From his dorm room in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, DBG graduate Reynard Robinson has exciting updates to share. He’s wrapping up his junior year at Southern University and A&M College with a new major and a new focus as he gets set for summer and senior year.
Initially pursuing electrical engineering, Reynard realized it wasn’t the right fit. After careful reflection, he made the bold decision to switch to business marketing. The transition hasn’t been easy, but the confidence and social emotional skills he built at DBG prepared him for his educational journey. Reynard remains on track to graduate in 2026.
“The biggest lesson I’ve taken from DBG is the importance of perseverance. Even when things get tough or don’t go according to plan, the key is to never give up,” he reflected.
In the second semester of his junior year, Reynard balances a packed schedule between school and work. He spends his mornings working at the campus recreation center as part of a work-study program and attends classes in the afternoons. This semester, he took a diverse range of courses, including Art History, Independent Living, Business Law, and World Literature.
When asked about his post-graduation goals, Reynard is focused on building a solid foundation for his future. His plan is to start his career in the insurance industry. From there, he hopes to invest in real estate and eventually branch out into different business ventures. Like many college students, he doesn’t have every step mapped out just yet, but he’s keeping an open mind and is ready to adapt to opportunities that come his way.
One of the most inspiring aspects of his journey has been his incredible weight loss transformation. He has lost over 170 pounds — a testament to his discipline, dedication, and perseverance.
“It’s not just about appearance — it’s about feeling strong, capable, and energized for the life I want to live,” Reynard says.
His journey has reinforced the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Others, like his mentor Ron Stefanski, are inspired.
“[Reynard] has opened a bank account and is saving a percentage of every paycheck. And his grades have gone up significantly,” Stefanski says. “I have learned and grown so much from Reynard’s amazing example of grit, perseverance, and daily grinding work.”
As Reynard continues his college experience and prepares for the future, we couldn’t be more proud of the resilience, adaptability, and determination he has shown. His story is a powerful reminder that growth is not always linear, but with hard work, anything is possible. He is pictured below with fellow DBG graduates from the Class of 2021.
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