Meet Karen (KJ) Johnson!

KJ is a 2010 Wayfinder Residential graduate, who currently resides in Auburn. She is a mother of two amazing kids and is working in home health care. We caught up with KJ earlier this year.

WS: How did Wayfinder prepare you for life after graduation?
KJ: Adulthood and the responsibilities that followed.

WS: What was the most important thing you learned at Wayfinder?
KJ: That no matter what you do in life you can always be successful, all you gotta do is try and keep moving forward. 

WS: Why did you choose Wayfinder Schools?
KJ: I didn’t want to be a high school drop out and I wanted to take the opportunity to be able to live in a Residential program and be able to get my high school diploma.

WS: What was your favorite outing, expedition or field trip and why?
KJ: My favorite outing was the tobogganing at the Snow Bowl. Everyone was together and the “C-School You Later’s” team (Khia, Billie, Natalie and I) won for the fastest high school team.

WS: What was your favorite class, core skill or workshop and why?
KJ: My favorite was my passages project. I made a quilt and in the quilt was a reflection of myself and the time that I spent at Wayfinder. 

WS: What was your favorite thing you learned to cook at Wayfinder and why?
KJ: Cooking with Cathy in the kitchen was my favorite thing. Everything she taught me in the kitchen was always resulted in good food. 

WS: What was your favorite book or poem you read at Wayfinder and why?
KJ: “Where there is a will there is a way.” Because no matter how tough things get or what obstacles get in the way, things always wind up working out. 

WS: What do you miss about Wayfinder Schools?
KJ: I miss my peers and I miss the staff. Spending nine months in a Residential program, people become very close and we become more like family. I miss them all.

WS: What is your favorite Wayfinder memory?
KJ: My favorite memory was the walk to the ceremony for our graduation knowing we did it!! 

WS: What would you like people to know about Wayfinder Schools?
KJ: If you’re thinking about not wanting to finish school, I would advise you to look into [Wayfinder] because it is very beneficial for everybody. You can do it, and it can be done. Don’t give up. 

WS: What would you like people to know about you?
KJ: I’m living my best life and I couldn’t be any happier. Going to this school really did change my life. 

WS: Anything else you'd like to add?
KJ: I miss everyone!