Nature-loving, whimsical, and creative in every way, Maylan Johnson is true to herself. But above all else, Maylan is full of heart, someone who is always there for those around her. She is the kind of person you aspire to be, but with the answer as to how to get there.
Maylan, simply put, is an exceptionally dedicated worker; consequently, her phenomenal writing comes out almost unintentionally. One of her great strengths is that she’s never at a loss for words; her writing in The Eagles Eye is the perfect spotlight on her abilities. Her very own counselor, Ms. Perrino, has much to say about her work: “She[’s] very dedicated to the newspaper, and she[’s] passionate about it … She is a workaholic, I know that for sure. Otherwise, she’s just a talented individual!”
Regardless of her dedication to school, Maylan makes time to express herself creatively as much as she can. Whether it be drawing, painting, ceramics, or writing, creating calls to Maylan. Boyfriend of Maylan, Kyle Evans, shines a light on some of the work she’s done recently: “She did this wonderful notebook for a reading class. She made this really, really detailed art book of the book she’s reading, [which is] decorated. The entire class and the teacher liked it.”
Yet, visual art is not Maylan’s only creative avenue. For Maylan, another outlet of expression is her impeccable sense of fashion. “She loves fashion,” notes Maylan’s sister, Ariella. “We’re always stealing clothes from each other.” Thrifting is a fond hobby of Maylan’s, and she really knows how to find the vintage pieces that best narrate her whimsy. Her thrifted shirt or borrowed jacket is a testament to both her character and her style.
Beyond her visual creativity, music has been one of Maylan’s constants. Her ever-evolving taste is one she looks to share with others. “Anytime that I hear anything from Mazzy Star, I think of her,” says Ariella, feeling as though the band’s whimsical sound is reminiscent of Maylan’s personality. Kyle has a similar sentiment, citing “Let Me Get There” by Hope Sandoval, Mazzy Star’s frontwoman, as a song that captures Maylan’s essence. “The feeling of the song, I feel like that really encapsulates her.” For Maylan, sharing music is a way to connect with others. “I gave her some of [my music]. She gave me some of hers,” recalls Kyle.
When asked about his favorite memory of Maylan, Kyle recounts their first fancy dinner date at a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago. “Before that, we weren’t able to see each other in person that often; it felt like she was here [with me] permanently for a moment. It felt just very unreal to me, just seeing her at the dinner table. It was indescribable.” On top of that, Chicago winter is no joke, the wind harsh enough to hurt their faces. Kyle paints a picture of how they felt “like sailors going across the seven seas.”
Thankfully, though, Mother Nature is no stranger to Maylan Johnson, the girl who’s been climbing trees with her sisters, riding horses, and writing articles with her cat Jasmine for years. One thing Maylan finds comfort in is the open air, saying, “I love to be outdoors and feel the best in a warm breeze.” Evidence of her passion for nature is Maylan’s love for horses, which she rides in her free time. Her ties with nature are ones she’s had for a long time. Ariella recalls memories from when they were little, “We were always on our scooters, going to the park, having a picnic in our backyard, and we would set up our little tea sets and have our dolls there. We went camping so many times!”
But despite her undeniable love of nature, Maylan is also fond of the city. Next year, she will be attending DePaul University in Chicago, majoring in psychology with a concentration in children’s psychology. And from the people who know her best, there’s no question—this is the perfect career for Maylan. Ariella attests to it: “She’s a very empathetic person, and cares a lot about people.”
All in all, Maylan has enhanced the lives of so many and will continue to do so with everything that comes next. Her energy and whimsy lighten the air around her. “She’s very bright, and … she really brightens me specifically,” says Kyle. Her sister adds, “She finds a way to bring joy into everything. I really enjoy that.” Enloe was so lucky to have had her. DePaul will be too, and the rest of the world won’t know what hit them. Good luck out there, Maylan Johnson!
Kyle’s Message:
I’m so happy that I got to know her, I feel like happy is an understatement because I don’t know a word to describe it. I’m really grateful that I got to meet her. Even though she’s been in my life for a fraction of time, she really changed how I viewed things, and I cannot be thankful enough for her.
Ariella’s Message:
It’s like such a cliché: don’t lose sight of yourself as a person. She has a lot of uniqueness to her and that’s a really great thing, y’know. She’s never been scared to just be herself, especially like, in the past couple years of high school, and that’s something I don’t want her to ever lose. I want her to continue being her quirky, unique self!
Ms. Perrino’s Message:
Maylan, I wish you all the best. I know you’re going to do wonderful things. Never give up and follow your dreams. Go for it, girl!
Zaire’s Message:
Maylan giiiiiiirlllllll I’m so mad you’re a senior and that I don’t get to talk to you more next year. I also want you to know how hard writing this for you was because I wanted so badly to talk to you about it. Anywho, I was so honored to be one of the writers for your senior spotlight. You’re going to do great things, and I’m so happy about how things worked out. I hope you do everything you want & more in Chicago. You go girl!!
Gillian’s Message:
Maylan, you were one of the first people I met in newspaper. From our first conversation, I understood your passion and dedication to those around you. I really admire that — how much heart you have for others. I wish you the best of luck in Chicago, but I also know it will be amazing no matter what. Also, the plant you gave me is still thriving in my kitchen.
