Johan Hutson (NJ) College Scholarship Recipient - PHILANTHROPIC

I’ve been taught that people should be celebrated and not tolerated. Philanthropy is something we get to do. Before I was born when my mom was in college, the family home was lost to a fire. My mom lived in a shelter with my grandmother, granddad, aunts and cousin for a year. She has shared stories of how people generously helped them through those difficult times. And ironically my aunt Shonda worked in a women and children’s shelter while they lived in one. This is why the prom event is named after her.

Shonda’s Prom Closet allows me to celebrate my aunt’s life although she passed away when I was a baby and I didn’t get to know her. This initiative is just one of the ways philanthropy has been instilled in my life. I’ve learned that no matter the season of life someone is in you can always lend a helping hand. I once thought philanthropy meant you had to give very large amounts of money to those in need or to organizations of your interests. Thank goodness that isn’t true. If you don’t have money, you can donate your time. If you don’t have time, you can donate items or money. If you don’t have time or money, you can give words of encouragement. Being kind is free. Greeting someone with a smile is free. Philanthropy is the generosity of your heart, a heart willing to give without receiving anything in return.

I am currently studying to be a physician’s assistant and majoring in exercise science. As an athlete I have experienced injuries and know how they can affect school, sports and your everyday life. I have a passion to educate young athletes on proper self-care, mental health and having the proper equipment for their chosen sport. My desire is to give back to community and recreational centers that may not have access to trained experts to support student athletes. Outside of my career days, I will volunteer my time to the community. My goal is not to just treat injuries but lessen the occurrence of them. And if they happen, I want to educate young athletes on how to recover properly. Through philanthropy, I will be able to serve young athletes on their journeys.