“About 10 years ago, I quit school and became a college dropout…”

“More than 10 years ago, I quit school and became a college dropout during my senior year, and I began working to be able to provide for my son who was on the way. Thankfully, that decision was met with very few criticisms from loved ones, and they supported me 100 percent. At the time, I kept telling my parents and grandparents that I would eventually go back and finish school. But the reality of it was that as the years passed, going back to school did not seem realistic.

I had been doing pretty well for myself despite not finishing. I’ve been blessed with great jobs and opportunities, multiple vehicles, and a nice house. But last year something happened and God put me in a position to go back to school and finish, even though I fought it until I couldn’t anymore. He works in mysterious ways. I’ve always wanted to make my wife, grandparents, parents, and those who really are invested in my success proud.

Saturday, I will receive my college degree and hear First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama speak. My only regret is not doing it sooner, when my grandparents could have witnessed it. Nevertheless, I’m happy my little ones will see their dad get his diploma and maybe when they get older, they will look back and realize they can do anything they want. Special thanks to the one who has pushed me from the day I met her at Jackson State and who has been there every step of the way. Erica Young Frazier, I love you to the moon and back.”

– Julian, graduating senior English major from Jackson, Mississippi / April 2016