Successful poet helps others through her poetry
Student Spotlight on Shvonne Johnson

-- Dara Trooien Leitner

Shvonne Johnson was 13 years old when she won an Outstanding Author Award for her poem titled, "Consider Me." That was just the beginning for this talented wordsmith. Since then, she has written over 300 poems, and writes about anything that inspires her, from love to self-esteem, to social issues and stoplights.

Yes, stoplights, she said with a smile. "At first, writing poetry was a way to vent and to feel understood. Now, I realize that I can help people through my poetry and other people can benefit," she said.

On Sep. 27, 2003, Johnson published a collection of poems that she had written from the time she was 13 to a young woman at the age of 23. It’s titled Release. By Dec. 2, 2003, all two hundred copies were gone.

Release is currently out of print. However, this fall, a re-release is slated and five thousand copies will be available. Johnson would like some of the proceeds to help benefit programs that are important to her, such as the Southside Family School (SFS) in Minneapolis. According to their Web site, SFS "is an award-winning urban K-8 alternative school dedicated to academic excellence, innovation in curriculum, and family and community involvement."

As the Multicultural Outreach Coordinator at The College of Saint Catherine, First Step Summer Institute is also close to her heart. According to their Web site, First Step Summer Institute "is a unique college immersion experience helping to prepare young women of color for higher education." During the two-week program, students meet other young women, observe college courses and engage socially.

Johnson is an avid reader, and as she puts it, reads anything and everything. She enjoys spending time with her family and loves watching Barbara Streisand movies. She just completed her teaching licensure in Social Studies education at Metropolitan State University and has applied to The College of Saint Catherine’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Juris Doctor Dual Degree.

When asked what her ideal job would be, there is no hesitation: "I would teach, write poetry and learn for the rest of my life."