College is challenging. From moving away to learning how to cook eggs in the microwave, college presents a lot of obstacles that you have to overcome in order to be successful. Erika Johnson, 20, is a UT student who has not only conquered these obstacles; she has, literally, blown them out of the water. Johnson moved from her Canadian home in Oak Bay, right next to Victoria, and came to UT to row for the university. What you don’t know is that she had just started rowing five months before she moved into her dorm. A pre-med major, she is a member of the honor society and maintains a 3.8 GPA. Though always busy, she always makes time to be appreciative for the opportunities she has.
Age– 20
Major– Honors BCMB, part of pre-med society Alpha Epsilon Delta
Hometown– Victoria BC (born in Regina, SK)
What made you decide to come to TN? I chose to study abroad in Tennessee so I could experience a different environment and culture. I was impressed by the athletic department’s commitment to excellence, the convenience of having the boathouse on campus, and the university’s strong academic reputation.
What is the best thing about the campus? I like the location of the campus- being right next to the river, being a short drive away from the Smokies, and having green space.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned being so far from home? I have learned that regardless of my environment, some things will always stay the same. My family and home are still there for me, and my fundamental values and goals have stayed the same.
How many hours a day do you spend studying? Not enough! Haha, usually an hour or so when I have time.
You went on a study abroad trip this past summer? What did you do? What was the craziest thing you saw? Most interesting? I went on a study and service abroad program to Gulu, Uganda (the GSSAP). It was a phenomenal experience. We had some really unique opportunities to be a part of the peace building process and witness first-hand the variety of goals, dreams, needs, experiences, projects and perspectives. The craziest thing was the interface between rural and urban environments, with compact city life intermingled with livestock and agriculture. I loved experiencing a different medical system at my internship in the surgery ward at the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
What made you decide to row?I joined a rowing club at the recommendation of my physiotherapist. Since Victoria is well known for its excellence in rowing programs, I decided it couldn’t hurt to give it a try.
When did you start?I joined a rowing club in Victoria in January my senior year of high school.
If you could change one thing what would it be?I wish I could control time! It is so weird how seemingly unalterable things like length can be stretched and compressed if you go fast enough, but time stays constant and only goes forwards.
What is something you miss the most being from home? I miss the ocean. I really miss going out in a single in the morning at the Gorge and watching the seals, herons, fish, seagulls and starfish.
Craziest thing you have done since you have been to UT?Adopting a Giant Schnauzer from the Young Williams Animal Shelter this year.
How many times do you go home a year?I usually go home for a few weeks for Christmas and about a month over Summer break.
Best thing about being an athlete at UT?The opportunity to represent the university and contribute to UT’s reputation that student-athletes win championships and excel in the classroom.
Hardest class you have taken?Honors organic chemistry, although BCMB 401 is a close second.
What do you want to do after you graduate? I plan on competing at the Olympics and going to medical school.
How do you manage team travel and maintaining your grades, etc.?I try to be organized and do as much as I can ahead of time, but sometimes it just comes down to doing as much as you can and then calling it a day.
Best memory of being at UT?Collectively my memories of being at UT have been really good! I can’t single out one as being the best though.
Best moral lesson you have ever learned?I have learned that sometimes the only thing standing in the way of success is self-limitation and doubt. For something to really be worthwhile it is going to be hard and many people will fail. It will probably take multiple failures to start going in the right direction. However, persistence does (eventually) pay off and if something is truly worth it, then so is all the effort, sacrifice, and previous failures.