Katrina Johnson

Doing It All

Katrina Johnson
Florida Community College, Class of 2006

In describing Katrina Johnson growing up, her friends and family might have used the phrase “really involved.” Katrina can think of another word. “I was a bit of a nerd,” she says. The Jacksonville native certainly was busy, participating in National Honors Society, mentoring programs, step team, chorus and 14 years worth of piano. Regardless of the label, Katrina knows she had fun doing it all. The second of three children, she considers her upbringing to be a happy one, and attributes much of it to family stability. “I grew up with both of my parents together, so I feel pretty blessed about that.”

While attending First Coast High School, Katrina took dual enrollment classes through Florida Community College, and thought it only made sense to continue here after graduating. The fact that North Campus is five minutes from her home was a plus, but Katrina feels that she got more out of the decision than just a quick commute. “I feel I made the right choice, because going off to a university right out of high school would have overwhelmed me. With the two years I’ve spent at FCCJ, I feel more prepared and ready for the university level.”

Not surprisingly, Katrina’s “do it all” attitude easily made the transition from high school to college. She’s involved with student government on North Campus, as well as the dance team Ladies of Motivation. But she gets truly enthusiastic when discussing the club she founded last summer, Campus Trends. ”The club has done a fall fashion show, another show for the FAME students, a spring fashion show and a Dress for Success show for dual enrollment students. I really enjoy putting on fashion shows and entertaining people,” she says.

Katrina is also a student ambassador, helping to recruit students and provide them with the resources to succeed in college. “I love being a student ambassador because it’s allowed me to come out of my shell a bit, and really be outgoing and meet all types of people,” she says. Her enthusiasm doesn’t go unnoticed. Coordinator Kerry Roth, who oversees the ambassador program at North Campus, says, “Katrina’s willingness to step up whenever needed has always impressed me. Sometimes I have to remind her to take time for herself.”

Her seemingly boundless energy doesn’t stop at school, of course. Katrina is a life-long member of Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church and deeply involved with activities there as well, participating in the youth choir and the church’s dance ministry. She also volunteers as a junior adult leader with the Girl Scout troop that meets at the church.

Katrina graduates this year with an associate in arts degree (A.A.) and plans to pursue her bachelor’s at the University of North Florida, where she’ll major in business management and minor in real estate. Beyond college, she’ll simply say that she has a “few business projects” in mind. Knowing Katrina, she’ll probably do all of them at once.

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