Student Spotlight - Shane Johnson
After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Shane Johnson wanted to get a job, earn a college degree and live close to his family. He was happy to discover he could do all three in east Snohomish County at EvCC's East County Campus.
"I'm not sure I would have attended college if not for the convenience and accessibility of the East County Campus," Shane said.
Shane, now the owner and general manager at Thrive Community Fitness in Monroe, said the classes he has taken toward a degree in business administration are a big part of the reason he was promoted.
"The staff and professors truly care about their students," he said. "Not something I have ever experienced before."
Shane Johnson and business instructor Lynne Munoz, who taught his favorite classes.
With a desire to be involved in his community, Shane collaborated with Monroe businesses, services and volunteers to provide a day of help for the homeless at Thrive in December 2016. “I know that the homeless population is increasing here in Monroe, and so I wanted to give back,” Shane told the Monroe Monitor. At the event, 65 people and one family of four benefited from free showers, laundry, hot meals, haircuts and toiletries.
Shane stands outside Thrive Community Fitness in Monroe, where he is the owner and general manager. Photo courtesy of the Monroe Monitor.
Shane served in the U.S. Air Force from 2007 to 2013 and then used his GI Bill® benefits to pay for his education. He encourages other veterans, especially those struggling to find work, to go to college too. "Opportunities exist. Use your GI Bill® to fulfill your educational needs. Get a degree. You won't regret it," he said.
Shane took the time from his busy schedule in January 2017 to answer some questions about his EvCC education.
Why did you choose EvCC East County and your program of study?
Because it was close and convenient. I would not have taken classes at main campus simply based on my schedule and work load. The location was key.
Have any EvCC faculty or staff mentored you or otherwise helped you succeed?
Business instructor Lynne Munoz and former East County Campus director Robert Prosch.
How has your education helped you in your career?
Gave me the tools necessary to lead and manage.
What was the impact of the event to help the homeless that you planned in December?
Huge, we helped over 65 homeless people and one family of four. We even had a volunteer that had not seen her homeless sister in over four years, and they connected for the first time since then at the event.
Where will you go from here?
Open another Thrive in the next 3 years.
What advice do you have for students like you?
Work as hard as humanly possible. If you want something bad enough put in the work, real work.