From Fear to Confidence

A Student’s Journey
with Mrs. Joella Johnson

For many students, math can be an intimidating subject. Carteret CC student, Taylor Love, knows this feeling all too well. Before coming to Carteret CC, Taylor struggled with math throughout school, often feeling belittled and discouraged. But everything changed when she met Mrs. Joella Johnson, a math professor whose teaching style and compassion transformed Taylor’s perspective—and their academic journey.

“I’m not a mathematician by any means, and I’ve struggled with test anxiety and understanding concepts. Many of my past teachers made me feel horrible about it, to the point I would have stress migraines every day before class.” shared Taylor.

Despite these challenges, Taylor persisted, enrolling in a math course with Mrs. Johnson. Though she initially struggled, Mrs. Johnson’s unwavering support and unique teaching approach stood out. Now, having taken multiple classes with her—including Statistical Methods—Taylor’s confidence in math has grown exponentially.

“Mrs. Johnson is unlike any math teacher or professor I’ve ever met. She truly cares about her students and understands our fears about testing and learning,” Taylor explained. “She’s the first person to make me realize that I’m not dumb for not being good at math. She breaks things down in a way that makes sense and is incredibly communicative—she even answers emails on Sunday nights!”

“Taylor is such a sweet student,” Mrs. Johnson said. “She has been working so hard this semester. I feel so honored that she feels like I’ve made a positive impact on her.”

Taylor’s gratitude for Mrs. Johnson reflects the kind of transformative education Carteret CC strives to provide. Mrs. Johnson’s ability to inspire confidence, foster understanding, and create a supportive environment exemplifies what makes Carteret CC’s faculty extraordinary.

“Although some might feel the lessons are a bit long, it’s a blessing for people like me who don’t comprehend things as quickly. Her reviews at the end of each chapter are a huge help,” Taylor said. “I’m not sure if I would’ve been able to succeed without her.”

Taylor’s story is a testament to the power of compassionate teaching. It’s about more than just math—it’s about overcoming fear, finding confidence, and proving that with the right support, every student can succeed.