The Path Less Traveled
As he prepares to graduate in May, DeMarquez Frazier reflects on the long and winding journey he has taken to get to where he is. In his unconventional path to a college degree, DeMarquez considers the hurdles he has overcome and the connections he has made. In the end, he believes those experiences have shaped who he is today.
“I like to know someone’s story. I had kind of a rough upbringing and didn’t have the luxuries that others had growing up. It was in those times that you build connections and get to know people much more than on a surface level. A lot of times, what we see is what people present to us, and I think about wanting to get to know someone on a deeper level. For me, that is what making connections is about.”
DeMarquez originally began his post-secondary education at a community college while working in the traveling cheer troupe, UCA. It was through this troupe that he became connected with Midland’s program and was encouraged to pursue a degree and cheer at the collegiate level.
“I was in this traveling troupe with the former coach here at Midland, and they asked me about cheering at the collegiate level. I came to Midland for a visit, and I really liked the atmosphere of the team and the teaching aspect they had. I also found out about the nursing program and became intrigued by that. Those factors are what got me here.”
A year into DeMarquez’s Midland career, he made the decision to step away. With family considerations at home, it was necessary for DeMarquez to take a step back and be home. He re-enrolled in his community college, spent time working for corporate Target, and traveled. The time away allowed DeMarquez to get a clearer idea of who he is.
“I learned a lot about myself during that year off. I learned I did not want to be at a desk. After traveling, it confirmed my desire that I wanted to connect with people on a deeper basis. After a year off, I came back to Midland.”
DeMarquez resumed cheering and is now about to complete his nursing degree. After coming to the realization that he wanted to have a meaningful connection with patients, nursing became the career path that made sense for DeMarquez.
“I knew I wanted to help people through healthcare since the seventh and eighth grade. I was set on being a doctor, but I realized through experiences in the hospital that though the doctor does many things for you, there isn’t always that personal interaction. I realized it is nurses that really make those connections with people. It made me realize that I am more of a people person and I wanted to be on that side of healthcare.”
Looking back on his journey, DeMarquez encourages his fellow students to make the most of the obstacles they face. If they set their mind to it, they can come to a deeper understanding of who they are. It is about trusting that process.
“Whatever obstacles that you endure and have to face, if you put your mind to it you can overcome them and see yourself continue to grow. It is about seeing yourself through the experience and coming out the other side better than you were before.”
DeMarquez Frazier is a senior nursing major from Minneapolis, MN. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
