Ms. Bethany Johnson by Brianna

Ms. Bethany Johnson by Brianna - July 2014 Scholarship Essay

My first week of college was like countless others: nerve-wracking and confusing. It was especially so for me, as I am the shy, quiet type. Three of my four classes were with my best friend so I could take a sigh of relief; however walking into my only class without her I had serious doubts as to my decision to do this alone. I forced myself into a cold, hard seat 10 minutes early as I repeated the words of my mother to myself in my head,"this is college; that cushion of protection from your friends is no longer there."

I listened lazily as the young, brown-haired woman introduced herself as Bethany. She began with basics of a first day classes, and she encouraged us to share about ourselves but did not reveal too much about herself. I did not care, the class started at a brisk 9:30am and I was just ready to get back to my bed. As I received my syllabus outlining our extensive work that was to be put in to learn about women and children in developing countries I groaned inwardly. This was going to be a long semester with a boring teacher. Boy, was I wrong!

As we began to learn the hardships of young girls being sold in Cambodia or the child soldiers of Sudan Ms. Johnson began to unveil layers of her past. Her mission was not just to teach about the horrible wrong doings that happen globally to women and children, but to thoroughly educate her students so they could too inform others. Her mission was so much bigger than her. My classmates and I soon learned that in addition to teaching 500+ students, she had personally helped women escape brothels, or start a small microfinance business to support themselves. Bethany had headed and funded countless missions to assist others in over 10 different countries numerous times. What made her different, to me, was I thoroughly saw a passion in her that I have never seen in anyone else. Her passion to educate everyone was so genuine, her ability to portray these situations and encounters was so engrossing she drew me closer with every breath. I found myself researching every subject after her class, watching more, telling my family back home what I learned.

She not only provided me with a thorough education; she inspired me with her aspirations to want to do more; to make an impact. I truly believe that is a gift that very few possess. I felt not only more empowered as a woman; but I felt that my presence could make a difference. She had unknowingly opened my eyes to realize my potential. I used to see my degree as something everyone must get, another step you must take if you want to live comfortably to make it through life. Now, because of her, I see it as a tool to make my mark on the world, and I tackle every class to the best of my ability and realize how blessed I am to have this opportunity to do something that could one day put me in a position to help change someone's life. Ms. Johnson taught me empowering myself becomes power to the people.