The
answer is also very simple; the story behind it is much more complex. Treyvon
Olden is a classic example of why Mid-South Community College exists. Raised in
a one-parent home in a rough section of Memphis, Olden’s prospects for the
future looked bleak at best. He has described his surroundings as hostile and
has shared that he felt he came from a “generation that’s cursed. My father’s
father was not in his life, and my father was not in my life. My father really
didn’t want to have anything to do with me.”
His mother provided great encouragement, but Treyvon found himself exposed on a daily basis to situations and people that seemingly conspired to keep him from succeeding. “I was afraid of becoming that person that I saw every day,” he said. His grandmother even told him that a child only knows what he sees or has been around.
When
Olden became a father as a teenager, his prospects for the future dimmed even
more. But the young man refused to allow all of those strikes against him to
determine his future. Instead, he steeled his resolve to overcome what most
agree would meet the criteria of overwhelming, if not insurmountable, odds.
He
didn’t exactly set the world on fire as a high school student, though, and
readily admits to a graduation GPA just north of average. He attributes that to
missing quite a few classes/school days while serving as the primary caregiver
for his daughter. Olden says his goal as a parent is to be the opposite of his
father. He is actively involved in his daughter’s life and loves to teach her
new things. And when he picks her up from daycare, he loves to hear what she’s
learned there.
After
graduation, Olden considered attending a four-year institution and thought
that’s what he was destined to do. He wanted to see and experience new things,
pledge a fraternity, and enjoy university life. Many of his acquaintances
encouraged him to leave the area for a fresh start. But two MSCC Career Coaches
told him to give Mid-South Community College a try. His first response? “I
wouldn’t have thought in a million years that I would attend a community
college.”
After
analyzing his options, however, he realized enrolling at MSCC, even for just a
semester, would allow him to continue taking care of and spending time with his
daughter. His university of choice required all freshmen to live on campus in a
dorm their first year, so he would have been separated from her for long
periods of time.
Once
he set foot on our campus, he was hooked. He fell in love (his word, not mine)
with MSCC and is laying the foundation for a nursing degree. Wise beyond his
years, he pointed out that to help another person is a great gift that he wants
to possess.
In spite of his trials and tribulations, Treyvon demonstrates unbridled enthusiasm and mirth. “The way I view things is if you don’t smile, you live life in misery. So I try my best to stay in a positive mood and be optimistic about my day. I always try to smile and make students feel good about themselves.”
About
pursuing dreams at Mid-South Community College, he said, “I’m glad I made the
decision. I will never forget about this college.” And we won’t forget about an
inspiring young man who motivates us to continue our efforts to help students
of the Delta achieve their God-given potential.
- See more at:
http://www.midsouthcc.edu/blog/academic-all-star-beats-odds-shines-brightly/#sthash.IfxW9oSm.dpuf
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