Name: Christian Mary Johnson
Age: 25
Hometown: Ellijay
High school: Gilmer High School
Major: Elementary Education
Expected graduation date: December 2019
Why did you choose Dalton State? In the beginning of my college career, I didn't choose Dalton State. I wanted to move away from home and chose another school. After acquiring a lot of debt in just a year, I then transferred to a technical school where I received my associate degree in Applied Science in Early Childhood Care and Education. I wanted to further my education to be a teacher in an elementary school. I heard that the education program at DSC was tough, but the best in the state. Ms. Carol Danahy and Dr. Sharon Hixon were wonderful in helping me get where I needed to be to get into the program, and I am loving every moment of it! I finally feel like I'm where I belong.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being a part of Roadrunner Nation means having the support system to get you where you're going. I've met numerous professors that have encouraged us students to keep in touch as we advance through our college careers so that they can still be a resource to us. Being a part of the Roadrunner Nation means that you are destined for greatness because you've got a lot of people rooting for you.
What do you plan to do after graduation? After graduation, I look forward to teaching either at Whitfield County Schools or Dalton City Schools. Though I live in Ellijay, my heart for these students is already tremendously big. A few years after that, I look forward to finally starting a family with my husband.
Who is/was your favorite professor and why? I have met many great professors at DSC. I couldn't name just one. Dr. Christian Griggs is the first teacher/professor to make history come alive to me, so I very much enjoyed him. The entire staff of the School of Education has already made such a tremendous impact in my life, and I truly believe that they are my biggest advocates and cheerleaders throughout my journey here.
What activities are you involved in on campus? One of my favorite things about the School of Education is the fact that there are so many opportunities to get involved in the schools outside of our field placement. Over the summer, I help with a program called Power Lunches, and having the opportunity to help prevent summer learning loss in low-income neighborhoods is incredible to me. During the school year, I help with a program called Learning Academies where we help parents to understand how to help their children at home in different areas of school. Most of my life is revolved around the School of Education, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? First of all, being nominated for the Roadrunner Spotlight is a tremendous honor to me, so I would have to say that this is a huge achievement. For the first time in my college career, I made the Dean's List in the summer of 2017. I was also provided with the opportunity to represent the School of Education at a recruitment fair at West Georgia earlier this month.
What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? My best memory so far is making such great friendships that I know will last and help me not only in school, but in my career. Just to name a few (there are SO many!), Hailey Gass, Andrea Hart, Russell Vick, Grace Phillips, Landon Brooks, Caroline Baggett, Becca Winkler, Leah Jones and Cody Smith—I am so beyond blessed and thankful that you are or have played a part in my educational career here at DSC. I know that you will all be phenomenal teachers, and if I am able to be even slightly like you, I know I will do okay as well.
What is the last book you read? "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green
If you had a theme song, what would it be? "You Can't Stop Me" by Andy Mineo
What is your guilty pleasure? Watching "The Office" over and over again.
What do you feel most proud of? Marrying a man who works incredibly hard in order to help provide for us while also having a huge heart for helping others.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Get all of our debt paid off and help my husband find a job that he is passionate about.
What cheers you up? Cuddles with my three dogs: Buddy, Nacho, and Dempsey.
Who is your hero? My paw. I miss him everyday, but he was my best friend and my biggest encourager. He and my maw are the reasons I work so hard.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life? Sandra Bullock, for two reasons: I've always been told I somewhat favor her, and she's just as sassy as I tend to be.
What is your favorite app? Disney Emoji Blitz
Where is your favorite place to eat? Fast food: Taco Bell. Sit down: Olive Garden.
As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly is to do everything with a sense of pride and compassion. To Run Boldly is to set a goal and to put every effort into reaching that goal. My desire to become a teacher and work in the lives of young children has motivated me to Run Boldly by putting myself in every opportunity that someone presents to me.