Last updated on February 22, 2023
What was your journey like coming to Dallas College?
I didn’t plan on going to school. After I graduated from high school, I started working and going to church and thought that was it. It wasn’t until the summer of 2021, I had everyone in my life telling me I needed to go to school. So, I gave it some thought. My sister who was getting her bachelor’s degree at the time, dropped out during her last semester. So, that motivated me to go and be the first person in my family to graduate from college. I want to break that generational curse.
Why do you want to change the world?
I would want to change the world for everyone, but mainly minorities who are in low-income areas because they don’t get a lot of say in things. I feel like Black and brown people specifically are always targeted. I didn’t realize that police are active in more low-income areas. Once I learned that, it made me want to speak out more for those who can’t, because their voice matters. We’re large in population, but sometimes, we don’t always get to use our voices. A lot of us are either uneducated or focused on trying to provide for our families instead of furthering ourselves in our careers.
What advice do you have for other Black students?
Go to a community college. You will save a lot of money. And not only that, it will build a good foundation for you. Not only to just network but to meet people who will become like family. I’ve found that at Dallas College, specifically at the Mountain View Campus. Not only will the people here help and motivate you, but you should join organizations. I’ve met people through different clubs who have had my back and mentored me along the way.
Which resources have you benefited from at Dallas College that you wish others knew about?
There are a lot of resources at Dallas College. The Male Achievement Program has been huge for me and others who are similar. The food pantry and the clothing closet have been very beneficial. A lot of people are shy and think others will judge them, but if they don’t have what they need, that is why they are available. Everything at Dallas College could help you in some type of way.
What motivated you to be so involved at Dallas College?
I’ve always been outgoing my whole life. If I see someone who is quiet, I try to get to know them because they may not have someone to talk to. Overall, it’s just something in my heart that I feel is right to do. Coming to Dallas College and joining these programs has helped me grow and allowed me to help other people. Specifically, with the Male Achievement Program, TRIO SSS and different events happening on campus.
Why did you leave your hometown in Kansas?
So, I was born in Kansas but raised in Missouri. After I graduated high school, I did a lot of moving back and forth. When I visited home one time, my childhood friend got killed three days before my birthday. That’s why I don’t like going back to Kansas City. It’s not like that couldn’t happen anywhere but it took a piece of me in that city. I just couldn’t see myself staying there because I didn’t want to be part of that environment. Just because I’m from the hood doesn’t mean I have to stay in the hood. Once I got back to church, it changed my whole perspective. People who actually cared about me motivated me and wanted to see me grow into the best person I could be. For me, that meant going to college.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
My ultimate goal in life goes along with my faith. I just want to spread love and support to everyone. I want to give back to the best of my ability. There are a lot of people out there who want the opportunity but don’t have the money or resources for it. Throughout my life, I’ve had wisdom poured into me, so I want to be that person for someone else. I want to encourage others that they have the talent to make it because someone like me believes in them.
Which Black leaders have inspired you?
My former church pastor, Rickie Holmes. He comes from a similar background as mine. He’s from Englewood, California, and grew up in the 60s. In the midst of him being involved with drugs, he ended up getting saved. And also, my mentor, William Campbell. He’s like a big brother to me and has helped a lot of young men get through college by providing resources, showing love and taking us to the next level. There’s also Coach McKinnon who teaches me so much and allows me to learn from my mistakes. I’ve been lucky enough to have many male figures pour into my life and just help me up. There are a lot of people I could name and thank at Dallas College, but we don’t have the time for that!
This story and others like it can be found in the Student Newsletter. Check your Dallas College email to see the latest edition.