Spotlights

Courtney Johnston

Courtney Johnston

Courtney Johnston graduated from GVSU in 2009 with a major in French and a minor in International Relations. She is currently living in Montreal. 

I'm so glad that I decided to follow my interests at GVSU instead of trying to force myself to earn a degree that would get me a job but ultimately make me miserable.

I studied French and international relations at GVSU because I was fascinated by the world outside of Michigan. After graduating in 2009, I spent a year teaching English in Paris through the TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France). When I was living in Paris, I had so much fun that I decided that I never wanted to get a real job. (In fact, I think I'm incapable of holding one.)

I spent the next two years figuring out what I wanted to do to earn money. I tried teaching, tutoring, résumé writing, and even picked up a part time job doing a project for Google. I was basically freaking out about figuring out what I wanted to do with my life for two years straight.

Then I stumbled upon the world of online entrepreneurship. I took several online courses on how to create a location independent business that I could run from my MacBook Pro, and finally found a way to become a writer and make the world a better, happier, more fun place.

I realized that I was passionate about helping people live bigger, bolder, more fun lives. I also realized that I was really good at writing and obsessed with psychology. I decided to dive into the field of marketing.

In 2011 I started my copywriting business: The Rule Breaker's Club (www.rulebreakersclub.com). Basically, I help creative entrepreneurs communicate their value on their websites so that they can attract more clients and customers and live their dream lives.

To an outsider, it may look like my current career has nothing to do with what I studied in college. To me, it's totally related! Being an international relations student made me more knowledgeable and passionate about the world. It made me want to travel and explore. It made me realize how important it is to follow your passion even if you're not sure where it's going to lead you (as an undergrad, I thought I was going to become a college professor)!

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Page last modified April 2, 2014