Name: Terrick Johnson
Classification: Graduate
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Kingstree, South Carolina
Primary Volunteering Site: Office of Diversity & Student Engagement at Winthrop University
What makes the Close Scholars Program special to you?
This program is special to me because it allows me to explore different aspects of what it means to give back to a community; whether campus, town or identity-based communities. While being able to do this we also get to have fun and receive opportunities to grow both personally and professionally through different developmental tools, activities and presentations!
What do you love about the Close Scholars Program?
I love how that the Close Scholars Program is dedicated to service! As a fellow Scholar, I notice that as long as you put in time and service towards various communities the Close Foundation does the same in return.
Why should incoming first-year students apply to the Close Scholars Program?
Incoming first-year students should apply to the Close Scholars Program because of the intrinsic value associated with it. You are able to build connections with other students who have servant hearts and dedicate time to serving others; in return, you develop more as an individual and realize that there is more to life than just yourself and what you believe, but more about maintaining an environment where anyone can thrive.
As a servant leader, what advice do you have for Winthrop students in general?
It may be cliché but I would tell Winthrop students to treat others the way you want to be treated. This can reflect all aspects of life because you never know when the time will come when you will need help or some love and positivity in your life. If you don’t typically do this then please use your knowledge, resources and time to help others out because that could truly have a lasting impact on your life and the lives of others!
What has been your favorite community service experience and why?
My favorite community service experience would have to be helping run a Peer Dialogue campus event led by the Diversity Peer Educators in the Office of Diversity & Student Engagement on the experiences we live through as African Americans. This event was purely discussion-based and helped provide information to current Winthrop students on different topics, such as colorism and appropriation vs. appreciation. Each student who attended was able to share personal experiences and have open discussions on the issues and what we can do to best navigate them. I think this event opened my eyes to the fact that even though each individual person has their own struggles and experiences there are still commonalities among each of us altogether!
Fun Fact :-)
I like printed socks (different colors and patterns)!
Favorite Book
"Just Mercy: a Story of Justice and Redemption" by Bryan Stevenson
Favorite Performer
Drake
Favorite Hobby
I love watching medical television dramas and coloring!