Davis: An Horatio Alger, St. Augustine success story

    Many children dream of being astronauts one day and doctors the next. Collin Davis, however, has only wanted one career for as long as he can remember.
    “I’ve always wanted to be a police officer,” Davis said confidently. “Always.”
    The 2013 St. Augustine graduate is one step closer to his goal of serving as a detective for the New Orleans Police Department, recently deciding to study psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana. Davis explained that his dream is becoming a reality with the help of many people and organizations, including the Horatio Alger Association.
    Founded in 1947, the association emphasizes hard work and perseverance –  the very values found in Horatio Alger’s 19th-century novels.  It is dedicated to aiding young people determined to continue with their education in spite of personal obstacles, supplying scholarship programs to allow deserving young Americans and Canadians to pursue their dreams.
Scholarship to Xavier
    Davis was selected as a 2013 Louisiana Scholar, receiving $10,500 toward his cost to attend Xavier University. He heard about the scholarship in passing conversation and “something told me” to apply.
    “It’s a wonderful organization,” Davis said. “I applaud them, and I’m glad that they’re helping me. And I believe that I will do them justice and make them proud that they’re investing their money in me.
    “I feel as though they need to have more organizations like it,” he said. “Nothing is better than a group of talented, blessed people who are giving something and making use of it. Let’s say if people would start doing that in their own communities. Can you imagine how much greater the world would be?”
    Gracious for their generosity, Davis wrote the association a thank you letter, and hopes to write one annually.
    “I poured my heart and soul into that thank you note,” Davis explained. “I am so thankful.”
    Davis hopes he will one day give back to his school and other students in a similar way.
    “When I finally do get into my field, I’m not going to get caught up,” he said. “People can tend to forget where they came from, and I’m never going to forget what was given to me. I want to give it all back.”
A grandmother’s love
    Like many of the characters in Horatio Alger’s novels, Davis has faced financial hardships, but both he and his family were persistent about him receiving a St. Augustine education. Davis’ grandmother, Jacklean Davis, paid for his high school tuition and provided a loving home for him while his mother lived in Texas after Hurricane Katrina.
    “He enjoyed his time at St. Aug, and he was a true Purple Knight,” Jacklean Davis said. “If I had to do it again I would, for him to get that education. The scholarship offer helps me out a lot. It’s his way of saying in so many words, ‘Thank you, grandmother.’”
    Davis hopes to one day repay his grandmother and mother for the sacrifices they have made for his education. The excited college freshman will live on Xavier’s campus but plans to come home at least once a week to check on his grandmother, mother and younger sister.
    “Those women have played a huge part in my life,” Davis said. “I was raised by them. Everything I’ve learned I’ve gotten mostly from them. I cherish the women in my life, and I plan on repaying them for all the hard work they’ve done for me.”
    Although he is enthusiastic about his upcoming college adventure, Davis – like many college freshmen – has some reservations. “Of course, I’m nervous, especially staying on campus and being away from my family,” he explained. “But I think it’s kind of a good nervous, because it will make me a better person and I will get certain things out of it that will make me stronger.”
Strong bonds at St. Aug
    Davis attributes his success not only to his supportive family, but also to the St. Augustine High School community, where he served as drum major of the Marching 100 band, participated in the Future Business Leaders of America and graduated 25th in his class, out of 108 students. The fraternal relationships formed among his classmates and the life lessons his teachers instilled in him are the aspects of St. Augustine he is most thankful for.
    “I walked into St. Aug in the seventh grade not knowing anyone, and I graduated with 108 people who are my brothers,” Davis said. “St. Aug does something to you, and you just can’t explain it. But you appreciate it when you leave. I can look at almost all of my teachers and say thank you for giving me what I know. And not just what I know in the text, but the internal morals and attributes that you’ve given me.”
    Most importantly, Davis said, is his faith in God that has gotten him through both the hardships and successes. “God sets a way for everything. He has always had my back and has always been on my side. God is the man. He makes everything happen.”
    Davis is excited for his dream career with the New Orleans Police Department and hopes he can make a positive difference in the city he loves.
    “I’ve heard that you’re happy when you can wake up and not say, ‘Dang, I’ve got to go to work today.’ I won’t say that,” Davis said with a smile. “I will wake up happy because that is what I like doing. I like helping people, I like figuring stuff out, I like law enforcement. I’m going to have a great career as a police officer.”
    Lindsey Frechou can be reached at [email protected].