YPSILANTI, Mich. — Daivon Reeder stepped onto the Eastern Michigan University campus for freshman orientation four years ago.
As he prepared for his commencement on Saturday Reeder reflected on his stepfather’s words of discouragement that ended up serving as inspiration.
Reeder, the oldest of four, graduated with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in military science, according to WDIV.
"My stepdad told me it was pointless to go to orientation, I wasn't going to graduate. (Four) years later he (is) in jail & I'm, well…" Reeder posted on Twitter a couple of days before the ceremony.
"I'm just a first-generation college kid from Detroit trying to beat the odds," Reeder told Buzzfeed. "I guess people can relate to a humble beginning."