Unscripted and Unstoppable: How Education and Connections Helped Terrell Jenkins Rewrite His Story
Terrell Jenkins, CJC’s new outreach coordinator in the PATH Office, would never have believed his journey would wind up in higher education. “I was skipping classes back in kindergarten, so for me to be here is surreal,” Terrell said. His story shows how self-knowledge, education, and perseverance can open doors to life-changing opportunities—even when the path is unscripted and unpredictable.
“As a kid, I earned good grades, but school never felt right. By fifth grade, I begged my mom to let me quit altogether—because of math,” he said. “By high school, my only goal was to leave my momma’s house and step out into the real world. College wasn’t even a thought let alone a goal, so the Marines seemed like my only option. But after my military service, I found myself facing uncertainty, unsure of what was next. So, I started looking for what I thought was a good job.”
The opportunity of a lifetime wasn’t just about finding a job—it was about education.
After bouncing between several jobs that didn’t fit what he felt he could be, Terrell knew that life had to change in a major way. “Self-reflection showed me my strengths are connecting with people and teaching. I decided to go to college to become the person I knew I could be so that I could equip myself to serve others in the ways that I dreamed of.”
In college, he received a secondary education that didn’t come along with the tuition: It was an education in life. The subject matter in his classes and the diversity that is a part of the fabric of college campuses expanded his view of the world and himself. Terrell learned another powerful lesson: “I learned that I wasn’t limited by my circumstances or my past. I could live by choice, not by chance.”
If we learn and grow, we get better.
Despite juggling two physically-demanding jobs (at UPS and a farm) and raising two young daughters, Terrell persevered through years of long days—often 19 hours or more—to earn degrees from Santa Fe College and later a degree in public relations form CJC. . He credits his mentors, family, friends and coworkers for showing up at the right moments, offering encouraging words, college and career advice, and financial support (including access to a scholarship that was facilitated through the Knight Division) to help him reach the finish line — graduation day at the O’Connell Center.
“College wasn’t just about earning a degree,” Terrell reflected. “It opened doors to opportunities and allowed me to rewrite my story.”
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
As the outreach coordinator at CJC, Terrell now channels his passion for education into empowering others. “I’m living proof that education isn’t just about classes and exams—it’s about equipping yourself for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Terrell’s passion for education is also inspired by his mother, who enjoys lifelong friendships and transformed her life by earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “She went from a trailer with holes in the floor to new homes, from broken-down cars to brand-new ones, so when people question the value of a college degree, I can tell them the impact it can make in your life.”
Terrell encourages young adults to embrace education because it opens doors and empowers you to walk through them.
Posted: October 14, 2024
Category: Faculty and Staff Spotlight
Tagged as: Terrell Jenkins
