COURTNEY STEWART Sophomore Travis
Johnson has put his partying days behind him and is now
focused on golf, school and religion.
By Suzanne Cabral
Daily Bruin Contributor
Sophomore Travis Johnson is a changed man. Three months ago, he
was a guy who partied late nights and never studied.
But one day he realized he didn’t like the way his life
was going.
“I recollected what I wanted to do in life,” Johnson
said. “And the path I was on was not going to get me
there.”
Academics was something he usually neglected in order to party
with friends. A sociology student, Johnson now maintains a 3.2 GPA,
and believes that he needs to do more because he has the
responsibility of being a student-athlete.
“I think that some student-athletes need to understand
that the university isn’t paying for our education to spend
our time carelessly,” Johnson said.
He discovered the importance of working hard to maximize his
gains from a college education and to earn a degree from UCLA. He
no longer used his status as an athlete to escape
responsibility.
“The university has invested in me to use my time wisely,
valuably and not to mess around,” Johnson said. “I
don’t want to look back at my college years and feel like I
wasted my time.”
Johnson also recognized that he needed to put more time, effort
and dedication into his play to accomplish his goal of becoming a
professional golfer. He now practices on his own during his free
time.
“I try and do anything that will enhance my opportunity to
one day achieve my dream,” he said.
Instead of playing video games and watching TV, the
nation’s 109th-ranked player spends time jogging or lifting
weights even when he is not required to do so.
“I’ve realized what it takes to make it as a
professional golfer, and I think I’ve got what it
takes,” he said.
Johnson is driven in part by his faith. He is Catholic, and has
redirected his life toward God. Three months ago material things
were important to him, but Johnson has since changed. Now he
focuses on what he is thankful for, especially his family and his
athletic ability.
“(God) and I both know that I am not throwing away His
gift,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s family is a big part of his becoming a changed
man. They have influenced his faith and his dreams of becoming a
great golfer. His grandfather played pro golf.
Johnson’s dad, who played baseball at Cal State Fullerton
and is now a pro-golf teacher, influenced him to pursue athletics.
Growing up, Johnson played a myriad of sports including football,
basketball and baseball. But golf is the one he calls “the
best job in the world.”
The Bruin men’s golf team is another aspect of
Johnson’s life toward which he has redirected his efforts. He
understands that successful teams have great chemistry. He made an
effort to build team unity by organizing team dinners and
get-togethers. In November, Johnson organized a team skydiving trip
to create a strong bond for the team.
“(The thrill) brought us all together,” he said.
“It was a huge eye opener to new things.”
Johnson’s strong motivation and independence led the way
to his personal transformation.
His peers have reacted differently to his new lifestyle. Many do
not understand his recent changes, and some try to convince him to
revert back to his old ways. Johnson says that because some
haven’t seen him around the party scene, they probably think
that he has transferred.
Granted, Johnson misses all his friends and the nightlife, but
now he knows that he can party once in a while without compromising
his values and his dreams for the future.