Lavender’s path to CSUB started while he was still serving time in prison. He was interested in pursuing higher education once he was released, and after learning about the Project Rebound program offered at the university — which helps the formerly incarcerated succeed in their academic pursuits — Lavender thought it was the perfect opportunity and decided to apply.
“It completely changed the trajectory of my life,” he said. “Project Rebound welcomed me with open arms. Even with my status as a prisoner, they didn’t turn the other cheek. I’m just thankful for this opportunity.”
When deciding what he wanted to major in, Lavender’s personal history led him to choose psychology.
“Psychology deals with people and how people think, how they assess what happens to them in life. That was completely relatable to me,” he said. “Psychology has made all the difference for me understanding all the things I’m dealing with post-incarceration and helping me digest a lot of my reality.”
Dr. Kyle Susa, associate professor and chair of the Psychology Department, said he is proud of Lavender and the work he has done at CSUB.
“Johnny epitomized what we hope for all of our students — he maximized his CSUB opportunity for the betterment of his intellectual growth, life experience and social endeavor,” he said. “What makes him stand out, however, is the humility, presence and insight he brought to the classroom. He was always true to himself and laser-focused on where his education could take him.”
Lavender has already been putting what he has learned in his psychology classes to good use at Project Rebound, where he has been working this semester as a peer navigator.
“Working for Project Rebound has been awesome. It’s given me insight into being part of a team, attacking issues from a collective and listening to other people’s ideas,” he said. “Project Rebound has given me an honest perception of where I’m at and what I need to work on. I’m understanding the value of my skill set.”
Lavender has especially enjoyed getting to work directly with formerly incarcerated students such as himself and help them get on the right track for success.
“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “I understand what they’re going through. I understand the highs and lows. I can help them deal with their transition from the inside to the outside.”
Project Rebound Director Stanley Peterson said Lavender excels at using his personal story to inspire other students to achieve their goals despite the obstacles they face.
“He relates well with our diverse student population and serves as a facilitator of understanding and unity,” he said. “It has been a tremendous honor to see him cultivate new skills and apply them directly to his work as a peer navigator with Project Rebound. He is a very talented individual who will make tremendous impacts on our community and motivate others to do more.”
In addition to Project Rebound, Lavender — a U.S. Army veteran — has also been involved the Veterans Club and Club RISE on campus, as well as the Black Student Union.
After graduation, Lavender hopes to continue to work with Project Rebound, either at CSUB or another university. He is also considering a career as a counselor.
“For sure, I want to help the incarcerated youth. It’s a massive problem that needs a specific remedy,” he said. “I want to bring my experience and education to the table and try to help solve this problem, because simply locking up young people is not the answer.”
It’s thanks in large part to CSUB that he is able to have good career options to choose from and feel more positive about his future, Lavender said.
“CSUB gave me an opportunity when nobody else did, so I’m forever grateful for that. When you’re given an opportunity, it’s up to you to use that to get what you want out of life,” he said. "I never believed I was my worst mistake. I have a purpose now, and I’m living my life to fulfill that purpose. The sky is the limit.”