Sheena Johnson says her friends would describe her as “bubbly” and someone with a “kind heart who always has a smile on her face.”

But when Johnson first stepped into a newsroom when she was 19, she was not smiling. She was scared.

“I can’t write like they write,” she told herself.

It was the beginning of Johnson’s journey with journalism. The former business major had just switched to mass communications and was writing for The Campus Echo at North Carolina Central University.

That’s where Johnson met Bruce dePyssler, the newspaper’s adviser.

“He kind of took me under his wings and showed me the ropes,” she said.

One year later, Johnson had a new take on tackling stories. She became the Echo’s sports editor and covered sports for the The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. Her travels in the trade have even allowed her to interview NASCAR legend Richard Petty.

“Once I’m out on the field, it’s like I’m stepping out of my comfort zone,” Johnson said. “I’m stepping out of the box.”

Johnson’s campus career as a journalist ended May 7. Now the recent graduate is gearing up for her internship on the metro desk at The Herald Sun in Durham, N.C.

“I’m hoping it’ll lead to a job,” said Johnson. “When you’re graduating, the job market is a beast.”

And even though Johnson is not sure what lies ahead, she said she will not feel intimidated when she steps into the next newsroom.

“Writing is definitely in the mix,” she said. “I just don’t know what angle I want to take.”

Johnson said she may start a black bridal magazine or even go into public relations.

Whatever Johnson chooses to venture into, she is confident that she’ll be fine.

“The right thing always happens at the right time,” said Johnson with a smile.

TANYA CALDWELL