Armani – FUNDED
We are deeply saddened by the news of the loss of Armani Johnson, one of the bright stars in our 1DF community. Here is a statement from our founder:
“The news of Armani Johnson is devastating,” said Christie Garton, CEO of 1,000 Dreams Fund, which provides micro-grants to young women in need for educational or professional goals and awarded a $1,500 grant to Armani in 2016. Armani was one of five young women from Kansas City who received the grant as part of the organization’s inaugural Project: Girls on the Rise program, which funds college visits and other related college-bound expenses for high school women.
“This news personally saddens me as she was a bright young woman with an especially bright future. Her dream of attending the University of Kansas to study dentistry was inspiring and we were thrilled to be able to support her. On behalf of everyone at the 1,000 Dreams Fund, we extend our deepest condolences to all of her loved ones.”
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From as early as she can remember, Armani Johnson has wanted to be a dentist. When asked what she would be if she couldn’t be a dentist she says, “I guess I could be a dental hygienist?” Totally driven, this junior at Raytown High School is using her campus visit to find the right school to make that dream a reality.
What is your dream career?
It may sound weird, but I’ve been dreaming of being a dentist ever since I was six. I don’t know what attracted me to the profession but there’s just always been something about it that made me think, “I want to do this! This is what I want to do with life.” A lot of people are like, “Will you work on my teeth?” or they say, “If I were you, I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t be in someone else’s mouth.” But I don’t mind.
What are some of the challenges you have faced while reaching for your dreams?
A big challenge I’ve faced is that I’m a very emotional person, so I get really stressed out sometimes. Probably won’t make medical school easy! But I’ll do whatever it takes.
Why is college important to you?
You can’t be a dentist if you don’t have a degree. So, I’m ready for eight years of college and grad school. Whatever I have to do. I’ll do it!
How did funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals?
College is so expensive and I have to work after school. It’s not like a scholarship is just going to pop up. So this money would be really helpful.
What schools did you use the funding to visit?
My dream school is the University of Kansas but I’m also interested in a few schools in Atlanta and William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. I want to go to the University of Kansas because they have a really good dentistry department. Also, my mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters attended KU.
