Thursday night was life changing because the 22-year-old graduated with his certificate in Electrical Lineworker Technology from Texas State Technical College – a feat that not long ago seemed impossible for this young homeless man.

“I never dreamt that I would, or could be a college graduate,” said Jackson. “Statistics show I should be in prison or dead.”

But Jackson is not a statistic. Instead, he is defying all odds.

The Houston native was taken away from his mother because of her drug addiction and his father was never in the picture.

Jackson grew up in the foster care system and suffered some abuse. At 18, he aged out, like many teens in the system do.

He found himself out in the streets with no place to live, no food to eat and no money for even his most basic needs.

“My entire life has been discouraging, frightening and sad,” said Jackson. “I was a very angry child and teen. I didn’t understand why I was suffering.”

Jackson spent one year at a homeless shelter. Then went from couch-to-couch, living with different friends.

Then, finally a break. One of his friends invited him to visit TSTC for registration.

“I had no intention of registering for classes. I was only along for the ride,” said Jackson. “But as soon as I stepped foot on campus everything changed.”

That was the day that changed Jackson’s life forever. And although he said he had no idea what a lineworker was or did, he signed up for the program anyways. He figured he had nothing to lose.

“What was I thinking, I’m afraid of heights,” Jackson said he thought on the first day of class. “I didn’t know what I had gotten myself into, but I knew I had to do something. I didn’t want to be homeless forever.”

Enter Troy Eads, TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology instructor. Jackson credits Eads for much of what he has been able to achieve.

As a young homeless man, school was not a priority, survival was. And although Jackson received financial aid and scholarships such as TSTC’s Texan Success Scholarship, it was only enough for tuition and books.

He was still homeless and without enough to eat.

“DJ was so close to quitting several times, and it hurt me as his instructor because I knew about his life and I wanted so much to see him succeed,” said Eads. “He would sleep in the trucks at the college’s diesel lab and he was always hungry and tired, so I took him into my home.”

Jackson would stay with Eads occasionally, but help also came from Carolyn Arnim from Friendship Church in Richmond, who learned about the lineworker student and his situation during one of her clothing drop-offs for TSTC’s Clothing Closet. Arnim got her whole congregation to help.

“As a church in the community we felt compelled to help Darryl. What was happening could not happen on our watch,” said Arnim. “I can’t even put into words what a big deal his graduation is. We’re so proud of him and I truly feel that we needed Darryl more than he needed us. His testimony has resonated with so many in our community.”

The congregation from Friendship Church took Jackson in as one of their own, helping him with spiritual guidance, clothes, food and a place to stay.

Between TSTC and the church sharing the cost, Jackson has been able to stay at a local motel for the past couple of semesters, and Eads picks up Jackson for class and drops him off at his room every day to ensure he has transportation.

“Without Troy, TSTC or the church, I would have quit a long time ago. There is no way I could have graduated without these selfless people. They are special to me,” said Jackson. “Everything everyone has done has changed my life.”

On August 27, Jackson will begin his career at CenterPoint Energy in Houston with a starting pay of $30 an hour.

“I’m ready to get to work and start building my future,” said Jackson. “I have a chance at a completely different life and I’m excited.”

Jackson said with his new career he is looking forward to saving for an apartment and car, and helping his sisters who are also struggling.

His long-term goals are to own a business and help others.

“I need to build myself up so I can build others, he said. “I want to be to others in my situation what everyone here at TSTC and Friendship Church have been to me, they have become the family I never had.”

Jackson celebrated his life-changing milestone with Eads, Arnim, Friendship Church Pastor Jason Frazier, his tenth grade teacher Sierra King and their families, all of which he credits for his success.