Brooke Johnson

Freshman Profile : Brooke Johnson
By: Sue Kahrs
Class of 2000

Brookie, Brooklyn, and Little Blondie are just some of the affectionate nicknames assigned to Brooke Johnson, a Prosperity native who will attend Erskine as a freshman this fall. "I have a lot of nicknames, but some I hope to leave at home when I go!"

When Brooke arrives on campus, she will bring more than just nicknames and her friendly demeanor. She will bring the strong work ethic and determination that steered her high school career.

She was named Most Outstanding Senior at Mid-Carolina High School, ran track, cross country, and played soccer. She was not lacking in the classroom, either. In addition to her membership in the Beta Club, she was a participant in Science Olympiad, a member of the SAT Team, and an E.B. Kennedy Finalist at Erskine.

Johnson wants to study biology, she says, with an emphasis on genetics. "I am interested in medicine, but more the research element then the health care element."

In addition to the classroom, she hopes to make contributions to the music department and soccer team. "I plan to be involved in the Choraleers, as well as be a walk-on to the soccer team–I may even be involved in drama."

Soccer at Erskine will be a different game from those Johnson played in high school. Mid-Carolina didn’t have a women’s team, so Johnson and a few other girls played on the men’s team.

Johnson says "it was an eye-opening experience." She should have said nose breaking, instead. "I broke my nose playing my senior year, and my mom said that was enough. But I’m looking forward to getting an opportunity (to play) at Erskine."

Johnson’s plans for the summer include taking a beach trip to relax before taking on a camp-filled July.

She will be working at the music conference at Bonclarken, followed by Camp Bonclarken. After that, she will work at Ambassador Camp, a small Christian camp in North Carolina.

Johnson says that Ambassador Camp is on a completely volunteer basis. She has been going for years, as both a camper and staff member. "Leaders do anything from scrubbing pots and pans to working with kids — it’s a great all-around experience."

Johnson’s first impression of Erskine was comforting, coming from a small school and community. "One of the first times I came to Erskine there were smiles and waves everywhere–these were the kinds of people I wanted to surround myself with."

Johnson says this summer she will be spreading a message she learned just recently, that will help her once she arrives at Erskine.

"Until you are happy with yourself, then no one else can like you. If you have accepted who you are, then you can arrive at a new place and not have anything to worry about."