Headshot of Journey Johnson
Preparing for the next step out of high school is challenging. Many young adults struggle with whether to enter the workforce or continue their education at a college or university. For others, continuing their education is a must, but the next question is where.
For some students, following in the footsteps of their parents or trusted mentors and attending their alma mater helps guide that decision.
For Journey Johnson, a fourth-year journalism student at Florida A&M University, the choice was not always so clear.
While applying to colleges, Johnson explored options that would allow her to build a community centered on service, leadership and advocacy. These are all values she had already begun cultivating in high school.
Johnson has long been passionate about activism and political engagement. During her time in high school, she founded a club with several friends focused on creating space for student voices and discussions surrounding civic involvement.
But once she arrived on the “Hill,” Johnson quickly realized that the environment she had once considered familiar held the very opportunities she had been searching for.
Early in her collegiate career, Johnson sought out organizations that reflected her passion for sisterhood and community service. She joined SISTUHS, Incorporated, where she found a network of like-minded women committed to service, empowerment and uplifting others.
“I’m a firm believer that you are the company you keep, so joining SISTUH’s I knew I’d be in good hands,” Johnson said.
Johnson holding up her Rattler thangs at The NAACP Florida State Conference
Her desire to advocate for social justice soon led Johnson to the Florida A&M chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. What started as involvement quickly turned into leadership.
Now serving as the chapter’s first vice president, Johnson helps lead initiatives ranging from student-led rallies and educational workshops to community service events and civic programming.
Her leadership does not stop there.
Johnson also serves as the director of events and programming for Minorities in Sports, where she organizes panels, networking opportunities and programming aimed at helping students explore careers within the sports industry.
In addition, she serves as the student liaison within the Student Government Association, acting as a bridge between the student body and campus leadership while advocating for student concerns.
Johnson serving as the SJGC student ambassador at an outreach event for new students.
Within the School of Journalism & Graphic Communications, Johnson serves as an important ambassador. She helps introduce prospective students who are looking to join SJGC and tells them more about the opportunities available within the program.
“It’s funny that I started out as an education major; a lot of my interests show up in the field of journalism, so making that switch was an easy call,” Johnson explained.
Whether she is helping coordinate campus programming, advocating for students or telling stories through journalism, Johnson’s presence across campus reflects her commitment to leadership and impact.
“For me, education isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about learning enough so that you can come back and pour into your community. If I can use what I’ve learned at FAMU to educate or empower someone else, then I know I’m doing something right.”
Whether she is spending time with her roommates, who also happen to be her longtime friends from middle school, or preparing to host a panel for the NAACP, Johnson manages to balance her many commitments.
Johnson and her friends cleaning up Brag Stadium
Between leadership meetings, writing deadlines and campus events, one thing remains constant: Her calendar is never far behind.
