Dennis Johnson knows when he is ready for things.

The same can be said for anyone and about anything.

But Johnson is the focus of attention in this story and the 22-year old has experienced some interesting times in life, education and basketball.

In each case, he has learned and he's not done.

Johnson has a thirst to learn more.

His alma mater is Toronto's York Memorial Collegiate, but Johnson didn't feel ready for the next big step in his life after his high school days ended. So he took some time off and worked for five years trying to find the right career.

Johnson wanted to be sure rather than rush in to something just for the sake of it.

And so he examined his options, learning day after day from working with youngsters in an after-school program in the city's west end around the Jane and Woolner neighborhood.

I wasn't ready after high school, said Johnson. My mind wasn't there for College or University or whatever else. I just wasn't sure of a career, but I needed to find some work to keep me going because I was living on my own.

There was something that hooked Johnson to wanting to help others especially kids who could use some direction.

Johnson became part of the recreation staff at

I like helping kids and quickly learned that there are lots of problems in society affecting people in different ways, said Johnson, now studying Community Services at George Brown and hoping to advance to the Child and Youth Worker Program in September.

I also earned a great deal about myself, about social issues in the community and determined that I wanted to help young kids especially thinking about their future.

As for basketball, despite being away from the game for several years, Johnson knew he was ready to return. Now, the former four-time high school MVP and top scoring guard, is a member of the George Brown Huskies a team with the fourth best record in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.

Johnson learned to play hoops in grade 6 at Rockcliffe Middle School.

Coincidentally, that's the location where Johnson worked with kids in the after school program the past few years.

It has been tough getting back to the game and then the transition from high school to college, he said. I've played in about five games and feel a bit rusty. There's a lot to learn. I've got to get my body physically ready for the game and learn from coach and teammates.

Within time, Johnson will be ready for that, too. - DG