Name: Derion Johnson
Class year: CLA ’28
Hometown: Anoka, Minn.
Scholarships include: Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Endowed Scholarship, U Promise Scholarship, Native American Housing Scholarship, Minnesota American Indian Scholars Program
At 24, Derion Johnson is taking a leap he wasn’t sure he’d ever make—starting college. After homeschooling through high school and spending five years in retail and factory jobs, he knew it was time for something different.
Now, as a first-year student at the U, he’s embracing campus life, immersing himself in his studies, and preparing for a future where history and community take center stage.
Why he chose the University of Minnesota: “I’m interested in history, American history in particular, and the University of Minnesota is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States for its history programs. And being Native American, I was impressed that the U started the first American Indian studies program in the country. That’s where I plan to focus my studies.”
On his internship with the Circle of Indigenous Nations: “Growing up, my family trade was construction, and I’ve spent a lot of time doing manual work. So my internship, with more administrative and database work, has been very different from what I’ve done in the past—and I’m quite enjoying it. I’m working with students, helping them plan activities, and sharing information about scholarships.”
His favorite instructor so far: “Maggie Shea was my university writing teacher for my first semester, and her teaching style and the way she connected with the students was really meaningful to me. I was readjusting to being in school, and she gave me reassurance that I could do this and go forward.”
On the impact of scholarship support: “I’ve received tremendous help not only from the university, but also from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. I’ve got the majority [of my tuition] covered for this first year, and I’m quite grateful for it.”
His impressions of the U of M so far: “It’s been great making new friends here. The atmosphere is very welcoming, and people are open to new ideas. I’ve met a lot of different people from across the United States, some people I would never have dreamed of having the chance to meet.”
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