Growing up, Johns mother used to always say to him, “I just want you to be happy.” The trick for him has been to follow his passion. It sounds simple but too few are lucky enough to have the time, resources, and support needed to identify that which you and only you are uniquely purposed to do. “I wake up happy every day pursuing what I love,” says Johns. “Identifying your purpose is only half the battle. Once you know what you’re passionate about, taking the risks necessary to pursue your passion is the other part of the battle.” Surrounded by a supportive village, Johns was encouraged to follow his passion.
Passionate about education and the young people who deserve the access to educational opportunities, Johns without a doubt understands the value of education. “We know that those who successfully attain post-secondary degrees of value earn more money and experience fewer health challenges,” Johns tells BE Modern Man. “Furthermore, in our global 21st century labor market we must honor that technology and innovation welcome non-traditional application of skill and experience.” To ensure that every American is successful they must be supported first, in school.
Before his current post, Johns spent years on Capitol Hill, and describes his time as Senior Education Policy Advisor to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) as nothing less than challenging. “I was one of two Black men among Democratic and Republican committee staff, and I was also among the youngest staff members,” says Johns. Working twice as hard as everyone in the room to ensure that he was knowledgeable about legislation, process, and procedure, Johns stayed the course to fulfill his ultimate purpose. “In addition to knowing the substance, I learned the importance of cultivating relationships, especially with those you disagree. The experiences learned and relationships cultivated during my time on Capitol Hill remain invaluable even today.”
Read more on page 3…