Former
ASI president recounts CSULB career
By
Amber Muranaka
Online Forty-Niner
Assistant City Editor
Former Associated Student Inc. President Michael Johnson’s drive for
success has led him to a busy and rewarding career in politics.
Johnson, 23, is currently working in the political field as a deputy campaign
manager in San Diego, dealing with fundraising and campaigns.
Aside from being Cal State Long Beach ASI president during 2004-05, he was
vice president of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, elections and new student
orientation commissioner for ASI, senator for the College of Education, and
ASI treasurer. He was in student government for five years and a member of
Kappa Sigma fraternity.
“
The most rewarding [part] was working with other student organizations and
cultural organizations,” said Johnson, who received a bachelor’s
degree in political science.
When he went around to the California State University schools, he said other
schools were jealous of CSULB’s beautiful campus, former CSULB President
Robert C. Maxson and the student leadership. He was glad to be able to watch
over the school for a few years.
“
I was fortunate to attend Long Beach State,” Johnson said. “I’ve
traveled the country going to different universities and Long Beach offers
everything. There’s nothing Long Beach doesn’t offer or have access
to. A school with our size and reputation prepared me very well and the greatest
preparation was from involvement outside the classroom, especially from organizations.”
Working in student government during college taught and prepared Johnson for
his post-college life, he said.
“
I was fortunate to have people help me out over the years,” Johnson said. “One
of the most important things I can do is help people out. It was not hard for
me to get a job, but it’s because of the relationships I built because
of college. I’m very thankful for the people that helped me out from
school.”
Johnson is still an adviser for Kappa Sigma. He works with the members and
helps them with classes.
His advice for graduating students is to be humble and realize there is someone
who knows more and has more experience. Just chip in, listen, learn and watch
until you can become a resource for others, he said.
While the working world has kept him busy, it has not overshadowed his Beach
pride. His office has a Go Beach flag and banner.
“
My co-workers sometimes get mad because I talk about Long Beach too much,” Johnson
said. “I do miss Long
Beach State. The past five to six years I’ve lived in Long Beach and
it’s hard to let your friends go. I still consider it my home, but I
miss the people I met, my friends from organizations and cultural organizations,
student government, just the college lifestyle.”
In the few moments of his free time, he tries to maintain his relationships
with friends and family. He may only get to see his friends every couple of
months or once a twice a year.
“
I’m at work and there’s no MySpace...there’s no free time
when you work seven days a week, home only seven hours a day to sleep, and
eat one meal a day,” Johnson said. “I’ll find a community
group and volunteer, I don’t like to be idle. I like being around people
and working with people.”
As far as the future goes, Johnson is not sure where he will end up. He will
be working on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s victory program and move to
Orange County in June.
“
College is the best time of your life,” Johnson said. “It certainly
is great. Working in the real world is great, too.
There comes a time when you are happy with your tenure at CSULB. I left the
school in good hands.”
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