CHARLESTON, S.C. -- We recently sat down with Portland, Ore., product and women's soccer junior defender Maya Johnson to reflect on her time thus far at The Citadel.


Which class at The Citadel have you found most rewarding?
Maya Johnson: The most rewarding yet strenuous class I have taken so far at The Citadel has actually got to be my second semester general chemistry class. My teacher, Dr. Likibi, put high emphasis on giving necessary tools to his students to allow them to succeed in the future. This is the class where I have had to display the most grit and taken the most time out of any other class to work through the topics and problems. This class taught me a lot about myself and my perseverance. This class was so rewarding because my teacher in that class is now my research teacher!


What is your favorite aspect of your major?
MJ: I have really enjoyed being a Biology major because my teachers and mentors are always open for questions about a class or my future aspirations to become a doctor. Dr. Zardus has been especially helpful in mentoring me these past three years.


What's your best trick to balance your classes with your sport?
MJ: My best trick for balancing classes and sports is to take highly detailed notes in class and review the material as I learn it every day in order to track my understanding. If I do not understand a topic, I will go to office hours at my best convenience.


What's your dream job?
MJ: I aspire to be a doctor, particularly a neurosurgeon or dermatologist.


Are you planning on continuing your academic career elsewhere?
MJ: No, I am planning on staying here for the rest of my four years!


Is there someone that you look up to in your chosen field of study?
MJ: Yes, and that someone would be my father. He is a doctor in the sports medicine field and inspired me everyday to be the best version of myself and work towards my future goals in helping others.


What has been your most challenging class at The Citadel?
MJ: My most challenging class has got to be organic chemistry, as it was so much information at once. Due to my strict study habits, I was able to be disciplined in learning all the material and getting a good grade!


Who has been your favorite professor at The Citadel?
MJ: My favorite professors have been Dr. Likibi, who has pushed me to be my best self as a student and a learner, and Dr. Zanin, who was my Cell Biology professor and expressed such a love and passion for learning and Biology that rubbed off on all her students.


What are you most passionate about as a student?
MJ: I am passionate about learning and understanding the world around me, which is why I chose a pre-medical degree.


How did you decide on your major?
MJ: I decided on my major in Biology because I knew ever since I was little I loved science and helping people. There's no better way to fulfill both of these aspirations than to be a pre-med Biology major!