The Scene staff
I’m finally graduating from Forest Park after attending for nine years, off and on.
I became very discouraged at times. I wondered if going to college was a waste of time and if I would ever get my degree.
Today, I’m glad that I persevered and achieved my goal. I’m sharing my story in case there are students out there in similar situations who are embarrassed or feeling alone.
Don’t give up!
One reason it took me so long to finish college was that I couldn’t get financial aid, so I had to pay for classes with my own money, and I could only afford two per semester.
A full-time schedule was too challenging for me anyway with all the things going on in my life. I had to do what was best for me and not concern myself with the standards of other people.
Sometimes people would ask me what was taking so long, and that hurt my feelings. But I knew they didn’t understand my situation. I make better grades with fewer classes.
Other students have their own reasons for college delays. My friend, Courtney Carter, began attending classes at Forest Park in 2010. He plans to graduate from Florissant Valley this year.
“I chose to change my major twice,” said Carter, 24, who ended up in graphic design.
Many young students change majors frequently because they haven’t yet settled on careers. They haven’t become their own persons or identified all their talents. They’re a little lost.
I was unsure what field was best for me as well, so I decided to pursue a General Transfer Associate Degree. I could take all kinds of classes and discover my interests and potential.
“It takes four years to get a two-year degree, unless the only thing that you have to do is go to school,” said staff member Samuel Huddleston. “Education is tailored to the individual, and life happens.”
Huddleston is event coordinator for the African American Male Initiative, an program that helps black males be successful and stay in college.
In 2008, I was in a class with a student whose mother had recently been killed in a car accident. She was a high achiever, but she decided to take a break from college. Now she’s ready to return.
During my years at Forest Park, I desperately wanted to explain to other students that traumatic personal and family problems can throw you off course. I had to drop out for a semester, but I was determined to go back after I got through the hard times.
What motivated me to stay in school was my faith in God, my dreams and the sense of community at Forest Park.
Whenever I was in a very challenging class, I would recite the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.” That reminded me I can overcome any obstacle.
Another common saying in Christianity also has encouraged me: “The race is not given to the swift or the strong, but to him who endures to the end.”
My dream is to have a psychology-related career, perhaps working as a school counselor or aide to disabled children. My classes and relationships at Forest Park have inspired me to develop those skills.
I also might try event planning. I got interested in that by taking a photography class and planning my parents’ anniversary party.
The AAMI is a good resource for black males who are having trouble making good grades and staying in school. They offer tutoring and mentoring. Mentors organize family nights where families are encouraged to help them through the process.
The AAMI helped Michael Berry earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He later served in the military, returned to college gora degree in fine arts and reached out to the club again.
I’m very proud that I’m getting my associate’s degree. I’m happy that I persevered.
It doesn’t matter how long you take to reach your dreams. As long as you never give up, they will come true. Remember, “The race is not given to the swift or the strong, but to him who endures to the end.”