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Student Spotlight: Samantha Johnsen– Senior ‘18

What is the best thing about studying Adolescent Math Education and student teaching?

The best part about studying Adolescent Math Education is receiving great feedback from professors and getting ideas to use in the classroom. With these great resources and ideas through the years, I was able to implement these activities and successfully complete student teaching.

What was it like to teach in Ecuador for seven weeks?

It was amazing! I got to learn about cross-cultural education and got to see first-hand how different cultures learn in other environments. The Ecuadorian culture is not one single; instead it is a whole range of cultures and incredible diversity mixed together. It was valuable to learn how to interact with a new culture – I found the Ecuadorians to be warm and polite. My master teacher, who has been teaching overseas for 40 years, shared with me the impact teaching has made on her spiritual and everyday life. The impact of God working through her really made an impression on me. I also enjoyed being at an international school with the ability to interact with missionary kids. It created an opportunity to learn about how they are affected moving from country to country. It was interesting to see how their lives are different than mine. For example, they don’t identify as a single citizenship of a country, but rather a child of God living on this planet.

What was your favorite food in Ecuador?

My favorite food in Ecuador was Palomitas, which is essentially caramel popcorn. I also liked Avena Colombiana which is a creamy oatmeal-based drink. It tastes like a thin vanilla smoothie and has cinnamon, sugar and cloves in it as well (I got it every Sunday after church!).

What was your favorite leisure activity in Ecuador?

I loved doing “coffee shop hops!” I would go around town and try different coffees and pastries; then sit down and enjoy them as I wrote lesson plans and a blog. It was so fun getting to experience the local coffee houses.

What led you to go into education?

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people who were in need. Given my personal attributes; the best path forward was teaching. I fell in love with math in about 8th grade, so it’s been a dream of mine for a while to teach and share my passion for mathematics.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can. Manage 18 credits, if you can handle it, to help find what interests you and to deepen your knowledge in other subject areas. In the end, it will help you become well-rounded.

What are your plans after graduation in the spring?

I was accepted into the Peace Corps and will be leaving for Ghana (in West Africa) to teach secondary math at the end of May! I was so excited when I was interviewed and even more delighted when I was given the position! My first choice was Ghana, but they interviewed me for Liberia instead. Even though it wasn’t my first choice, I was still super excited. God works in amazing ways because the Peace Corps decided to change my location to Ghana in October! It was such a blessing to be given this opportunity to serve others.

Why the Peace Corps?

When I was younger I learned about the cycle of poverty and how education was one of the key enablers to getting people out of poverty. I realized I wanted to use my degree in education to travel to a 3rd world country and help break the poverty cycle. I chose this organization because I firmly believe in the Peace Corps mission: “To promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals: To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.”

What is your favorite thing about Roberts?

My favorite thing about Roberts is the caring faculty and students. The amount of love and support I have on this campus is amazing. Everyone wants to see you succeed and will do anything to help you achieve your dreams.

Faculty Feedback:

Brenda Myrthil, Associate Dean for Student Programming & Leadership

“I admire Sam's healthy sense of adventure and love of learning. She isn't afraid to step out and try something new, while staying true to her values. Her enthusiasm for life, coupled with her openness to new people and adventures, is evident almost immediately upon meeting her. Sam has positively impacted my life in many ways, both personally and professionally!”

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