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JoshuaJ2


Published: Sun, 01 Jan 2006 09:00:00 -0500

Mariah Peters/JaredN and JoshJ2
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"You can interview him." 

Those were the immortal--or maybe not so immortal--words that lead me to the next person on which to shine my spotlight.  JoshuaJ2, better known to most of his friends as Josh Johnson, is the lucky man of the month!

Josh is one of The Potter's School's newest students.  At age 14, he is currently in his freshman year of high school, and this is the first year that he is taking courses with TPS.  Right now, he is only taking one class--English 9 with Janis Gaines.  "I really enjoy the class," he says.  "We've been studying some really great material and I'm really enjoying the writing assignments.  The only thing that I don't really enjoy is the daily assignments.  Not that I'm lazy about them, it's just that it's easy to get behind and it's something to get used to."  So far, Josh has really enjoyed TPS and thinks it's an excellent way to take extra classes that parents might not be able to teach.  He really enjoys the system and hopes that TPS continues its work throughout the coming years.

Josh was born in Lich, Germany.  His dad was a U.S. Army officer for 21 years, and their family was stationed in Geissen, Germany at the time of his birth.  "Due to the hectic and constant moving of the military life, I've been homeschooled since day one," Josh states.  Josh says that his early childhood--through mid-elementary--was spent moving, making new friends, and doing his schoolwork.  "I wasn't very athletic at all during this time and [I spent] most of my time trying to match up with my friends in the neighborhood in sports like football and basketball."  Due to this fact, Josh focused mainly on music.  Once seventh grade hit, God gave him the opportunity to start Taekwondo martial arts.  It has become his main sport and he is quite good at it.  "God is continually giving me new opportunities to use my music, acting, and martial arts to minster," he says.  Currently, Josh holds a first degree back belt and competes in Taekwondo.  Josh says, "I just pray that God will use me through my ability."

Currently, the Johnsons live in Woodbridge, Virginia and attend Immanuel Bible Church (IBC) in Springfield.  "Even though I would prefer a more natural environment, I love it here," states Josh.  "I have the best friends here and there are so many places where I can serve."  As far as music is concerned, Josh plays the piano and drums, and he is currently teaching himself to play the guitar.  Josh also sings with Immanuel's youth choir, Inspiration, and a select ensemble from that group called Set Free.  During the rather large Easter and Christmas performances that IBC puts on, Josh generally does tech work -- mainly backstage and lights.

One of Josh's hobbies is hanging out with his friends.  He also loves paintballing, writing, and likes to "study movie choreography such as sword fights, martial arts, etc."  He doesn't have any pets, but he hopes to one day get a dog--preferably a German Shepherd.  Josh only has one sibling, an older sister named Heather.  She isn't on TPS with Josh, since she is currently studying music education, with an emphasis in violin, at Cedarville University near Dayton, Ohio.  Heather is also engaged and was married on December 31, 2005.  

As stated before, Mr. Johnson served with the Army for 21 years.  He is currently a defense contractor for Engineering Support Systems Incorporated (ESSI), which does a lot of work for the military.

Josh's final comment was, "God has a plan for each and every one of you.  NEVER give up in life.  NEVER think that you'll never add up to anything.  Whether you're the President's son or if you're a farm boy living in the middle of nowhere.  Whether you're a star basketball or football player in your country or if you can hardly dribble down a court.  God has something great in store for you in life and all you have to do is trust Him and keep your head up."

 

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