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By Michael Patterson
In May, Rodney Smith rose above several barriers, including crime and fighting, while earning an associate’s degree. Having role models fostered his commitment towards education. Focus and hard work have made his dreams of a better life achievable.
Directing attention toward achieving goals as a kid can be a struggle. Some kids fall victim to obstacles in the community that lead them down the wrong path. During a recent conversation with The Cleveland Observer, Smith spoke specifically about the obstacle of crime.
“The crime for one, when you have students in that environment it’ll lead them to that crime,” said Smith. Smith also believes that more leadership can push kids’ interests toward taking control of their futures. College freshmen attending universities in the fall shouldn’t have to feel alone during their journeys.
Significance of Guidance
Felicia Peacock, Ursuline College graduate, and Smith’s mother, has always influenced her son to stay away from the area’s problems. Peacock’s presence has encouraged her son’s dedication toward earning a degree and eventually becoming a student at Cleveland State University in the fall. Smith talked about what happens to kids with less guidance from the people in their corner.
“They just lose focus on what they could make of themselves in this world . . . once you lose focus you lose inspiration to do better things,” said Smith.
Creating leadership outside the household would benefit kids as well, Smith added.
“Parents might be working to provide for the student and they might not have all of the time in the world. So once you have outlets to build role models around the community, if they can’t get it at home, I think that will benefit,” Smith said.
Staying focused through tribulations
However, even with a strong presence of role models, it can still be tough to chase one’s goals. Smith pushed through doubts and rough patches when dealing with certain subjects like math. He realized that sometimes you can’t become comfortable until you grow in uncomfortable spaces. Staying on the right track became tough, but his support system kept his commitment alive. Smith is grateful to experience what it feels like to grind through tough parts of a journey.
“I definitely won’t take that experience for granted because there definitely are some people that are so smart and they taught me and helped me. Now I really appreciate the help that they gave me because I can be as comfortable as I can be at Cleveland State,” Smith remarked.
Sense of support outside of home
Another thing that brought him support was involvement with extracurriculars like choir, basketball, and soccer. Being a part of the Euclid High School’s soccer team, basketball team, and the choir let him explore leadership roles while he was captain of both teams. Smith appreciated the encouragement that these programs provided.
He said, “I was just glad to have the supporting system around me, especially in the athletic setting, and also be able to get my degree at the same time.”
One thing that is appreciated about leadership roles is the lesson of patience.
“I learned how to be patient with the youth and I feel like a lot of people don’t see that aspect when you’re trying to raise a child or you’re trying to teach somebody,” said Smith.
Changing the perception of Euclid
Stronger support systems and better foundations of leadership can help children overcome obstacles like fighting and crime. Creating more stories like Rodney’s can help change how people view the Euclid community.
“I feel like my story can be a jumpstart at the perceptions of how people do look at Euclid. And maybe they’ll start going into depth into the Euclid system because there are some very talented and smart students at Euclid high school,” Smith remarked.
Smith’s end goal and desires
In addition to changing the perception of Euclid, Smith plans to use his college education to help fulfill his dreams of a better life for himself and his family. He plans on achieving his bachelor’s in electrical engineering technology.
“I don’t want to worry about bills, I don’t wanna be in debt, I just want to be happy,” said Smith.
Michael Patterson is currently a senior at John Carroll University studying digital media. He loves basketball, mixed martial arts, and football, and aspires to become a sports reporter or commentator.
