Elliott Johnson is a third year 5-Year MBA major from Alexandria, Virginia. He is one of the key players on Hampton’s lacrosse team, starring as number 14. To his friends and teammates, he is known as EJ. Anyone who knows EJ knows that he has an energetic personality strong enough to take anyone’s mood from bad to good in a matter of minutes! He is always there to offer beneficial advice whether it’s a simple problem or an extreme dilemma.
EJ does not only showcase his talents on the field playing lacrosse, but he showcases them in his schooling and future field of work. He has interned at reputable establishments such as Blueprint Capital Advisors and The Department of Housing and Urban Development. He is also involved in The National Black MBA Association, The National Association of Black Accountants, the Hampton University Business School Leadership Applications Program.
HC: What is your favorite quote?
EJ: One of my favorite quotes would have to be:
“You can not put a price on peace of mind.”
I feel like as long as I am healthy in my thoughts, my ideals, and comfortable with my opinions no external factor can negatively affect me.
HC: Who is your current favorite artist?
EJ: Roddy Ricch is my favorite right now.
HC: How did you get started in playing lacrosse?
EJ: When I was seven years old I was watching ESPNU with my father and the 2007 NCAA lacrosse national championship was being aired. At that moment I fell in love with the speed, physicality and creativity of the sport.
HC: How do you balance lacrosse, school and a social life?
EJ: Being disciplined enough to prioritize my academics first, my athletics second and my social life last is essential to succeeding in the classroom and on the field.
HC: Why did you pick play at Hampton?
EJ: Interestingly enough both of my parents attended the Mecca (The other HU). I decided that I wanted to follow my own path and attend the REAL HU.
HC: How do you prepare for your games?
EJ: The first thing I do when I wake up is take a nice warm shower and thoroughly brush my teeth. Shortly after, I get dressed and head to the cafe for a decent meal. While in the cafe, I put on my headphones and listen to the wise words of Roddy Ricch. Once my meal is finished, I make my way to the locker room and review the scouting report for that days opponent.
HC: How do you handle/deal with stress?
EJ: I am a very goofy person, so fortunately I do not experience stress that often. But when I am the first action I take is turning to God.
HC: What would you say is your motivation to continue to do well in your academics?
EJ: My three motivating factors include my family, my desire to be rich and my overall happiness.
HC: What is your biggest fear?
EJ: Not meeting the expectations that I have set for myself.
HC: What is your ultimate career goal?
EJ: My ultimate career goal is to create an investing model that affords low income communities the opportunity to benefit from returns on their rising property values.
HC: What is an issue in society that you feel passionate about?
EJ: A lot. However, the fact that the graduation rate of African-American males from high school and college is so low weighs heavy on my mind.