Why Students Choose St. John’s: Stories in Their Own Words

Alexandra Cicala, Interdisciplinary Business Student  

“The invaluable opportunities at St. John’s have empowered me to explore, grow, and thrive as a student, entrepreneur, and individual.” 

One of the most transformative aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to study abroad. Participating in the Paris, France, Global Passport Program and spending a semester in Rome, Italy, were among the most enriching experiences of my life. Living and learning abroad profoundly shaped me as a student and individual. In the Fall of 2024, I was honored to receive the Italian Cultural Center Scholarship to study abroad, where I also served as a resident assistant in Rome. Immersing myself in my heritage allowed me to improve my proficiency in the Italian language while navigating life in a foreign country—and traveling to 12 additional countries and 36 cities—helped strengthen my leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. 

St. John’s has also nurtured my entrepreneurial journey as a Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Under the guidance of St. John’s University Professors Basilio G. Monteiro, Ph.D., and Joseph G. Kenny, Esq. I conducted an independent research project on the importance of financial literacy in schools. Gaining a deeper understanding of financial literacy’s significance, I was inspired to take action—leading to the creation of Financially Lit, an app aimed at educating college students about the fundamentals of financial literacy. 

In January 2024, I discovered the Venture & Innovation Center at St. John’s. With the support of the center director, Professor James M. Kinsley, I connected with Maspeth Federal Savings Bank to pitch Financially Lit. As a result, I am now collaborating with the bank to develop the app further.   

Crystal Anne Dibenedetto, Business Management Student  

“As a high school senior, I had the opportunity to connect with St. John’s students and faculty, who shared their stories with me. Seeing their passion for the University and the opportunities it offered only strengthened my desire to one day call the University my home.” 

When I was accepted, I knew I had found that home. However, my financial situation took an unexpected turn. After losing my mother to lung cancer at just eight years old and no longer having a relationship with my father, affording St. John’s on my own seemed nearly impossible. It was through the generosity of scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities that my dream became a reality.  

My transformative experience began when I started working as a student worker in the Office of Residence Life during my first year. This role provided invaluable, hands-on experience in customer service and problem solving, particularly assisting first-year students as they transitioned to college life. Working alongside Director of Residence Life Jason T. Bartlett, Ph.D., and Associate Director Michelle McCullers, I contributed to initiatives like the Red Storm Moving Company, which eased the move-in process for new and returning students. These experiences fueled my desire to take on greater leadership roles within the University. 

Serving as a resident assistant, vice president of the Resident Student Association, and chair of the Student Government Affairs Committee has further shaped my leadership skills. Each role has challenged me to grow, whether guiding residents through personal challenges, advocating for student needs, or representing my peers at University events like the annual President’s Dinner. St. John’s has continually pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helping me develop strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that will serve me well in my future career in business management. 

St. John’s has given me more than an education—it has provided a community that has supported and uplifted me. For that, I will always be grateful. 

Harsha Mattappally, Pharm.D. Student  

“I’ll never forget the moment I received my acceptance email from St. John’s—I ran straight to my parent’s room to tell them, and they always say they’ll never forget the excitement on my face. It was at that moment that I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to come to St. John’s.”  

My faith has always been a huge part of my life. When I discovered the St. John’s Catholic Scholars program and saw the many leadership and service opportunities available there, I became excited about the possibility of attending.  

In addition, it was one of the few schools that allowed pharmacy students to study abroad. That was a dream of mine.  

I was honored to interview for and be accepted into the Catholic Scholars program, which has allowed me to continue my love for service and strengthen my faith, just as I had back home. I also continued my passion for lecturing and altar serving at St. Thomas More Church with the support of Campus Ministry and my moderators. In addition, I became a member of a professional pharmacy fraternity and multiple pharmacy organizations, which have helped me prepare for my future role as a pharmacist. 

And just as I had hoped, I was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad in the Spring of 2023—an experience I will cherish forever. Living abroad for a semester, immersing myself in different cultures and languages, and engaging with people from all walks of life helped me develop my ability to connect with others and strengthen my cultural competence. 

Beyond academics, I’ve also served as a campus resident assistant and joined the President’s Society, shaping my leadership and personal growth. Through all these experiences, I have found my community, and I now call this campus my home. 

I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I have had and the countless lessons I continue to learn. St. John’s has prepared me to be a well-rounded individual, and the skills I’ve gained here will guide me as I move forward in my career. No matter where I go, I will always carry with me the foundation of faith, service and compassion that St. John’s has given me—because, at the heart of everything I do, will always be the patient’s well-being. 

Ivan Fernandez, Pharm.D. Student 

“Walking through the D’Angelo Center with New York City as the backdrop, I felt an immediate connection to the University—one that has remained strong throughout my six years in the pharmacy program.” 

I came in with the simple goal of becoming a pharmacist, but my experiences with various departments, student-led organizations, and academic opportunities have shaped me into a well-rounded individual. 

One of the most impactful aspects of my time at St. John’s was serving in the Office of Residence Life as a resident assistant and graduate assistant for nearly five years. These roles allowed me to engage with student organizations, mentor younger Johnnies, and foster a sense of community. Through this, I had the honor of joining the President’s Society and representing the University at prestigious events such as the annual President’s Dinner.

Academically, St. John’s has helped me thrive as an honors student while exposing me to diverse career paths in pharmacy. As a pharmacy intern, I’ve had the privilege of working with premier institutions, including New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the US Food and Drug Administration.  

As I near graduation, I can confidently say that my growth here has been immeasurable. The guidance and support I’ve received at St. John’s have shaped me into who I am today, and I know future Johnnies will find the same invaluable experience. I will always cherish the friendships, memories, and community I’ve built and look forward to paying it forward to the next generation of St. John’s students. 

Luciana Alicea, Biology Student  

“When I started at St. John’s, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I quickly found my home away from home.” 

Early on, the Honors Program and the Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society helped me form deep friendships that made my college transfer seamless. However, my most transformative experience has been working as a resident assistant (RA). 

Being an RA has not only strengthened my leadership skills, but has also given me a true sense of belonging. I’ve had the privilege of building connections with residents from diverse backgrounds, fostering a welcoming environment, and supporting them throughout their college journey. This role has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Whether resolving conflicts, organizing community events, or simply being there for someone in need, I’ve learned the importance of patience, empathy, and adaptability.

Beyond the responsibilities, being part of the Residence Life team has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my college experience. The incredible professional staff and fellow RAs I’ve worked alongside have made this journey more meaningful.  

We’ve built a positive, supportive community for our residents and each other. Long after I leave St. John’s, the relationships and lessons I’ve gained will continue to shape how I lead, support others, and navigate life.