2009 Fall Cornerstone Proof -- Closing Thoughts

PROOF

An Internship that Changed a Life By Monica Johnson ’04

knew my career possibilities were endless when I chose to major in communication as a Lindsey Wilson College sophomore. While I was struggling with which area of communication to pursue, an opportunity presented itself that would not only direct my professional life but would also change me as a person.

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As a Blue Raider, I was taught the value of a solid education and the importance of community involvement – especially giving of oneself for the benefit of others. Those expectations led me to an internship with the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life organ donor program. I was very interested in working in the non-profit sector, and I had hoped my experience with the Trust For Life would help guide my future by exposing me to everyday challenges of running a non-profit organization. I never imagined it would also give me a new direction and passion in life. Organ donation is a sensitive issue. Like most people, before my internship I did not know a lot about the subject. Organ donation is surrounded by myths and misconceptions, but I quickly realized its significance as I developed relationships with Kentuckians whose lives had been changed by organ donation and transplantation. I worked alongside recipients who had been given a second chance at life through organ transplants, many of whom were only days away from dying when someone made the decision that would save their life. I met parents, who, in the face of tragedy after losing a child, were able to have grace and make the decision to donate their loved one’s organs so that someone else may live another day. And I came to know others in need who were still waiting, still hoping and praying that a second chance may be given to them as well.

I’m grateful I attended a college that encourages the growth of its students in the classroom as well as in the community.

At the end of my internship, I realized that not only had this experience given my life direction, it had also ignited within me with a passion for organ donation advo-

cacy. I continued my involvement with the Trust For Life and in 2006, two years after graduating from LWC, I was given another opportunity to work with the organization. For three years I served as project manager for a $1 million research project, studying best practices for increasing donor registrations. Over this time, my passion for organ donation awareness continued to grow and my life became further enriched as I met more people affected by this issue. Then on Sept. 1I became interim director of the Trust For Life.

Trust For Life Interim Executive Director Monica Johnson ’04 joins Adair Circuit Clerk Dennis Loy ’73 at his drivers’ licensing office. Almost 1,000 Adair County residents have joined the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry at the Adair Circuit Clerk’s office.

I’m grateful I attended a college that encourages the growth of its students in the classroom as well as in the community. Being involved with the Trust For Life gave me a sense of fulfillment and a passion to share with others. I strongly encourage everyone to learn more about organ donation and to consider becoming a donor. One donor can save or enhance up to 50 lives in need, and the need is great. More than 103,000 Americans – including nearly 740 Kentuckians – are on the national waiting list for life-saving transplants. Tragically, 18 people die waiting each day. Indicate your willingness to save lives through organ donation by joining Kentucky’s Organ Donor Registry the next time you visit your Circuit Clerk to renew your driver’s license or by visiting www.TrustForLife.org. Please, don’t take your organs to Heaven; heaven knows we need them here. Monica Johnson is a 2004 LWC alumna and interim executive director of Trust For Life. She can be reached at [email protected].