Devin Johnson is a graduating student from Lansing, Michigan, studying advertising management with a business minor through the Eli Broad College of Business. A transfer student from Western Michigan University, Johnson is a member of Michigan State University’s adaptive sports team and co-founder of a campus Bible study, OurWalk. He is passionate about resilience, faith and building community.
I am from Lansing, Michigan, and was born and raised about fifteen minutes away from MSU’s campus. My mother is a Spartan alum so I have always bled green from as far as I can remember.
In 2025, I transferred from Western Michigan University for accessibility reasons. I chose Michigan State for the accessibility support it offers. MSU has been more comfortable to navigate with my disability, making my semesters here more seamless.
I currently use a wheelchair as I relearn how to walk after being a victim of gun violence in the summer of 2021. I was struck by a stray bullet, and I am blessed to be alive, pushing back for the life I desire.
During my time at MSU, I joined the adaptive sports team. I have enjoyed the opportunity to travel and play basketball and tennis. The team has been a great source of joy and I appreciate everyone involved, whether on the team or volunteering.
Through these opportunities, I have competed against universities like Clemson, Auburn and Alabama, while also connecting with athletes from across the country. These experiences have helped me to grow both competitively and personally, and to meet people who share the same passion and determination.
They have also reinforced the value of community, resilience and representing MSU on a national stage. Additionally, I have helped start a bible study named OurWalk that meets a couple of times a month.
Life as a transfer student
Transitioning to MSU took time. I had to learn to navigate such a large campus. The support I’ve received as a transfer student has been great. I’ve appreciated how accommodating the professors have been as they understand everything on my plate can be a lot more overwhelming than the average student here.
The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities helped me a lot when it came to navigating class location and making necessary schedule adjustments.
Some challenges I worried about was getting from class to class with only 20 minutes between them. The accessible parking spots that were available around every building were a lifesaver for me, allowing me to get to class on time.
I remember during my first day on campus, I was lost and struggling in the snow on campus when a faculty member saw me and took it upon himself to help me up the hill and gave me directions.
Taking a leap of faith
One of the challenges I have faced has been around feeling limited in participating in typical college activities. The most difficult part of using a wheelchair, for the time being, is watching others on campus move freely and enjoy all the sporting events and activities. Even though a lot of things are fully accessible on campus to attend, it still doesn’t feel nearly the same so it can be frustrating.
Personally, I take these complications as motivation to get back into the life I desire to live and to feel free. Reaching graduation has been part of these goals and I’m so grateful for everything MSU has done for me.
I encourage everyone to become a Spartan as the experience truly is like no other. Thank you MSU for being so accepting and helping me feel included in this amazing university.
My advice for anyone considering MSU with any disability is to take that leap of faith. The support system and accessibility have been a much better experience than anything I have experienced so far after going through something so life-changing.
