If anyone wants to know what the nontraditional college student is like, Frenchi Johnson, a 24-year-old sophomore mass communication student at Savannah State University, might provide a prime example. Although her goals in college could resemble those of the typical student, such as getting good grades and graduating her road through life has been anything but normal.

As a student at Lakes High School in Lakewood, Wash., Johnson spent most of her time watching her brother and sister while her mother was transitioning out of the military and working.

The military has continued to be a fixture in Johnson’s life. Her husband is currently stationed in Iraq.

“We talk everyday because he has a satellite phone,” Johnson said. “This will probably be the first time we won’t talk because I’m here.”

To maintain a small amount of a social life in school, Johnson hung out with her friends whom she, upon reflection, described as the “wrong crowd.” It was in high school that Johnson gave birth to her two sons who are now 6 and 8 years old.

She does not regret having children. Johnson said she is proud she inherited some of the same motherly qualities that her mother displayed when she was growing up.

“I don’t think I’ve met anyone who works harder than her,” Johnson said. “There should have been plenty of times where I should have given up, but I don’t. I just keep going.”

Johnson explained that her experience at the New York Times Student Journalism Institute presents a great opportunity to learn from some of the best professionals in the business.

“I’ve learned so far that as a reporter, you have to be tough and can’t let anyone take advantage of you,” Johnson said.

And these are some of the same qualities that she said she has chosen to apply to her everyday life.

LEMONT CALLOWAY