In a world brimming with achievements, the story of Darion and Varion Walton stands out as a testament to determination, unity, and extraordinary accomplishment. At just 22 years old, these twins, born to a single mother, have not only earned their Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Sam Houston State University in Texas but have done so two years ahead of schedule, making their journey a remarkable tale of dedication and resilience.
Their educational journey began at Navarro College, where, as high school graduates, they demonstrated exceptional focus, motivation, and enthusiasm for their futures. Juggling 18 credit hours each semester and working four jobs, including roles as school ambassadors, resident advisers, interns at the student center, and peer mentors, the twins managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude in the Fall of 2013. Dr. Tommy Stringer, former Navarro College instructor and administrator, remarked on their immediate impact on campus life, emphasizing their excellence not only in the classroom but also in leadership positions within various organizations.
Moving forward with their education, the twins embarked on the pursuit of their Master’s degrees in business administration at Sam Houston State University in August 2014. Their success, they claim, is a result of unwavering focus, deep prayer, and a steadfast resistance to peer influences. Opting for study sessions over weekend outings, the twins maintained a disciplined approach to their academics, paving the way for their notable achievements.
Walton Inspires, the brainchild of Darion and Varion Walton, stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. This noble nonprofit organization emerges from the twins’ deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others, echoing their personal journey of triumph over challenges. Rooted in the belief that every individual possesses the potential for greatness, Walton Inspires seeks to uplift and empower communities by providing mentorship, educational resources, and support systems that foster personal and academic development.
The establishment of Walton Inspires reflects Darion and Varion’s unwavering dedication to paying forward the opportunities and support they received on their journey. Having faced adversity and overcome various obstacles, the twins recognize the transformative power of guidance and encouragement. Through this nonprofit initiative, they aim to create a ripple effect of positivity, instilling in others the belief that with resilience, determination, and a supportive community, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their aspirations. Walton Inspires is not merely a philanthropic endeavor; it is a manifestation of the twins’ desire to be catalysts for change, inspiring individuals to dream big, overcome obstacles, and realize their full potential.
Deanna Jordan has a story that will inspire anyone who faces challenges in life. She is a single mom of three boys who graduated from UCLA with three degrees in 2014. She did it while overcoming poverty, violence and discrimination in her hometown of Compton.
Jordan became a mother at 18, and had three sons by the time she was 22. She knew she had to change her situation, so she enrolled at West Los Angeles Community College in 2010. She worked hard and transferred to UCLA in 2013, where she majored in African American Studies and Gender Studies, and minored in Education. She also earned a master’s degree in African American Studies.
She founded the Compton Pipeline Taskforce, a volunteer group that mentors students in Compton schools and helps them prepare for college. She juggled her studies, her parenting and her activism, often sacrificing sleep and comfort. She relied on scholarships, grants and loans to pay for her tuition and expenses. She said her sons were her main motivation.
“I needed for my sons to see there was a legacy that preceded them with college,” Jordan told CBS Los Angeles. “I am the first in my family to go to college.”
Jordan’s accomplishments are impressive, especially considering the statistics that are stacked against her. Only 2% of teen mothers finish college by age 30, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. She is also among the 3% of African American women who have a master’s degree or higher in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau.