Issue #4 Fall 2009
Student Looks to Moab Center for Chance to Teach and Inspire Students like Himself
Steven R. Hawkes, EdD, MBA, Associate Dean and Executive Director, Southeast Region
Kristen Weller, Marketing Specialist, Regional Campuses and Distance Education

As a child, John Johnson of La Sal, Utah wasn’t really interested in learning. He was a kid with a real chip on his shoulder—always angry at life, not worried about the future.

“I often felt that some teachers weren’t really interested in helping kids like me,” said Johnson. “This was my main motivation for deciding to major in education. I wanted to help those kids like me who may be slipping through the cracks.”

Johnson began attending classes at the USU Moab Education Center  Spring Semester 2007 at the request of his wife who had just completed a bachelor’s degree in business from USU Moab.  Before starting classes, Johnson worked as a miner in Lisbon Valley for a number of years.

The pursuit of education has not come without a price.

The commute to classes for Johnson is about 60 minutes round trip from La Sal to USU Moab. Winter months make for some interesting travel, and his family has wrecked three vehicles during this past year because of icy conditions and deer on the road. However, those 60 minutes are a small commute compared to the hours he would have had to spend commuting to a university.

“Our family has made a lot of sacrifices,” said Johnson. “Family wants like toys and vacations just aren’t happening.  It’s a hard time right now.”

Regardless of the sacrifices, Johnson is positive about his future after completing his degree. The number of kids he will be able to help is worth it.

“Of course, no one goes into education for the money. As for me—I’m in it for the kids,” he said. “Taking the time to help people is what life is about.”

Johnson credits the help of advisors and the entire staff at USU Moab for helping him gain entry to the competitive elementary education program.

“My new advisor, Dan Allred, has helped me get my GPA where it needs to be and is helping me plan out the rest of my degree so I can stay on track,” he said. “The USU Moab staff has also been helpful especially in helping me get back on track after being hospitalized due to a jeep accident.”

Johnson hopes to stay and teach in the Moab/La Sal area, but will go where he is needed, because he is excited to make use of his degree.

Back to the Issue