Missy Johnson
Georgia Tech

Degrees: B.S. in Biology and Minor in Health and Medical Sciences

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship had several major impacts on my time at Tech. By participating in the Tech Treks freshman year, I found a love for backpacking and have since been able to backpack on four continents with help from the enrichment funds. Also, through my peers in the program, I found a great group of friends that have made GT much more fun and enjoyable.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
Do not be afraid to try new things and broaden your horizons – study abroad, take classes in other majors, or join a club that has nothing to do with your professional goals!

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
My roommates, Riley, Rachel, Kaitlyn, Adeline, Sydney, and Anokhi, have helped me to be young and fun and have been my support system. They are my closest friends and confidants, and I will miss them dearly next year.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
One of my favorite memories came this past summer. I was a co-facilitator for Tech Treks Iceland, a backpacking trip for 10 of the incoming scholars. After a long, 20 mile day of hiking, all I could hear on the bus ride back to Reykjavik was laughter, stories, and reflections about the hike. For the first time, the students bonded as a group, and I am glad that I was able to play a small role in the same transformative experience I had my freshman year.

What comes next?
I will be attending medical school at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou