People of TFC: Emily Johnson

Emily Johnson’s time at Toccoa Falls College has been filled with opportunities that began even before her first official day as a student. In 2018, Johnson won TFC’s Future Scholars competition which included a full-ride scholarship.

Johnson has always been passionate about service. Growing up, she tried to find ways to connect with others and involve herself in her local community of Waynesboro, Ga.

“Both of my parents are teachers, so I was very involved in school and things going on there. I ran track. I played tennis for one year. I did clubs. I was in FFA. We were very involved in my church and community events,” Johnson says. 

Her family’s relocation to Dublin, Ga., before her freshman year of high school did not tarnish Johnson’s extroverted personality. She continued to find ways to get involved at her new school and in her community. She joined West Lauren High School’s track and cross-country team as a sophomore, which is when she met recent TFC alumnus John Morris Wood and was introduced to the institution. 

“[Wood] came to Toccoa Falls College, and when he was visiting Dublin again after his freshman year of college, he had such good things to say about the school,” Johnson says. “He talked about how fun it was and how much he was growing and learning about God and himself. I was really inspired by what he had to say about TFC.”

Wood’s praise for TFC inspired Johnson to tour the campus during her junior year. As she left the Explore TFC event, Johnson says she wasn’t set on TFC, but she also couldn’t deny God’s presence during her time on campus. 

“When I got in the car, I told my mom that [...] I felt the Holy Spirit on this campus,” Johnson says. “There’s something very special about this place. I felt a sense of peace.”

After considering multiple colleges and universities, Johnson returned to TFC in November 2018 to compete in the Future Scholars event. Made complete by winning a full-ride scholarship, Johnson knew she belonged at TFC.

In her first semester, she was not involved in campus clubs and leadership but instead prioritized building friendships, which would lend to a special season for the current senior. 

“I think coming into my freshman year, I was a little burnt out from high school and all of the activities I had been a part of,” Johnson says. “I just wanted to relax and get to know people.” 

However, COVID-19 cut her second semester short. Although this time in her life was very challenging, Johnson says the uncertainty helped her develop a deeper love for the TFC community. 

“A couple of months in, we all went home for spring break, thinking that we might be able to come back after, and then we didn’t. It was devastating,” Johnson says. “[I realized] if I miss something this bad, then it must be really good.”

Johnson even came back to live on campus for the summer of 2020 and says that summer was unforgettable because it allowed her to get to know the community and the city of Toccoa better. 

Over the last few years, Johnson has held many roles on campus. She has worked as an Admissions Ambassador in the Admissions office and served as Campus Life Chair for the Student Government Association during her junior year. Today, she represents TFC students as the SGA President with a mission to encourage students to “believe, belong and become.”

Johnson, who looks forward to serving in a ministry context one day, encourages students who are entering a new season at TFC to make the most of it. 

“Take advantage of your time here. Get to know your professors and put into practice the disciplines you’re learning in class,” Johnson says. “Most importantly, lean in to God.”