\u201cBeing in a place that you’re not comfortable with requires some confidence,\u201d Johnston says. \u201cIt requires the ability to step out of that comfort zone and take some risks.\u201d<\/p>\n
The political science and liberal studies major honed his outdoor skills during a Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPinternship with the American Youth Foundation, an organization dedicated to character building.<\/p>\n
Being in a place you’re not comfortable with requires confidence, the ability to step out of that comfort zone and taking some risks.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Eventually, his outdoor pursuits surged from scouting-level to near Fear-Factor<\/em> intensity. \u00a0Braving temperatures as frigid as 30-below, Johnston completed \u2014 on foot \u2014 the 135-mile Arrowhead trek across the wilds of northern Minnesota. He also completed it on cross-country skis and is registered this year to compete on a fatbike.\u00a0If successful, he’ll be one of only a handful of people to ever finish it in all three modes.<\/p>\nIn 2008, Johnston launched True North to help others reach their potential. The outdoor component of his work drops people into the yawning unfamiliarity of outdoor adventure with a set of goals that can only be met through team effort.<\/p>\n
He also works with teams and boards in their work settings, but even then, participants are required to leave their comfort zones to experience success.<\/p>\n
With each adventure, Johnston brings home something new. It reminds him of a favorite phrase he learned from his former English professor, Germaine Murray, PhD.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe always said, \u2018Put that in your quiver of knowledge,\u2019\u201d Johnston says. \u201cAnd I really liked that, because it gives you that sense of lifelong learning.\u201d<\/p>\n