In between his relentless academic pursuits, Noah Johnson has taken to the water.
Johnson is entering his senior year at the University of Kansas, where he is working toward dual degrees — one in molecular cellular developmental biology, the other in American sign language and deaf studies.
He’s also taking a number of summer courses, and recently finished taking his Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), necessary to continue his postgraduate studies at KU’s School of Medicine.
“I think it went pretty well, but it’s always hard to tell,” Johnson said. “I’ve taken so many practice tests, and sometimes you feel great and get a horrible score. Other times you feel horrible and get a great score.”
The test is needed to gain admission to med school, so Johnson is playing it safe.
He’s scheduled to take the MCAT a second time at the end of July if his first score is too low.
(He’ll find out July 20.)
In the meantime, Johnson also interns 21 hours a week at the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe, as part of his pursuit of his ASL degree.
“It’s pretty crazy,” he chuckled. “I don’t actually say any words, but it still feels like I’m talking all day.”
Another feather in Johnson’s cap was his recent induction into KU’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa honors society, which requires seniors to maintain a 3.65 GPA.
So, yeah, his summer is quite busy.
BUT THIS article isn’t about Johnson’s classwork. (We’re in the sports section, remember?)
Rather, this is about the incoming senior’s other activity. On a lark 18 months ago, Johnson walked on to become a member of KU’s rowing team.
The pandemic torpedoed the team’s hopes to compete in events last year, but all signs point to a full schedule of competition starting this fall.
“We’ve got a great set of guys who want to put in the work,” Johnson said. “We’re eager to show the country what we’re capable of.”
