Tabitha Johnson
Grad Stories (2014)
Life wasn't ideal, but for Tabitha Johnson, married at 19, it was her reality. Still,
the bills were paid. Sons Alex, Christian and Nathaniel were healthy. Her husband,
David, however, was permanently disabled, the result of an on-the-job injury. Johnson
carried on for 17 years鈥ntil she lost her job as a property manager in 2009. Things
spiraled quickly out of control.
鈥淚 had a hard time finding a new position, especially having no education beyond high
school,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淟ike most others, we lived month to month. It wasn't long
before we had our utilities shut off and started to lose everything including our
house.鈥�
Eventually her family became homeless, living at a Corona shelter.
鈥淭he burden was on my shoulders being the sole provider, and when I couldn't find
another job, we became very discouraged, especially when we had to let go of all the
things we had accumulated. Emotionally, this was the most devastating for my husband
who was not able to provide for his family,鈥� she said.
Although homeless, Johnson still had dreams. To make the dreams a reality, the family
would need to start over.
鈥淲e established temporary residence with my in-laws and we resorted to signing up
for public assistance,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淪oon after, I enrolled in college and am on
my path to pursuing my goal of becoming a registered nurse.鈥�
Johnson, 41, holds a GPA of 3.8 and is on the Dean鈥檚 List. She will graduate on June
12 from 萝莉研究所 and continue to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
鈥淚 am confident on my academic path and feel that it is what I am supposed to be doing
right now,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am very humbled as a result of my life experiences, yet more
determined than ever to serve as a positive example to my children and community through
positive actions.鈥�
"I'm very fortunate to have a very strong support system in my life right now--my
church, family, and the CalWORKS family at 萝莉研究所 provided me with such positive
encouragement. We continue to struggle financially, yet somehow make ends meet. My
boss/CalWORKS Coordinator, Daniela (McCarson) pushed me and reminded me that the end
goal was near."
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