Kayla Johnson
Kayla Johnson
The UAF College of Liberal Arts proudly recognizes Kayla Johnson as one of the 2024–2025 Outstanding Students in the Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Kayla Johnson’s story is one of exploration, leadership, and bold self-discovery. A Psychology major with minors in Creative Writing and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS), Kayla has found a passion for understanding the intersections of sex, society, and storytelling.
In her own words, Kayla reflected on the personal clarity she found through her studies.
“WGS 201X (as well as the Women and Gender Theories class I’m currently taking) has helped me realize how much I love learning about sex and the impacts of sex on society,” she shared in a course discussion post. “There’s no shame in this passion, and I’m constantly thinking about ways to make this work my career. ... Before this semester, I was completely unsure of what I wanted to do with my life, but I’ve found that answer."
Her academic work is grounded not only in curiosity but in creative ambition. She dreams of writing a screenplay that will one day become a movie, using storytelling as a powerful vehicle for social commentary and change.
Kayla’s journey at UAF has also been shaped by her experience as a student-athlete. Originally from Federal Way, Washington, she brought leadership and dedication to the basketball court as well as the classroom, embodying the WGSS program’s mission to infuse leadership and advocacy into every part of university life.
“This semester is my first time teaching a class in which Kayla is enrolled,” says Kayt Sunwood, faculty member in the WGSS program. “Kayla contributes greatly to our WGS 201 Learning Community and inspires and supports her team members in the book presentation/facilitation project planning channel with her insights and experience.”
Whether in a learning community or creative writing workshop, Kayla leads by example. Her professors and peers alike recognize her courage, voice, and drive to create meaningful dialogue in every space she occupies. She is a student who exemplifies what it means to discover new paths and boldly follow them.