RECognition: Abby Johnson, Outback Adventures
Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff
By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director
A third-year in Thurgood Marshall College majoring in education sciences, Abby Johnson leads groups on REC’s Challenge Course and encourages team-building and communication skills. Her REC highlight was working alongside her big sister, Maddie, last year. “She is my biggest mentor,” she says. Abby also works as an admin for Outback Adventures.
"Abby has a huge personality, so her job on the Challenge Course working with groups comes naturally to her," says Simon Teale, Outdoor Education Coordinator. "Her teambuilding understanding and expertise is also what allows her to excel in her admin function of selling and signing up clients for programs."
She also serves as an Orientation Leader for Marshall College and is a PEER Mentor. Off the clock, Abby enjoys line dancing, fishing, binge-watching shows with her boyfriend, and cooking/baking.
Here's our Q&A with Abby:
Q: What is your favorite part about working in REC?
A: My favorite part about working in REC is the people I’ve met within the department and the number of people who I’ve helped at the Challenge Course. It is such a valuable experience for me to make a lasting impact on their lives, and I have been so blessed to be a part of their lives — even if it is just for a single day!
Q: What do you do for your job at REC?
A: As an Outback Admin, I aid in the booking and processing of clients onto the Challenge Course, as well as the hiring of facilitators and the managing of finances. I also help coordinate when we partner with other areas of REC like the OCC and Canyonview. As a Challenge Course Facilitator, I lead groups on our high ropes course and encourage team building and communication skills.
Q: What made you want to work for REC?
A: I am very social and love working around people, so being in a job where I can meet tons of new people and really make a difference means so much to me. I also love the outdoors, so it is a win-win for me!
Q: If you could have one super power, what would it be and WHY?
A: The ability to conjure any food I wanted at any second.
Q: What was your most memorable experience with REC?
A: My most memorable experience with REC is not limited to one moment, but rather the fact that I am able to work with my big sister [Maddie Johnson, who graduated from UCSD in 2026]. She is my biggest mentor, and I am so happy to be able to work with her.
Q: What is one self-care/sports/fitness activity you love?
A: I love line dancing and being able to be so creative with it!
Q: When I'm not working, you can find me ...
A: Fishing, binging shows with my boyfriend, cooking/baking, or sleeping.
