Forman Scholar Helena Johnson Inspired to Teach the Children of the Future

For Helena Johnson, making the choice to pursue a career in math education was as easy as pi. When the Forman Scholar transferred to Salem High in her sophomore year, she was immediately inspired by the love and passion her teachers displayed for education. Helena knew she wanted to spend her future career making a positive impact on the lives of students. Upon discovering that working with numbers was one of her many gifts, she set her sights on becoming a math teacher.

Today, Helena is working toward that ultimate goal at Jacksonville University in Florida. Helena always dreamed of attending college in the Sunshine State, and after visiting the school, she fell in love with the campus, its culture and the many opportunities she was encouraged to take advantage of. As Helena makes her way through her rigorous coursework, she is sure to keep the image of her favorite math teacher, Anne Hudock, in mind as a model for the type of educator she aspires to become.

“Ms. Hudock played such a pivotal role in my life and the lives of my peers. She saw us as more than just students. She understood us as people, with individual personalities, struggles and needs,” said Helena. “I want to be that guiding light for my future students. I want to encourage students to reach for the stars and never shy away from following their dreams.”

While a student at Salem High, Helena involved herself in several activities both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to singing in the choir, she contributed her athletic prowess to the school’s basketball, winter track and spring track teams. Her time as a right back on the field hockey team proved especially rewarding and memorable.

“Winning the championship game my senior year was hands down the best moment of my high school experience. As a team, we had worked hard all season for this moment. Having it all pay off when it mattered most – and having the opportunity to dominate Pennsville, our sworn rival – made it all worth it,” said Helena.

Although Helena enjoyed many of her Salem High classes, her Theory of Knowledge course stands out as a particular favorite. Completing the various assignments changed her perspective on life and provided her a new lens through which to view the world.

“We had such great discussions in that class,” said Helena. “It really opened my eyes to how easily we fall into these automatic ways of thinking and how little we actually think outside of the box. The course definitely sharpened my critical thinking in that respect.”

In her free time, Helena enjoys swimming and playing the ukulele. A self-taught musician, she is proud of the progress she’s made thus far, and continues to rely on Vance Joy’s “Riptide” as a way to sharpen her skills.

“That song is my jam! I’m looking forward to learning new songs in the future and expanding my repertoire,” said Helena.

Helena has been soaking up all that her first few months of the college experience have had to offer. She looks forward to getting involved in on-campus organizations, meeting lifelong friends and embarking upon new experiences. In the meantime, she offers two pieces of advice for those students who may be setting off on a college journey of their own very soon: don’t limit yourself and try new things.

“Trust me, there is a school out there for everyone. Don’t get stressed out by the seemingly endless college options. Instead, take a breath and seek out a school that will allow you to pursue your interests,” said Helena. “And when you finally arrive, be sure to step out of your comfort zone, attend campus events and check out club meetings. Most of all, try your best and make the most of this exhilarating yet nerve-wracking chapter of your life.”