{"id":14217,"date":"2025-08-08T12:21:49","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T16:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=14217"},"modified":"2025-08-08T12:21:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T16:21:49","slug":"susan-johnson-rises-from-snap-to-summa-cum-laude","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/susan-johnson-rises-from-snap-to-summa-cum-laude\/","title":{"rendered":"Rewriting the Future \u2014 Susan Johnson’s Rise from SNAP to Summa Cum Laude"},"content":{"rendered":"

Susan Johnson believed in the next chapter \u2014 and she wrote it herself.<\/em><\/h3>\n

A devoted mother of four and aspiring public health professional, Johnson graduated summa cum laude as the valedictorian of Goodwin University\u2019s class of 2025 \u2014 a symphonic milestone in a journey composed of resilience, purpose, and uncompromising resolve.<\/p>\n

Now, as the next movement begins, she\u2019s turning purpose into action by elevating voices, breaking barriers, and advocating for change where it matters most.<\/p>\n

Planted seeds and unshakable dreams<\/h2>\n
\"Susan
Susan Johnson posing for a family photo with her daughters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Susan\u2019s story begins in Jamaica, where she was born one of the youngest in a large family. Though financial constraints made higher education out of reach, her parents instilled in her a deep and lasting reverence for learning. \u201cI always believed in education,\u201d she reflects. \u201cEven when it wasn\u2019t accessible, my parents made sure I understood why it\u2019s so important.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2003, driven by the promise of opportunity and upward mobility, Susan immigrated to the United States with her daughters. She found work as a nanny \u2014 a role that, while not her dream, provided the stability and flexibility she needed to care for her children and support their growing needs. Still, her opportunities remained limited. \u201cI had never graduated from high school, so I didn\u2019t meet the requirements for jobs that would offer me higher pay,\u201d Susan recalls.<\/p>\n

While nannying offered a steady paycheck, financial concerns persisted \u2014 prompting Susan to seek support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Serving nearly 11% of Connecticut\u2019s population<\/a>, SNAP helps individuals and families meet essential nutritional needs through food benefits and access to critical social services.<\/p>\n

For Susan, as for many Americans, it became a lifeline during a time of sacrifice and survival. \u201cThere were times when I didn\u2019t see the light at the end of the tunnel,\u201d she shares. \u201cIt was a chapter of my life that required selflessness and patience \u2014 but I never gave up on my dream of one day earning a degree.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Opportunity at the doorstep<\/h2>\n
\"Susan
Susan posing for a headshot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In time, that long-coveted dream began to take shape. At 47 years old, Susan earned her high school diploma. \u201cNeedless to say,\u201d she says with a smile, \u201cI was the oldest member of my class.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although this milestone opened new doors, it was a simple postcard waiting in her mailbox that would shape the path ahead.<\/p>\n

That postcard? An advertisement for the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program<\/a>, which helps individuals receiving SNAP benefits access the resources needed to secure more stable employment. Through partnerships with institutions like Goodwin University, SNAP E&T offers eligible students access to career-focused academic programs<\/a>, job readiness training, and critical support services \u2014 all at little to no cost.<\/p>\n

\u201cI received a postcard from the SNAP program, and I honestly thought it was a prank,\u201d she recalls.<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t believe that a program like SNAP, in partnership with Goodwin, was offering such a life-changing opportunity. Especially for someone like me, who believed that higher education was financially out of reach.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Susan \u2014 and for many in similar circumstances \u2014 it was the turning point she\u2019d been waiting for. It offered more than just access to education. It sparked hope. \u201cI remember holding that flyer and feeling a mix of hope and disbelief, wondering if this could really be the opportunity I had been waiting for.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ready to navigate your way to new opportunities and higher earnings? At Goodwin, our SNAP E&T programs provide the career-ready skills<\/strong><\/a> needed to pursue rewarding roles in in-demand fields. Learn more<\/strong><\/a> about our SNAP programs!<\/em><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“My village was Goodwin University.\u201d<\/h2>\n
\"Susan
Johnson being honored at the 2025 Student Award Ceremony, where she received the Award for Academic Excellence.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Susan\u2019s wait was over. Eager to seize the chance to further her education, she enrolled in Goodwin\u2019s Human Services program<\/a>, joining a close-knit cohort of seven fellow SNAP scholars.<\/p>\n

The sense of camaraderie and support was immediate. \u201cFrom day one, I felt incredibly welcomed. Our professors were compassionate, supportive, and truly present,\u201d she recalls. \u201cThat sense of community carried me through every step of the journey. It\u2019s true what they say \u2014 it takes a village. My village was Goodwin University.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Balancing full-time work<\/a> and raising four daughters while maintaining a 4.0 GPA was no minor feat. But her determination \u2014 and the unwavering support of her daughters \u2014 kept her moving forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew I had the potential. I just needed the opportunity.\u201d Susan continues, \u201cOnce I had it, I promised myself I wouldn\u2019t waste it. My daughters understood how much this journey meant to me, and they became my greatest cheerleaders.\u201d<\/p>\n

While still a student, her journey took a second turn when she joined Goodwin\u2019s staff as a senior administrative assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic. \u201cIt felt surreal,\u201d Susan reflects. \u201cI remember walking into Goodwin as a student, thinking, \u2018I\u2019d love to work here one day.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Encouraged by her daughter, she applied for the position \u2014 and when she was hired, it felt like a full-circle moment. \u201cI\u2019m deeply grateful for the chance to serve at an institution that has given me so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sacrifices, ceremonies, and solutions<\/h2>\n
\"Susan
As the 2025 valedictorian, Johnson rang the University bell to signify the start of the commencement ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Susan\u2019s undergraduate story reached a triumphant resolution when she was named Valedictorian and received the Award for Academic Excellence \u2014 achievements she\u2019s still fully processing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI worked hard, but to be recognized like this is truly humbling,\u201d she shares. \u201cAll the sacrifices, the late nights, the countless hours of homework \u2014 it all mattered. I\u2019m very proud of myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her daughters are now following paths of their own \u2014 and, as Susan playfully notes, she might just be following theirs. One is a third-year medical student, and the other is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. \u201cTwo of my daughters are also building careers in the service industry. In many ways, I\u2019m following in their footsteps.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now a graduate student in Goodwin\u2019s Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program<\/a>, her drive to give only continues to grow. \u201cI\u2019ve always been passionate about improving the health and well-being of underserved communities \u2014 because I\u2019ve lived that reality. I raised my children in one. I want to be part of the solution \u2014 to help close that gap.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Her ultimate goal is to teach Human Services or Public Health at Goodwin, inspiring and empowering others who have walked similar paths. \u201cMy hope is to leave a legacy of amplifying voices \u2014 creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. That\u2019s the kind of positive change I want to make.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

From persistence to possibility<\/h2>\n
\"A
Susan celebrating the 2025 commencement, excited and eager to begin the next chapter of her journey.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For anyone considering a return to the classroom \u2014 or feeling stuck \u2014 Susan offers powerful advice: \u201cStay focused. Stay in the race. Even when it gets hard, even when you feel like giving up \u2014 remember your why<\/em>.<\/strong> Giving up should never be an option. You can do it! I did it, and so can you.\u201d And perhaps most importantly, she adds, \u201cBe very kind to yourself.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Susan\u2019s journey is a vivid reminder of the transformative power of education. In Connecticut, individuals with a high school diploma earn approximately 44% more annually<\/a> than those without one, and holding a bachelor\u2019s degree increases that difference by an additional 77%. This highlights why programs like SNAP play an essential role for adult learners and families pursuing social mobility.<\/p>\n

Her path is a testament to what\u2019s possible when resilience meets opportunity. \u201cYou have the power to rewrite the future,\u201d<\/strong> she says. \u201cOur past doesn\u2019t define us. We all have the power to choose how our story continues.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

As for Susan\u2019s story? It\u2019s only just beginning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s time to turn the page \u2014 together. Learn how Goodwin can help you get started<\/strong><\/a> today!<\/em><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Susan Johnson believed in the next chapter \u2014 and she wrote it herself. A devoted mother of four and aspiring public health professional, Johnson graduated summa cum laude as the valedictorian of Goodwin University\u2019s class of 2025 \u2014 a symphonic … Continue reading Rewriting the Future \u2014 Susan Johnson’s Rise from SNAP to Summa Cum Laude<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":14226,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[268,1069,943],"class_list":{"0":"post-14217","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-news","8":"tag-featured","9":"tag-student-profile","10":"tag-student-success-story","12":"fallback-thumbnail"},"yoast_head":"\nSusan Johnson's Story: SNAP to Summa Cum Laude | Goodwin University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"For Susan Johnson, receiving support through SNAP and completing Goodwin's SNAP Employment and Training program was life-changing. 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