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Show Convocation coordinator Johnson brings class to class by Laura and horseback riding allows me a relief from the frustrations of every day life as well as giving me some time to myself, Johnson said. It allows me to go where no other vehicle can Wearing When one meets Lana Johnson, administrative assistant for special projects at SUSC, one cannot help notice the poised, chic, sophisticated, and professional aura that surrounds her. One might never guess that this rather idealized figure comes from a small town that has a population of 300 or that she was raised on a ranch hundreds of miles from any major town. Johnson has worked on refining the experiences that have made up her life to bring her to a point where she feels comfortable in all situations, with all types of people. From d artists and personalities that she deals with through her coordination of SUSCs Convocations Series, to freshmen students she leads through orientation, she has established a constant rapport with others. Its also been through travel that she has expanded her horizons. From 1969 to 1972 Johnson, her husband Met and their two boys Taylor and Redge went to the Orient to teach. I loved it there; it was a marvelous experience, Johnson said. The Japanese are a predominant culture in tune with themselves. They are able to live in a fast moving, technical world as well as keep in touch with nature and represent emphasis, for their go- world-renowne- tradition. The SUSC administrator has been married to husband Met for 21 years. Lies a former student body president at SUSC and they ran into each other at Levens Clothing while students at Utah State University in Logan. The pair came to Cedar City 10 years ago to manage the livestock market auction. They are now the parents of three boys, Taylor, 18, a ski instructor for Brian Head; Redge, 17, a skier and debater; and Ryan, 10, who enjoys baseball as well as skiing. Johnson said that each summer all of their sons work on the family ranch. Her professional educational career began as a part-tim- e English teacher at Cedar City Junior High School where she taught for three years. I love teaching because I like to see students respond to new ideas and new ways of - The Johnsons bought the Convocation Coordinator Lana Johnson came to Cedar City 10 years ago to run the livestock auction. She brought to SUSC enthusiasm and varied experiences towards activities on campus. thinking, Johnson said. Johnson quit teaching in order to help her husband with the market. I always look forward to something new and exciting, she said. I was looking for a change and he needed my help. Theres always a regret when you give something up, she said. My regret was that I missed the contact with the students and watching their growth. publications. From there she moved into the administration of the Convocations, Freshman Orientation and various forms of writing and recruiting. Since the Convocation series and Freshman Orientation programs are offered for credit, someone is needed to coordinate, organize and maintain the programs. One thing led to another and thats how I got where I am today, One afternoon my father needed me to drive the hay truck up from the field. At the time it didnt concern him that I was only Teaching requires that I stay a step ahead in an world says Lana Johnson. However, teaching is very demanding especially at that age both physically and mentally. She returned shortly to continue her teaching at SUSC. Teaching requires that I stay a step ahead in an world in order to direct students for the challenges they will have to face, Johnson said. Teaching is to inspire and excite in students the need for new ideas and responses to the world ever-changi- around them. Along with teaching, Johnson took on added responsibility in 1982 when the college administration needed help with Johnson said. In reality, however, Johnson got where she is through hard work and education. Johnson is originally from Bicknell, Utah where she was raised on a ranch. It is there she learned the skills that ranching requires, ranging from milking cows to driving the hay truck. Her family depended largely upon her to help on the ranch because ranching was responsible for the familys income. Johnson has some memories from her early ranch days that have stayed with her through her life. I remember learning how to drive the hay truck. 10 years old, Johnson said. He told me all I had to do was drive the truck straight until I reached the turn and then turn the wheel slightly to the right. All was going well until I came to the right hand turn. My father had forgotten to mention that I had to release ever-changi- ng the wheel after I turned. So around in circles I went with my father yelling continuously. Johnson enjoyed life on the ranch where horses became a big part of her life. I loved riding my horse to take the milk cows to pasture after their milking, Johnson said. The mornings are beautiful, tranquil and peaceful times with the meadowlarks singing. The ranch gave me a sense of freedom with no restraints and few fears. Even to this day, when Johnson needs a break she saddles up her horse and goes for a ride. I enjoy getting away, Cedar Livestock Market five years ago. This past year they added a restaurant, a barber shop, a saddle shop and office space. They also own a ranch located approximately 10 miles from Bryce Canyon. Although a major part of Johnsons life is spent dealing with the ranch, she also spends much of her time at SUSC. Because of her involvement in Freshman Orientation she has recognized the need for social interaction between social groups. Most students move into social groups fairly easily due to common interests, share the same career goals or have similar ethnic backgrounds, Johnson said. My concern deals with getting these different social groups to interact. As a whole SUSC students are great. When theyre challenged to think they can think they are independent individuals who can accomplish whatever they set their minds to, Johnson said. The environment challenges students because of its openess, however it provides the ultimate learning center. Johnson believes that Cedar City enhances student activity. Cedar City is a cosmopolitian community for its size, Johnson said. SUSC is located in the proximity of everything I love to do. Water skiing, snow skiing, golfing, tennis, and horseback riding are some of Johnsons favorite activities. Among the sports Johnson is one of her enjoys, favorites. As a child, I spent my winters on ice, Johnson said. If I could live my wildest dream, I would love to have been the gold medal finalist in the Womens Figure Skating Competition. However, says Johnson, I will settle for retiring in Cedar with a few good Qu; rterhorses and a couple of acre; to pasture them on, as well as raving some free time, two or th ee hours to do some writing on mv own to my own interests. |