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LeeAnn Johnson, from Marietta, Ohio, is graduating from the College of Health Sciences and Professions with a bachelor’s degree in integrated healthcare studies.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My next step is to begin a career that influences healthcare policy.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO—that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
I have had so many ah-ha moments during my time at OHIO. But the biggest one came during my last semester in my Women and Leadership class. Realizing that I had the ability to learn new things and then succeeding in those new concepts was incredibly liberating. With a passion to learn, we can do anything. 

Why did you choose OHIO?  
I chose OHIO for many reasons. The flexibility of online classes really fit my busy schedule. The campus is less than an hour from my hometown, so the need to travel there for certain group projects was convenient. But the biggest reason I chose OHIO is the exceptional reputation of the College of Health Sciences and Professions. I wanted a second degree from the most respectable Health Sciences College in our region. OHIO fit that requirement for me.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Each of my professors impacted my learning experience in amazing ways. However, my favorite professor by far was Dr. Karen Deardorff. She is a no-nonsense kind of female leader with a huge scoop of compassion and desire to pull every student up to their fullest potential. She poured so much into my ability to learn new concepts, and her influences helped me put those concepts on paper in a scholarly manner. She was accessible on every level and showed a desire for every student in her class to succeed. She will always be one of my favorites.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb (not counting Jeff Hill) at OHIO? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
Besides making the leap to go back to school when my son was entering his senior year of high school, the toughest obstacle I experienced was my ethics class. I had a professor who expected the best of her students and accepted zero excuses for failure. She challenged me in ways that made me dig deep and strive for more. As challenging as the class was, it forced me to face my struggles and overcome them.

What are your favorite OHIO memories?
As a non-traditional student, my favorite memories include the incredible young adults who sat next to me in so many classes and embraced me as a fellow student. We struggled through group projects together as peers. Their resilience and acceptance give me great hope in the future. I am grateful for their acceptance and willingness to allow me to mother them from time to time.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
Do not miss the extracurricular opportunities on campus. There are so many opportunities to find where you fit. Go to a sporting event, even if you don’t like sports! It’s about comradery and relationships, not just football, basketball, or volleyball. Find your people and lean on them in the good times and the tough times. You will make friendships for a lifetime at OHIO!