Johnsons stage college and family (11-02-05)
Rose Johnson tends to her granddaughters Emma and Abby.
Matthew, Joshua and Shelly Johnson.
Rose is walking as fast as she can through the crowded Adams State College Student Union Building. She spots Shelly coming towards her, as they draw closer they smile and pick up the pace. They meet, and Rose hands off the carrier to Shelly and each continue in opposite directions at a fast pace.
An hour later Shelly is climbing the stairs of the ES Building, relieved to see Joshua before she makes it up one flight, the weight on her arm is heavy. Again the smile and the quick exchange, Shelly continues up to her 11 a.m. class and Joshua carries their son, Matthew, in his car seat, outside to the waiting vehicle.
They'll all gather later at the Theatre Building for play rehearsal, to help build sets, make costumes or participate in other thespian activities. Their schedule could be considered grueling by many, raising three children, taking full time classes, work, and being heavily involved in the theatre, but to the Johnsons, it's just another day pursuing dreams.
The routine is manageable because of their belief that family comes first. It has been their lifeline and the support system has seen them through medical traumas, diapers, theatre rehearsals, costume changes, careers, homework, and given them all a chance for a better life.
Rose Johnson is the mother of Joshua. Joshua and his wife, Shelly, have three children. Emma is four, Abby three and Matthew one.
Joshua first came to Adams State College in the fall of 2002 to play football. After the first season he realized with family, classes, and work, he didn't have the time to compete in collegiate sports.
He is currently waiting to be accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at ASC.
Shelly is a senior. She is working on a double major, speech/communication/theatre with an emphasis in secondary education, and liberal arts.
Since her first appearance on the ASC Theatre stage in the fall of 2003, she has been in eight productions.
Rose started college in the fall of 2003 and is majoring in sociology. She is also the Costume Shop supervisor for the Theatre Department.
Rose said she is glad to be with the family and receive an education at the same time. Her interest in her family is what hooked her into the Costume Shop position.
"I was cast in The Foreigner, and I called mom when they didn't have enough help for the costumes," said Joshua. "It didn't take long before they put her in charge of running the shop."
"Mom created all of the Christmas Carol ghost costumes from scratch from the designs by Dr. Carolyn Harper, professor of theatre" said Joshua.
"I couldn't have done it without them," said Rose. "They are so wonderful and both stayed late at night to help me."
Dr. Paul Newman, director of Theatre, said he enjoys having the three in the department.
"Rose, Josh, and Shelly are the hardest working students we have in the Theatre Program," Newman said. "Rose is a magnificent costume shop supervisor, always leading her seamstresses by example and by thoughtful teaching, and always personally able to do what she must to finish the costumes for a show."
Josh is a wonderful comic actor and consistently available to pitch in to help, even when it's 'not his job.' I can't say enough about Shelly. She's one of the finest actors I've ever had the pleasure to direct: honest, funny, and focused. In the classroom, no one takes her education more seriously than she," Newman said.
In addition to the three adults of the Johnson family, the three little ones have also appeared on stage.
"Both Emma and Abby were in Christmas Carol and I was pregnant with Matthew during the rehearsals and run of Goodnight Desdemona," said Shelly.
Dr. John Taylor, associate professor of Theatre, directed Christmas Carol.
"The Johnsons have it figured out," Taylor said. "They value family and education and they know that they don't have to sacrifice either one."
Their entire family was part of Christmas Carol. Rose was making incredible costumes while Josh, Shelly, and the girls were charming the audience with their wonderful performances," said Taylor.
It means a lot of schedule juggling between Rose, Joshua and Shelly so someone is always taking care of Emma, Abby and Matthew.
"We are a family and work together as a family. It keeps us grounded," said Joshua.
"I couldn't be following this dream of acting if it weren't for the support from Joshua and Rose," said Shelly.
"We love being around her. We are blessed to have her in our family," said Rose.
"When I am in a play it means rehearsal time of three hours a night, five nights a week," said Shelly. "Then on your own time you need to memorize lines, blocking and movements. Plus do your homework, attend classes, hold down a work-study job and spend quality time with family."
Their academic career and stage career has at times been interrupted by medical issues. In Shelly's last trimester an ultrasound showed baby Matthew had a heart defect. He would need to be delivered in Denver.
"Without the support of our professors, our family couldn't have made it," said Rose.
Dr. Carolyn Harper, professor of Theatre, said she admires their commitment.
"The Johnsons are somewhat of a phenomenon in terms of the theatre department," said Harper. "On top of all those balls juggling their youngest has had extensive medical care and surgeries and they manage to keep it together. It is a wonderful experience to work with them."
"The students are the best part about the Theatre Department," said Shelly. "Our children can run around and go anywhere and be safe. We know the students will watch out for them even though we don't ask them. It is a great atmosphere."
"You wouldn't find this kind of attention in a big school," said Joshua. "When I come to them with a problem their response is always, 'what can we do to help?'"
Matthew was born June 2004 in Denver.
He didn't have to have immediate open heart surgery. But four days later had the first of four procedures, over the course of a year, on his heart. The Johnsons have relied more than ever on each other to face the uncertainty of Matthew's health, still maintain high GPAs and continue with the Theatre Department.
"I just know I am so grateful for my family. A degree is important, and so are jobs, but nothing is as important as family," said Shelly.
She is determined to earn her degree.
"It shows my daughters and my son that education is important for females. Not necessarily to work, but to take advantage of every opportunity," said Shelly.
"I have attended other colleges," said Rose. "At ASC, the professors know education is a priority and of great worth and value but they also understand there is something greater. I couldn't do it without them seeing I have a life."
"I am loving student life and am prepared for the transition. We have overcome struggles and have grown closer together. We've shared experiences and in the long run the kids will remember we did this as a family," said Shelly.
By Linda Relyea
