A College Degree Seemed Like an Impossible Dream Until Collins Home

Today, we are publishing an article from August 2018 written by Brooklyn Garrett. She interviewed Bryan, a previous resident of the Collins Children's Home about his experience and pursuit of his college dream.

"I want to make something out of myself. Thanks to the safety, security, and support of my family at Collins, I am able to pursue what once seemed an unimaginable dream. With Collins home, anything is possible.” -Bryan

"My family was so messed up..."

Here is Brooklyn's interview with Bryan, “I grew up with the belief that in school there are two groups of people, ‘the preps’ and ‘the mess-ups’.

I’d always felt like one of those mess-ups. My family was so messed up. While I was always a big brother to my sister, there were years where I was the one to raise her while my parents dealt with their problems.

I bottled up so much inside. I remember easily getting into school fights. It didn’t take much to set me off. Maybe I would’ve hoped for something better earlier on had I known there could be something better.

Collins Home was the Place that Changed the Direction of My Life

After a family incident, my sister and I were taken away. At first, there wasn’t room for me at Collins Home, so my sister was placed there while I spent a few days in another children’s home.

I didn’t like being away from my sister. That was a hard few days…Finally, there was room at Collins Home for me. My friends gave me a hard time and picked on me. I hated that part. They didn’t understand why I lived at Collins.

I would soon grow to love my Collins home—the place that changed the direction of my life. At that time, I was 16. I finally had a support system.

"Don't give up on your dream. Don't let others dissuade you. Hang with people who stoke your fire, not soak your fire. When times are good be grateful, and when times are bad be graceful." -Gary Mack

One of the Houseparents Encouraged Me to Make Something Out of Myself

If it weren’t for Collins home, I wouldn’t have gone to college. I remember one of the houseparents, who I still keep in touch with today. She encouraged me to make something out of myself.

I earned my culinary arts certificate while in high school. After I graduated high school, I wanted to go to college. I had some complications with affording all the costs and expenses. Eventually, I was able to secure some funds to attend college.

I’ll be the first in my family to go to college and finish. I am going to graduate with my associate’s degree in business in 2020!! Even though I had to quit my job to go to college, and my family and friends wanted me to keep working, I just want to get my degree.

I want to make something out of myself. Thanks to the safety, security, and support of my family at Collins, I am able to pursue what once seemed an unimaginable dream. With Collins home, anything is possible.”

Written by Brooklyn Garrett. She is a Clemson University graduate who will be attending Law School in the future. She is working part-time in the Development Department to help raise awareness of Collins Children’s Home and their ministry in our community.

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