A business shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic led combat veteran Darlene Cleveland on a life-changing journey.
She was already navigating life with post-traumatic stress disorder because of the experiences she encountered on the battlefield. Still, she was determined not to let the anxieties stemming from the pandemic’s impact keep her from achieving the success she knew was within reach.
Cleveland decided to return to college as a non-traditional student. Having raised loving adult children and experienced the joys of being a grandmother, she was ready to invest in herself.
From the outside looking in, it may have seemed that she had all the odds stacked against her to restart after so many years. But when you are a warrior at heart, like she is, you find a way to thrive and make it to the finish line.
On Dec. 12, Cleveland was among nearly 700 students who earned degrees from Florida A&M University at its fall commencement ceremony. With a star proudly marking her name for her years of service in the military and academic honors recognition, she received her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC).
Turning a Pandemic into Promise
Darlene Cleveland had the opportunity to learn alongside students from a different generation and to impart her wisdom as an entrepreneur while studying graphic design at SJGC.
“After the pandemic, I knew I needed to learn new skills to modernize my business. I was determined to continue my education despite my challenges,” she said, noting that with the changing times, she longed for a deeper understanding of the modern branding and communication industry, and SJGC was the only place she knew could provide that training.
With her degree in hand, she walked the commencement stage not only with confidence and new skills to relaunch her business, Printec Custom Printing & Designs, but also celebrating her recent induction into FAMU’s Graduate Feeder Program, which will provide the support she needs to accomplish her next goal: pursuing a master’s degree in entrepreneurship.
Cleveland says the FAMU community reignited her passion and gave her a new thirst for industry knowledge. She credits FAMU’s Center for Disability Access and Resources (CeDAR), the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the faculty, staff, and students of SJGC for helping her transition from Tallahassee State College as a transfer student and overcome the many obstacles that once stood in her way.
One of those obstacles was managing the emotional toll of stress management that stemmed from military combat when her course load initially felt overwhelming.
“I served in the Army for 20 years until retirement,” Cleveland said. “My deployment to Iraq at age 35 had a profound and lasting impact. Most of the soldiers on that tour were nearly straight out of high school. Being there to help them deal with near-death situations and navigate a combat environment forged bonds for life. But while that experience reinforced my dedication to supporting those around me, the subsequent loss of some of those soldiers to suicide since our deployment has been very tough.”
What It Means to Be FAMU Made
Despite her years of experience in the military as an accounting specialist and mechanic and as an entrepreneur, Cleveland said she still felt something was missing when it came to achieving her goals. When she stepped foot on the hills of FAMU, that gap quickly began to close.
“FAMU literally made me,” she said. Noting that the nearly one-hour drive she had to take to and from Monticello to get to her classes in Tallahassee was worth every mile.
Her defining moment as a member of the Rattler community came during her first semester, when PTSD and insomnia symptoms flared up to the point where she couldn’t concentrate.
“I felt like I almost drove my professor insane with my continuous questions,” Cleveland said, noting that she also battled with memory retention. “When tears began to flow in class from sheer frustration, one of my classmates intervened and started asking questions on my behalf. My professor, Carlos Miranda, then offered the flexibility I needed to manage my symptoms and complete my assignments, reinforcing that support was available and that I could overcome the challenges. I will forever be thankful.”
Then, CeDAR provided extended testing time and rides across campus, allowing her to focus her limited energy on learning.
Darlene Cleveland (shown at center in both photos) had the support of the campus community every step of the way. Left: She stands in the center of a group photo with her graphic design classmates and Prof. Carlos Miranda, who played an essential role in her educational path. Right: She celebrates with fellow SJGC graduates during a reception. Photos: Justyn Thomas.
As she took more classes, more SJGC professors offered patience and support while still helping her maintain high academic standards.
She pointed to graphic design professors Alicia Hope and Stanley Johnson, who are both alumni of SJGC, and added that extra Rattler embrace.
Hope described Cleveland as “an absolute joy to be around.”
“She encourages her classmates and constantly pushes herself to grow, bringing a genuine spirit into everything she does,” she said. “She’s a focused creative who has and will continue to excel in whatever she puts her mind to.”
The patience and care of SJGC faculty, like Prof. Alicia Hope and Prof. Stanley Johnson, gave Cleveland the courage to continue her educational pursuits and achieve her goals in graphic design. Left and right photos: Christian Whitaker and Justyn Thomas.
Johnson echoed that sentiment: “Darlene is a true example of what we hope to achieve with our program—a completely raw talent that, with hard work and determination, has developed into a creative, skilled, and highly qualified designer.”
Cleveland said the expertise of her professors and the motivation from her classmates brought her right where she needed to be. Now, she is ready to reopen for business with new and improved services and greater confidence.
Looking ahead, Cleveland is preparing to enroll at Florida State University to learn more about entrepreneurship and scale her business even more effectively. She credits other SJGC professors, including broadcast and film expert Kenneth Jones, for helping her understand how to maximize graduate school opportunities.
“My children and soon-to-be husband have been my rock throughout this journey,” she said, noting that they proudly cheered her on at graduation alongside her professors.
As she looks toward a bright future, Cleveland’s advice to other veterans and students with disabilities is: “Utilize the resources. CeDAR is there to level the playing field, and communication with your professors is key….Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself and seek the support that will allow you to succeed.”
RESOURCES FOR SUPPORT
–Crisis Text-Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. The Crisis Text Line supports any crisis. Learn more here.
-The Center for Disability Access and Resources services can be requested here.
-Information on the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs can be accessed here.
