Hello! I’m Jessica Johnson and I’m a third year, expecting to graduate in the spring. I was born and raised in Orange County, California. Since, I haven’t lived anywhere else for more than a month, I would definitely like to move around places. I hope to go to grad school in Washington and then teacher English abroad (hopefully in Italy). My grandma is full Italian, but her parents wanted to Americanize her, so they never spoke to her in English. Unlike the rest of my family, I’m pretty interested in language, especially learning languages, so I would like to eventually speak fluent Italian. Don’t worry, I’ve already started learning on Duolingo! Should take me places.
To be honest, I still don’t have a set plan for life. I would love to also become a therapist, which means I’m in the wrong major. But, I can always start again later down the line. Aside from that, writing is my least expensive pastime. Writing is not easy, so I like solving something that doesn’t necessarily have a right or wrong answer. Traveling is my most expensive pastime. I mentioned in class that I would love to travel to every country, so might as well start off early with the small paychecks I get. So far, I’ve been to around 14 countries, so I have a long way to go but I am so excited about it!
To help fund my passions, I am currently a Writing Mentor in the RWS department. I’ve been a mentor since my freshman year, and it has genuinely been one of my favorite professional experiences. However, because of recent budget cuts, I am also working at San Diego Mesa College in the tutoring centers on campus.
I am also the co-President of the Creative Collective Magazine on campus. We are a student art magazine, and we print a collection of student art every semester. If you are interested in joining or collaborating, definitely reach out to me!!
I’m also a runner in the Women’s Run Club! It’s super fun (not in the heat). I’ve met a lot of great people there, so if you’re into running, I highly recommend you join. It is a very chill vibe, so don’t expect them to force you to sprint hills. However, if you like running long distance, I would totally run a half marathon with you!
Wonderful intro, Jessica! And I think you are in the exact right major if you want to be a therapist– especially if you want to do psychology. English teaches you how to read and interpret– people, texts, and more– and that is exactly what you do as a therapist… so this all makes sense to me. I too love to travel, but not to run– so some connections as Jessicas. 🙂
Hello Jessica,
This is a great introduction! I originally wanted to teach English at high school level but after subbing around I found my niche– working with students who are ED. Though, during reading/ story time I am able to teach all sorts of great children’s literature. One story that became a favorite is “Baaa” by David Macaulay. It has been great working with you last class.