Survival. Dedication. Strength. Determination. When thinking about what is needed to succeed in life, these are key words that come to mind. Although life comes with its obstacles and at times can be extremely difficult, perseverance becomes essential. That’s what this week’s Doing It Her Way University’s Spotlight, Domnique Newallo would tell you. Her story is one of redemption. As a child, she was what most would consider “troubled youth”. From the time she was 11, Domnique struggled with staying out of trouble. At the age of 11, she was arrested for grand larceny with her mother. From the ages 11-13 she engaged in gang activity, and was shuffled between group homes, foster homes & the Department of Juvenile Justice. And at 16, she gave birth to her first son Ryan at the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC (the same school she currently attends and will graduate from May 2017). After Ryan was born, for a while it seemed as if things were on track for Domnique. She got her GED in 1999 & in 2000 enrolled in the Army. Yet, trouble seemed to follow her around as if it was her last name. While in the army, she was fighting, selling drugs and carrying guns. In 2004, she was honorably discharged and by 2006, she had moved to Atlanta & had her second son, TJ. TJ was born prematurely and at age 3 was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
As a single mother with two kids – one that required extra care – life became increasingly difficult for Domnique. She lost two jobs due to having to take TJ to his doctor’s appointments and her old habits of fighting and selling drugs continued. In December 2008, Domnique had what Oprah donned the big ah-ha moment; she was “tired of being sick and tired”. With a GED & 9th grade math education, she enrolled at Spelman College as a Chemistry major, determined to succeed. Not even when she lost her job and almost lost her car and home, did she give up her dream of finishing school. “I truly began to let go and let God. I didn’t know how I was going to pay my bills, but I knew I was going to take care of my sons and be a doctor,” Domnique reminisces. School came with its difficulties, but because of her hard work and determination, God’s will and a few kind-hearted people that saw her dedication, Domnique excelled. On her 31st birthday, she received news that she was accepted into medical school at MUSC. And in May 2013, she walked across the stage for the first time to receive her diploma in Chemistry Magna Cum Lade with a 3.78 GPA.
Domnique is being featured in this edition of DIHW University’s Spotlight because she is the perfect example of one’s past not dictating their futures. Yes, times will get hard and you may want to quit, but all you have to do is make the decision that you will succeed and stick to that decision. All you have to do is believe in yourself.
One last thing! Domnique was more than happy to offer not only some lessons she’s learned throughout life:
- Don’t make excuses of why you can’t and focus on why you should. Yes, you have bills. Yes you have to eat. Yes your kids have obligations. I get it. I truly do but please understand that if there is a will, there is a way. Not every question can be answered right then and there. Have faith. It will work itself out if you give it time to.
- It’s never too late to be who you want to be. I will be 35 when I graduate med school. My oldest son is 18. I have people in my class in their late 40s and early 50s. Why should time matter. You’re going to age anyway. Might as well be working towards something greater.
- Take it one day at a time. One day, one hour, one minute, one second. If the big picture is hard to handle and life beats you down, focus on making it through that hour. You’d be surprised how fast the hours add up.
- Debt is just debt. Sounds crazy to hear that but remember, people go in debt for houses, cars and other materialistic things BUT they are quick to say “I don’t want to be in that debt” when it comes to their education. Come on now. You will buy a mediocre house when you could invest in yourself and have the house of your dreams.
- God is good. I’m not super religious. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I went to church. One thing I will say is I am spiritual. God has had his arms wrapped around me and it took me a while to realize it. I am where I am because of him. He always listens. You just have to be patient while waiting on his response.
Happy Veteran’s Day Domnique. Thank your service and for being a beacon of light, hope and inspiration for women around the world.
Written by: Courtney Britton
Doing It Her Way University 