The college access and success field is old enough that classes of
students we’ve supported have graduated and are now creating the change
we want to see in the world. As NCAN marks 25 years of progress in the
effort to close equity gaps in higher education, our Alumni Spotlight
series will feature the stories of outstanding alumni who have come
through our member organizations over the years.
At a time such as this, we believe it’s still important to share
the success stories of the students our members serve. We hope you enjoy
the series and this week’s alumni.
Darius Spurlock’s story with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) began when he was a sixth-grade student at Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Magnet Academy. Darius was a part of the Louisiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness
for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), a federally funded initiative housed at LOSFA.
Once Darius found his “why” in life, his road map became clear. And it’s led him back to the very organization that helped him on his journey to postsecondary success. As the first college graduate in his immediate family, Darius understands the power
of representation in that accomplishment.
Read more of Darius’ story below.
Note: The responses below have been lightly copy edited for clarity.
Tell us a story of how a mentor or counselor helped you on your journey to earn your postsecondary degree/credential.
As a first-generation college student and graduate, the encouragement and support I received from my mentors was profound. I had a network of colleagues, family, friends, former teachers, and faith circle members who would not allow me to give up. One
of my mentors made me realize my “why” in life, my purpose. Realizing my “why” helped me understand and fully embrace my college journey through the highs and lows.
I developed a personal life goal to assist with decreasing education disparities for students and families. Prior to this moment, I fell in the group of students who pursued a postsecondary degree/major based on the financial outlook after college, instead
of life fulfillment. Since I have found my “why,” I have realized the age-old quote, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” to be true and rewarding.
As a student, what hurdles did you face while getting your postsecondary degree/credential?
There were a few hurdles I faced while pursuing my postsecondary degree, which include managing grades, managing financial aid requirements, and overall juggling personal life. I had a ton of resources readily available through my work as a college access
intern and mentor, but I felt uncomfortable accessing the resources for myself. In the midst of the work I was doing, my grades slipped, I lost one of my largest scholarships, and I suffered the loss of two close family members. I realized that I
would not be the first or last person to endure challenges on the college journey, so I drew encouragement from my faith and my mentors to persevere to the finish line.
Those challenges and hurdles placed me in a better position to provide support to students, and it allowed me to be the first of four siblings, first male of my generation, and first male on my paternal side of the family to attend and graduate from college.
Why was it important for you to get your postsecondary degree/credential?
It was important for me to obtain a postsecondary degree to provide better opportunities for my family, my community, and myself. For first-generation students, attaining a college degree gives their family hope of upward social mobility for the future.
Statistics show that younger siblings are more likely to enroll in college if they had an older sibling to enroll, compared to those who did not. I am pleased to say that all of my younger siblings enrolled in college after graduating from high school.
Within my community, students with backgrounds similar to mine get the opportunity to see college is possible and within their reach. Many of the kids I grew up with lost their hope in college around middle school and early high school, so I believe my
presence within the community sparks a glimpse of hope. Statistics also show that communities are financially stronger and disparities are lower when the community has higher levels of education attainment.
Finally, it gives me the opportunity to pursue a career in education and assist with bridging students and families to a life of upward social mobility for generations to come.
What inspires you to work in your field?
My inspiration comes from a deep desire to see students and families thrive within their communities regardless of their location, racial backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. I have had the privilege of mentoring Black, Latino, White, low-income,
and first-generation students since my first year of college. I know deep within all of these students are dreams and ambitions that are conflicting with their perceived realities. These perceived realities take form early on in primary school, as
students begin to notice the disparities within their community compared to others.
As I matriculated from primary school to college, I noticed the disparities of education in my community and others across the country. I was fortunate to be a part of the Louisiana GEAR UP program through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
(LOSFA). This program was significant in offsetting the degree of education disparities within my community. I saw firsthand how this work bridged education equity gaps and allowed students and families to thrive within their community.
In light of COVID-19, it is important for students to hear words of encouragement from those who were in their shoes not long ago. What advice would you give to students right now?
There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Certain places on our journey will be dark, you will second-guess yourself, and you may even want to give up. But fix your imagination and attention on the light and know that it will be beautiful. Continue
to plow through, seek help if needed, and remember your “why” throughout your journey. If you do not know your “why” take time to discover it!
I have been through several dark tunnels during my college journey, and I can attest to the fact that the light at the end is beautiful and worth it.
A handful of the alumni nominations we received are for people who currently work at the organization that supported them when they were in high school or college! What drew you back to LOSFA?
As a high school student, I was able to receive a great amount of support and the tools needed to help me matriculate to college from LOSFA, through the Louisiana GEAR UP program. I recognized how the services leveraged education opportunities for my
peers and myself. These opportunities prepared us for college and exposed us to colleges and programs across Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas. We received services that many students from our socioeconomic background rarely received due to the disparity
in education funding and resources within their schools. Services such as standardize test preparation, college exploration, tutoring, AP and dual-enrollment credit opportunities, credit recovery, FAFSA assistance, college application assistance,
scholarship assistance, and more.
We were also able to learn soft skills through our GEAR UP Explorers’ Club, such as clear communication, critical thinking, teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of community development. LOSFA was and still is a champion agency for bridging education
equity across the state of Louisiana and giving students hope for a better tomorrow. What drew me back was the opportunity to give students the support I received and inspire them to do great.
Why is it important to you to give back to the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA)?
This agency made it possible for me to obtain a postsecondary degree and continues to make it possible for students across the state of Louisiana to obtain a postsecondary degree as well. Giving back to this agency is paying it forward for the future
of Louisiana and the world by increasing the number of individuals with postsecondary degrees/credentials across diverse populations. There is also the benefit of being able to relate to the students, families, and communities that receive services
through this agency because of our shared culture and experiences.
How have you seen the college access and success fields change?
I have noticed a change in the scope of targeted programs and the method of delivery to students. There is a greater emphasis on promoting postsecondary credentials as opposed to solely postsecondary degrees. This presents students with more options and
helps expose them to different career paths.
In addition, in recent years, we have also placed a higher emphasis on FAFSA completion. This allows many students to see their financial aid options earlier and makes them more comfortable to enroll in college.
The methods of delivery and communication have changed as well, from the traditional robocalls home and bland text messages to attractive social media post and text messages with youthful lingo. These innovations have increased students’ interest and
engagement.
How does postsecondary education affect the community where you grew up?
Postsecondary education affects the community by reducing disparities and creating a level playing field for all students. I grew up less than two miles from three separate school district’s lines, and I witnessed how the communities’ overall education
attainment affected the education of the students.
In Central school district, the population was predominately white-collar workers; I would presume most had some level of postsecondary education. In Baker school district, the population was predominately blue-collar workers, I would presume most had
a high school education or less. Finally, in my home school district, East Baton Rouge, the population was fairly mixed but disproportionate in certain areas. With that, I presumed approximately 60% had a high school education and 40% had a postsecondary
education or vice versa.
Central school district has received an A/B rating for the last few years, Baker school district has received a D/F rating for the last few years, and East Baton Rouge school district has received a C rating for last few years. The dividing factor in
each of these districts is the percent of education attainment within each of their district/community lines.
Postsecondary education within my community affects students’ education opportunities, which are connected to the students’ future career opportunities and overall upward social mobility.
What barriers do Louisiana students face in accessing higher education?
I believe many districts suffer from a lack of resources and funding, which has a direct impact on the students’ development. Many students lack a strong foundation in critical subject areas, support from school counselors, and exposure to different colleges,
majors, and careers. Without a foundation in critical subject areas and the ability to score high on standardized admissions tests, many students do not meet the qualifications to attend their preferred institution, and many decide to aim at a perceivable
realistic goal. In some schools, school counselors are absent and some have different priorities that do not afford them the opportunity to build significant or impactful relationships with their students or assist them with transitioning from high
school to college.
During high school, I may have met with my senior counselor twice during my senior year for less than two minutes each meeting. I am sure I would not be where I am today without the support of the college access professionals at LOSFA.
Finally, exposure is key in expanding students’ possibilities and giving them options beyond what they can see. Because of the lack of exposure, many students in Louisiana pursue subcontractor work at a gas or oil plant. These jobs do not require a postsecondary
credential or degree, and they usually pay well. I believe the barriers most students face in Louisiana are rooted in the system of education and funding.
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