Takeia Johnson - USC

Takeia Johnson,
College Bound Class of '06
University of Southern California

As I contemplate graduation in May 2006 and prepare for law school, I challenge myself to openly and honestly reflect on the last three and a half years. I must ask myself whether my college experience has been valuable. Have I made an impact? After sincere reflection, I am proud to say that college has been a beautiful, encouraging, and fun-filled experience, despite obstacles. I know that I will not be leaving the University of Southern California as a phantom among many faces. My passion, drive, and initiative enabled me to emerge as a leader and forward-thinker on my campus and within the USC community.

My freshman year was spent achieving the highest GPA of my college years and working close to twenty hours per week at USC’s alumni giving phone program. Since I knew that my family could not afford to support me financially, I had to hit the ground running. My family moved a great deal when I was growing up, so I had no problem adapting to my new environment. After a semester at my job, I applied and was selected for the student supervisor position. Now that I had a job and was satisfied with my academic progress, I began to seek out ways for me to become involved on campus.

When I came to USC, I knew that I wanted to be a member of a community that sought change and inspired community building. I began working with USC NAACP, attending book club discussions of the Urban Literary Society, and tutoring students at Manual Arts High School during my sophomore year. While I engaged in the practical, hands-on work of community building and advocating for social justice, I also explored related concepts theoretically. As a published author, I accomplished a feat that most undergraduates do not have the privilege of experiencing. Through the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, I worked diligently to create, manage, implement, and present my research project, “Self Revelation from Douglass to Morrison: African American Writers’ Distrust of the Reader.”

I also pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during my sophomore year. I found a network of women that share the same goals of fostering sisterhood while advocating on behalf of the Black community. The bonds that I made with the women of Upsilon chapter will remain long after I graduate from USC. I am proud to not only be a Delta, but also to be a part of an undergraduate chapter whose members are leaders on USC’s campus, excel academically, and constantly look for ways to improve the Black community. During my junior year, I was elected president of Upsilon chapter and we made tremendous strides within the sorority and the USC community. Recognizing the need to provide the same resources that my community gave me and to encourage higher education in South Central Los Angeles, I spearheaded the establishment of the AJANI Higher Education Initiative scholarship foundation during my junior year.

The scholarship foundation helps alleviate the stress of funding higher education for minority women. This non-profit organization represents my drive to build and support community because I recognized the urgent need to help eliminate educational disparities that exist for minority youth and I mobilized an effort to address those disparities. I hoped to provide a mechanism for young women of color to strive for success similar to the way that Scholarship Chicago supports its students.  With the support and encouragement of Karen Foley, President of Scholarship Chicago, I gained valuable insight about organizing our foundation. Garnering support along the west coast as well as from Hawaii, Washington D.C., and Chicago, my ambition led to the AJANI Initiative’s recognition as the only non-profit foundation established by a collegiate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  With the support of Upsilon chapter, the foundation will remain a vehicle for community change.

I will not stop working for my community once I receive my Bachelor’s Degree.  Upon reflection, I am eager to answer the question, “What will my footprints reveal?” The footprints that I am leaving in the sands of time reveal leadership, ambition, initiative, and drive. I was definitely tired at times, but my fatigue never outweighs my desire and I will continue on the path that I set for myself.