Finding EJ
A Soundtrack to My Current Life by Erin Elizabeth Johnston
Dedications
This updated soundtrack is dedicated to Sara Spencer, whose hard work and creativity has helped make this project more than I ever could have imagined when I first assigned it five years ago. I am beyond proud of her and her accomplishments! This is also dedicated to all those who have been part of my story and who helped me through the darkest chapters.
"Fix You" by Coldplay (4:54)
Because sometimes there are moments in life when we feel that we are broken beyond repair. And that there are people who love us enough to not let go, no matter how much we try to push them away.
Coldplay - Fix You
"Grow a Pear" by Ke$ha (3:28)
My first trip to Jamaica with WCU brought some unexpected friendships. When Nicole called and told me to listen to this song because she thought "it summed up my relationship" was pretty eye-opening and finally made me break up with him for good. I have been happier ever since!
Ke$ha - Grow A Pear
"Low" by Flo Rida (3:50)
I guess this song would have to be the one that reminds me of all the ridiculously fun moments with StuCo at our many crazy dances: Dance 5k, Homecoming, GlowJam, and the ever amazing Freshmen Semiformal.
Low [from Step Up 2 The Streets O.S.T. / Mail On Sunday] (st
"We Are Here" by Alicia Keys (4:44)
We should all try to make a positive difference while "we are here."
Alicia Keys - We Are Here
"Hot in Herre" by Jenny Owen Youngs (3:49)
This is one is for Jordan "Jerk Jr" Johnson and her mutual love of JOY. There's something so empowering in her cover of Nelly's misogynistic original. One of the best things as a teacher is seeing my students achieve their goals and to maintain friendships with them long after they leave my class.
Jenny Owen Youngs - Hot In Herre [Official Music Video]
"Hold On" by Wilson Phillips (4:27)
Bridesmaids is one of my all-time favorite movies. How could it not be with Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Melissa McCarthy? Wiig and I were born the same year in close proximity of the Finger Lakes region of Western New York. Her mother's last name is Johnston, so wouldn't it be awesome if we were somehow related? Regardless of whether or not we share genetics, I think we can both agree that there is an amazing feeling that comes from making people laugh.
Wilson Phillips - Hold On
"The Climb" by Miley Cyrus (3:56)
The choice of many a car sing-a-long, including the epic one with my niece.
Miley Cyrus - The Climb - Official Music Video (HQ)
"Just the Way You Are" & "Just a Dream" by the Barden Bellas (1:39)
Considering how many times as I've watched Pitch Perfect, how could I not include my favorite song from its soundtrack? It also reminds me of the one and only Meredith Fann!
Just The Way You Are & Just A Dream (mash-up) - Barden Bellas [Pitch Perfect OST]
"Ribs" by Lorde (4:18)
I absolutely love her voice and it reminds me to enjoy the beautiful moments of friendship where you laugh until it hurts.
Lorde - Ribs (Music Video)
"XO" by Beyoncé (3:36)
Uh, because it's Beyoncé and I hope they know how much of a difference they have made in my life and that they are loved and appreciated.
Beyoncé - XO
"Fancy" by Iggy Azalea (3:19)
I can't hear this and not think of how epic John Cournoyer is in it and working on it with Lori. I always wonder how two people so opposite can be such good friends, but it for whatever reason it works with us and I am forever grateful.
Iggy Azalea's Fancy SCHS Senior Video 2014 Lip Dub
"Follow Your Arrow" by Kacey Musgraves (3:21)
Someone once told me that they think this song is from me to all of my students. Pretty sure she's right. Just be a good person and love who you want to love.
Kacey Musgraves - Follow Your Arrow
"Turn Down For What" by DJ Snake & Lil Jon (3:34)
I love watching So You Think You Can Dance and this routine was solid! It also reminds me of the not-so-solid awkward dances at the All-Arts & Sciences Camp that has been a huge part of my life. We are that type of camp!
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE | Valerie & Ricky: Winner Chosen | FOX BROADCASTING
"Something in the Water" by Carrie Underwood (3:56)
While I don't always find the need for organized religion in my life, I always maintain my faith and belief in God. It also reminds me of the love that I have for the kids in the EC department and how they continuously restore my faith.
Carrie Underwood - Something in the Water
"Afterlife" by Ingrid Michaelson (4:04)
She could easily do the entire soundtrack to my life. Plus, she puts on an incredible live show!
Ingrid Michaelson - "Afterlife" OFFICIAL VIDEO
"Landslide" by Dixie Chicks (3:19)
I never thought I would ever associate this song with anything other than it being the first song I heard after my parents' funeral in Gettysburg. But, even if she guilted me into staying, singing this together as I taught her how to drive has made it part of positive memories and really given it new meaning in my life.
Dixie Chicks - Landslide
"This is the New Year" by A Great Big World (3:14)
You get one shot at this life....so go BIG!
A Great Big World - This Is the New Year
"I Lived" by OneRepublic (3:55)
Because life is meant to be lived forward.
OneRepublic - I Lived