The Importance of Showing Up
September 24, 2025 | EJ Johnson, Uncategorized | No Comments
There’s a phrase you hear a lot when people are talking about success and new experiences. They say, “Half of the battle is showing up.” It sounds simple, even a bit cliché- but I’ve learned firsthand that this saying couldn’t be more true. Throughout my time at The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, and even beyond, the consistent choice to simply “show up” has made all the difference in my life- academically, personally, and professionally.
Showing Up in the Classroom
At the end of the first semester at Gatton, I logged into Topnet expecting to see a lineup of B’s. Not just for one or two classes, but four classes where I had ended up with an 87-89. It’s always hard for a Gatton student to accept anything but an A; with time I made my peace with it. After all, I had worked hard, and I wasn’t about to email my professors to ask for a bump in my grade (even if it was only a point or two). At Gatton, it’s an unspoken, and sometimes spoken, rule: your grade is your grade. So you can imagine the shock I received when I checked and saw a lineup of all A’s.
Why? All I did was show up. Every day. Every class. Every office hour. I didn’t skip, and I never shied away from asking questions. I asked questions- not just to friends or AI (though yes, I did use both when appropriate) – but I went out of my way to speak directly to my professors. They saw that I cared; that I was committed; that I was putting in the work.
Those grades didn’t just reflect my test scores- they reflected perseverance. Professors noticed my effort and rewarded my consistency and engagement. In the long run that’s what made the difference.
Showing up for others
When I first arrived at Gatton, I was a bit of a hermit. I wasn’t antisocial but stuck to my comfort zone. I had my couple of friends and that’s all I needed (or all I thought I needed). Over time that changed, not because I suddenly became an extrovert, but because I started showing up for the people around me. I started prioritizing my friends as much as my education.
Tutoring became the turning point. I helped my classmates when they were struggling. By doing so I not only reinforced what I knew, but I also built real friendships. Showing up for others allowed me to step out of my shell and become a part of the Gatton community. The best part? When I needed help, they showed up for me too.
Being there for others created a sense of connection I never expected. It wasn’t about academic achievement anymore- it was about support, trust, and growth.
Showing Up for Opportunities
One of the most surprising moments came when I applied for an internship at Mammoth Cave. There were only two spots open, and I was up against students who were most definitely more technically qualified than I was. I thought applying for the internship would be a long shot, and that there was no chance that I would get it, but I went for it anyway.
In my essay, I was honest: I might not be the most experienced candidate, but I would show up every day with a positive attitude and a desire to learn. I didn’t really know much about the technical side of the internship, but I promised to be present and engaged.
Funny enough, I got the interview!
Once again, it came down to showing up. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally- being willing to learn, to help, and to grow.
Showing up doesn’t mean having all the answers. As my dad always says, “No one cares if you’re the smartest person in the room if you won’t learn and nobody likes you.” It’s a bit harsh and direct, but showing up with a good attitude and a willingness to learn is what makes all the difference.
And when you show up- for your classes, professors, friends, and goals- people notice. Opportunities open, friendships deepen, grades improve, and confidence grows.
It’s easy to underestimate the power of presence, but showing up is where the magic starts.
So wherever you are in life, whatever challenges you’re facing- show up. Not just once, but in every moment.
You never know what doors might open!











