of His St. John’s Experience

Journalism major Quentin Williams was destined to attend St. John’s University. 

“Honestly, St. John’s chose me,” the Baltimore, MD, native observed, noting that his father, Rodney Williams ’98SVC, graduated from St. John’s. “From there, my story began.”

Since childhood, Quentin has been passionate about sports. “Although my path has shifted away from physically participating, my desire to enter the sports media world has grown exponentially—especially with the rise of media in today’s digital age.”

He added, “There’s no better place to study journalism than in the nation’s media capital. The blend of legacy, diversity, and academic success led me to 8000 Utopia Parkway in Queens, NY. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Quentin has immersed himself in campus life, with roles as Public Relations Chair for the St. John’s NAACP chapter; contributing writer for The Torch, the independent student newspaper of St. John’s; and serving in the Leadership Development Program and as a student ambassador. 

Quentin has seized as many opportunities as possible while paying it forward to those who follow him. A mentor for the R.I.S.E. Network (Reach, Inspire, Succeed, Empower), a multicultural program designed to provide students with individualized mentorship and guidance, Quentin considers the organization to be the University’s best-kept secret.

“I didn’t discover this program until my sophomore year, but it means a lot to the student body,” he stressed. “The resources they provide, the staff they connect you with, and the memories they help you create are priceless. Without the program, my undergraduate experience would be very different.  People often shy away from mentorship, but it’s a fantastic experience. Starting as a mentee and then giving back by mentoring younger students is incredibly rewarding.”

“What I love most about being a St. John’s student is the abundance of opportunities to succeed socially, spiritually, and academically,” he emphasized. 

Known for its proximity to New York City and an alumni network 200,000+ strong, St. John’s provides its students with a dizzying array of opportunities outside the classroom—and Quentin has tapped into that. “The University has prepared me for the future by offering me real-world experiences during my undergraduate years,” he said. “St. John’s immersed me in practical scenarios and situations, such as internships, networking events, and journalism-focused events. Being exposed to these real scenarios has enhanced my understanding of what to expect after graduation, and given me clear insight into how the journalism industry operates and what breeds success.”

He added, “You won’t truly learn to swim until you’re thrown into the water, and the same goes for preparation. Until you’re in your field, you won’t know what to expect or how to excel. St. John’s does an amazing job with that.”

Quentin has pursued the most well-rounded college experience possible. “Whether through dedication to service, striving for academic success, or enjoying an active social life, St. John’s provides it all. There are countless opportunities to thrive in every aspect of college life, making it a dream come true. It has been for me. The location also plays a significant role. I’ve made the most of attending college in New York City and St. John’s.”