Portrait #9  (11-2003)                                    
Name: Dawn Johnson
Age: 19
School: Lake City Community College
Major: Nursing
Phone: 386-754-4318
Email: SGA@LakeCitycc.edu
Favorite book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Hobbies: Decorating

Major campaign accomplishment
     “As the Student Government president of the 2003-2004 school year, I’ve learned many things: how to lead, listen, and understand the student body. In this position, I’ve discovered skills that teach me how to relate to others. This is a rewarding opportunity for me because I’m able to learn about issues that affect the student body. While many of these issues are challenging, I always look forward to conquering them.”

Previous roles in SGA
     “Last year I was the legislative liaison for the SGA. I enjoyed learning about student and community college issues and helped establish programs for various purposes. For example, we’ve done a letter writing campaign and received some letters. I hope that this year we receive more personalized letters.”

Why did you become involved in SGA?
     “I’m concerned about the students on my campus and about the issues that are now affecting the student body and community colleges statewide.”

Who is your role model?
     “My dad is my biggest role model. He didn't finish high school and had to struggle to succeed in life. I think he did a magnificent job in raising me and accomplishing his goals. I’ll always remember my dad’s motto, "Don't say you’re going to do something unless you’re going to do it."

What is your administration’s biggest challenge?
     “One of our biggest challenges are major cutbacks in the budget. CLEP exams that are administered and not paid for nor budgeted by the state are also a major issue. Our college president, Dr. Charles Hall, has done a wonderful job, despite the major budget decreases.”

What legacy will your administration leave?
     “I want to be remembered as a person who is pro-student rights, one that has set high and moral standards for our student body.”

How does the student body view SGA?
     “Our student body knows what the SGA offers and why we’re here. They see us as a helping hand and as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.”

Describe your relationship with the administration.
     “Our students have a good relationship with our administration. The administration is very supportive of not only the SGA but also the student body.”

Describe your relationship with the media.
     “We haven’t been extremely involved with our campus media. However, we’re restarting the monthly newsletter in January and are excited about the new magazine.”

What advice would you give to other SGA’s?
     “I would say to work hard and you will get to where you want to be in life. Simply choose  a goal and reach it.”

What are your plans after graduation?
     “After graduating, I want to transfer to Florida State University and attain a BSN in nursing. My goal in life is to become a nurse and to work with people who are in need of special care. I discovered my interest in this field when I worked at Lake City Veteran's Hospital. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience, just like my job as SG president.”

Contact Dawn Johnson at SGA@LakeCitycc.edu.

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