Humans of GSU: Johnny Smith

“My hometown of Englewood has been known to be one of the most poverty-stricken areas of Chicago. As the youngest of 13 children, I grew up as a student athlete and was the recipient of a basketball scholarship to Fresno State University in the year of 1988.

 Unfortunately, that scholarship was taken away and I was forced to return to Chicago where I stepped away from college to work and provide for my family. After working for 25 years, I decided to return to college and earn my educational degrees.

 I graduated from Prairie State College in the year of 2013, transferred to Governors State through the Dual Degree Program, and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. I am now in my last semester in GSU's criminal justice master's program and hope to graduate with the highest honors as a Summa Cum Laude graduate.

My pursuit of goals and accomplishments was very challenging but yet rewarding, and I hope to be a beacon of light to the next generation.”

—Johnny Smith, Graduate Student, Criminal Justice, #HumansOfGSU