My name is Jesse James Johnston. I am a 24 year old, full-time employee of Cisco Systems, where I serve as an Associate Systems Engineer. I continually push beyond my own boundaries, challenge the status quo, and thirst for new experiences. What’s my five year plan? I am going to change the world.
I grew up in a unique rural environment that exposed me to many of the profuse values I now ascribe to, and continue to shape who I am today. I vehemently pursue both my personal hobbies and professional studies, and I do my best to remain an open-minded and well-rounded individual.
At my alma mater Northeastern University, I recently graduated with a dual-major degree in Business and Information Science with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Northeastern has become synonymous with experiential learning, and during my five years at the university, I completed three six-month co-op cycles, two of which with my current employer. For the duration of my education, I maintained Dean’s List Scholar accreditation, and was an active member of three honors societies. I served as a board officer in numerous student and academic groups, and as an adviser to several external consulting projects. Additionally, I was fortunate enough to have studied in Lyon, France and to have traveled extensively through Europe, including an eight-week trip through 14 countries and 27 cities this past summer. I graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2011 a proud Northeastern Husky.
To that end, my education is far from over. In order to produce the highest quality and most effective work that I can, I plan to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree. Above all else, I value education, whether it be academic, personal or professional. I want to make a lasting impact.
I have given a lot of thought as to where I want to live and what profession I might strive for as my career progresses, but past experience tells me to ease my mind and let the puzzle pieces come together themselves. I try to experience life without shutters on and to remain dynamic, ready to embrace change. When I entered college, I pledged to continuously challenge myself in new and exciting ways, to never settle for second best, and to constantly challenge the status quo. I don’t have all the answers and I’m proud to admit it, but I do know the glass is half full and I’m ready to take on the world.
In all aspects of life, my philosophy is quality over quantity. Regardless of my title, salary, location, or the people and events that encompass my life, I simply want to be happy with who I am and to improve the lives of others. As long as I can wake up every morning and look forward to the day ahead, I will be content. I aspire to give more to this world than I take, whether it be through entrepreneurship, volunteerism, or by raising a family. I believe we only have one life, one chance to make a difference, and I hope to be remembered for pursuing that end through any and all means available to me.