From Struggles to Success: How Duncan Found His Path at Pathways In Education
High school can be a challenging time for many students, and for Duncan “DJ” Andrews, it was no different. His journey through adolescence was marked by ups and downs, but Duncan’s story is one of hope, perseverance, and finding the right support at the right time. Today, he’s not just a high school graduate—he’s a young man ready to step confidently into his future, all thanks to the encouragement and guidance he found at Pathways In Education (PIE).
A Rocky Start
Duncan’s early high school years were filled with struggles. “I was getting into a lot of trouble—skipping classes, getting into fights, and causing all kinds of issues,” Duncan admits. His behavior ultimately led to his expulsion in his sophomore year, and he found himself at a crossroads. “I was ready to give up. I honestly didn’t care about getting my high school diploma,” he recalls.
But despite the setbacks, Duncan wasn’t ready to let go of his future. After taking some time away from school, he decided to give it another shot. “I tried doing things differently,” Duncan says. “I started going to all my classes and maintaining my grades, but then the pandemic hit, and everything went digital.” Unfortunately, the shift to online learning brought new challenges. “I had zero motivation or discipline. I dropped out again, and another year went by without completing a single class.”
A Fresh Start at Pathways In Education
Duncan’s turning point came when his parents decided he needed a change of scenery. His father drove ten hours to move him from Atlanta to Shreveport, Louisiana, where Duncan enrolled in Pathways In Education – Louisiana. This time, he was ready to commit to his education.
“My dad wasted no time getting me into school,” Duncan shares. “He became my motivation, keeping me on track every day.” With his father’s support and the unique structure of PIE, Duncan found himself working harder than ever before. “I was putting in eight hours a day, five days a week, and within my first two weeks, I completed my first class. That’s when I started to believe in myself again.”
Duncan’s teacher, Melvie, quickly noticed his dedication. “Duncan embodied the PIE core values of grit and determination from day one,” she says. “He didn’t just meet the minimum requirements—he exceeded them every learning period.”
The Power of Self-Motivation
As Duncan continued to make progress, something shifted within him. “Eventually, I didn’t need my dad to push me anymore,” he explains. “I started pushing myself. I learned to be my own motivation.” This newfound drive propelled Duncan to complete his coursework and graduate on time.
Photo: Duncan accepting his diploma from Principal Debbie Fuller at Pathways In Education – Louisiana. (Source: Pathways In Education)
Duncan’s journey at PIE was about more than just academics; it was about personal growth and self-discovery. “He quickly became known at both campuses for his optimism and infectious personality,” Melvie adds.
“Michael Jordan once said, ‘Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.’ Duncan made it happen.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Today, Duncan is not only a high school graduate but also a student at the Universal Technical Institute in Dallas. He’s excited about the future and confident in his ability to achieve his goals. “This is only the beginning,” Duncan says with a smile. “I won’t slow down. I’ll keep moving forward until I reach my goal, and I encourage my fellow graduates to do the same.”
Duncan and staff at Pathways In Education – Louisiana Graduation Ceremony (Source: Pathways In Education)
Duncan’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult the journey, it’s never too late to turn things around. His success is a testament to the impact that Pathways In Education can have on students’ lives. For anyone facing academic struggles or looking for a fresh start, Duncan’s advice is simple: “Give PIE a try. It changed my life, and it can change yours too.”
