On to bigger and better things

"No struggle, no progress," are the words of Frederick Douglass that keeps senior Venion Mulkey going every day. "I want to be an example to everyone who thinks they can't make it," he said.

Venion moved from Pleasantville, N.J. to Rochester when he was 10 years old. From then on, he continued to strive for success each day of his life. Although he dropped out of East High School, this trend did not continue. Venion went on to get his GED and graduated from Monroe Community College, and now attends The College at Brockport.

"I came to Brockpor because it's close to home," he said. "But, the people are nice here, too."

With hopes of some day becoming a college professor, Venion takes full advantage of his chance at a college education. Some students may think having a major and minor puts enough on their plate- - try having two of each. Venion's majors include African-American studies and Communication, with minors in English and History.

"I'm just trying to get a job," Venion said. "Just like everyone else."

Aside from his class work, he has been teaching creative writing to students in after-school programs the past seven years. These students range from elementary-age to high school students and continue to provide Venion with valuable experiences in the education field.

"I'm disappointed in the city-school system," he said. "Its all hand-me-down books, you learn less and teachers don't bother assigning homework, because they don't think students will do it. How will they prove their capabilities and potential if they aren't given the chance?"

Venion would not consider teaching in city school, however, because he thinks he would be contributing to all the negative things he sees happening.

"Although I went to city schools, I learned by picking up books on my own," he said. "I learned on my own and got myself to college on my own."

A talented DJ, Venion fills his summer to pursue this passion, but said he prefers to stay away from weddings and pre-teen parties. Keep an eye out for Venion on campus, as he is known to give out free copies of his promotional CD.

But his road to success has not been without its share of challenges.Venion has struggled with Alopecia since he was 10 years old. Alopecia is a disease that causes a person's hair to fall out. This can happen in a short period of time, or in Venion's case, gradually over time.

"I had to get used to myself all over again as each stage happened," Venion said. "It's a challenge, both mentally and emotionally."

As if that wasn't hard enough, he was allergic to one of the medications given to him for the disease and found himself staring death in the face. But with his pursuant personality and hopeful thoughts, he persevered through this difficult time and came out a stronger man.

"It's about inspiring people like me, by telling and showing them they can do it," Venion said. "I hope it will all be worth it."

Listening to everything Venion has overcome and achieved on his own, there is no doubt he will achieve his dream of attending grad school and becoming a college professor. He will one day be the inspiration for his students, as Frederick Douglass has been to him.