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Showing posts from September, 2024

Up and Coming DECA!

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  Darrien Brown DECA, standing for “Distributive Education Clubs of America,” is a global organization that helps prepare the younger generation of leaders and future-seeking business owners for different career fields. The organization was founded in 1946 and has expanded to schools and programs all over the world offering students a variety of opportunities. Today I was able to sit down and talk to Avila’s own DECA president, Susana Mondragon. I got to speak with her about how DECA came about, what they have accomplished, and what they’re doing right here on campus this year!   Susana is a 4th year Avila Student attending on a wrestling scholarship. She’s not only the DECA president but the Student Government President as well. She describes DECA as a community that values its members and believes everybody is important. She describes DECA as a program that allows you to be a part of an academic group and network not only in your community but all over the states as wel...

How is this ‘5 Star’ Enjoying College?

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Darrien Brown At just 18 years old, Le’Taevion East is stepping into a new and exciting chapter of his life: his first year of college. A talented basketball player from Kansas City, Tae is balancing the thrill of pursuing his passion for basketball with the challenges of adjusting to life away from home for the first time. While his focus is on the court, the reality of leaving behind his family and hometown is setting in as he navigates this transition. Tae’s decision to attend college wasn’t solely based on athletics. Growing up, he was always encouraged to pursue higher education by his family, especially his mother, who stressed the importance of a college degree. “My mom has always said, ‘Basketball won’t last forever, but your education will,’” Tae shared. It’s advice that has stayed with him as he adjusts to the demands of both college coursework and a tough basketball schedule. However, being away from home is proving to be a new emotional challenge for Tae, but nothing he can...

Back to School Story

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  A few days ago was Darrien Brown’s first day at a place where he never thought he would end up. It was his first day of college! Darrien is a communications major attending Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. Darrien graduated from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy last May and he was also a varsity starter 3 years in a row for basketball. Darrien is also known as DB to his friends and family, but Mr. Brown to his elementary students at work. Darrien woke up early that Monday morning excited about his first day of school. DB wasn’t very fond of college through high school because of the extra years of schooling, how much work was talked about, and because of how expensive it is. Although he had many doubts about college, basketball and his academic grades allowed him to gain scholarships and free money for schooling. Even after a lot of doubt about going, Darrien knows how important an education is and he didn’t want to be a product of his environment. After DB got ready...