MONTREAL - Veronica Johnson's passion for Canada began in a high school history class in her native Jamaica.
Several years later at the age of 21, she immigrated to Canada and proceeded to spend four decades as a teacher, guide and role model, before becoming a citizenship judge in August, 2011.
Now, she helps other people realize their dreams.
"One of my great passions is the country of Canada, so for me to be able to welcome people here is amazing," said Johnson.
"I'm very pleased with what I have accomplished, especially considering the journey I had to make to get to this point."
As a judge, and during her educational career, Johnson has been inspiring others with her courage and confidence.
Akwasi Yeboah says Johnson was instrumental in shaping his own life.
"She was type of person who helped me understand the Canadian culture, because I knew nothing then, and I didn't know no one," said Yeboah.
He arrived from Ghana ten years ago and ended up in a class taught by Johnson.
"She was very strict also as a history teacher," laughed Yeboah, who in many ways followed in Johnson's footsteps, working with the West Island Black Community Association.
"It slowly helped me to build momentum, also courage and confidence in myself to be able to mingle with different kinds of people," said Yeboah.
For a woman who takes her roots, her family, and her successes very seriously, Johnson also makes Black History month a time to remember it all.
"It's a time for me to do personal reflection," said Johnson. "It's a time for me to read a little bit more about some of the ancestors, some of the people who did amazing things, in spite of the challenges they faced."
Johnson says that by helping others, she gets to live her life to the fullest, and be grateful.
Veronica Johnson is CTV Montreal reporter Maya Johnson's mother.
