With graduation right around the corner the tensions are high and the hearts are beating faster, but there are some who have kept their cool since the very beginning. Senior Education major Whitney Johnson has had her fair share of experiences at Georgia College and despite having had those bad days we all hope never happen, she has kept a positive energy that has inspired many of those around her. She has touched the lives of locals, students, and children alike, all while maintaining a solid GPA and staying on track for graduation.
I met Whitney when I was a freshman and going through the rush process for sorority and by some miracle we were both selected to be members of Kappa Delta Sorority. Even four years ago she had the ability to light up a room and draw people to her. I wanted to know her. I wanted to be her friend and let that inspiration and light surround me too. It wasn’t long before the sorority recognized her worth and she picked up leadership positions. She says, “I came to college to try and get as many experiences as I could and Kappa Delta opened a lot of doors for those experiences.” As a sophomore she had already made such an impact with the girls of KD that she was voted to being Vice President of Membership Education she has served as Vice President of Operations the following year. Kappa Delta helped give her leadership experience that will be helpful as a teacher and experience with children that will become invaluable.
On top of being involved with Kappa Delta, Whitney has held other positions on campus. She has been in the Education cohort since her junior year, served as a member of the SGA staff with fellow sisters, and participated in Georgia College Miracle. Just this year she was recognized for over 170 hours of community service by the Give Center. Whitney speaks about her philanthropic involvement, “My favorite service project I have been involved in at Georgia College is GC Miracle. I had the opportunity and stand and dance for the kids who can’t!” It is easy to see by her choice in activities that she has a love for children that is unprecedented.
It’s hard to imagine that someone could accomplish so much in just four years at one University, but a girl like Whitney Johnson proves that anything is possible. She was able to give back to her community, her school, and her friends selflessly without falling victim to bad grades and a poor reputation. The women of Kappa Delta praise calling her a sister and the girls she taught have grown to epitomize the confidence we all strive for. Anyone who knows her can vouch for her inner beauty that shines through and the wonderful friendship she has to offer. For those of us that she is leaving behind we are sad to see her go, but we know that moving on means that she will touch thousands of lives. Her time with us is ending, but for Whitney graduation is only the beginning.