TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Graduates at Florida A&M University are getting ready to walk across the stage this weekend to begin their next chapter in life.
One graduate in particular has made some headlines throughout his college career as the "Million Dollar Scholar."
It's no secret that soon to be Florida A&M graduate Emmanuel Blake Dawson is a hard worker.
"Being the first one in my major of supply chain management to graduate, the first one in my program too, it's a very exciting time," said Dawson.
Hard work and dedication to his studies throughout the years is what landed him the title "Million Dollar Scholar." Coming out of high school in 2016, Dawson received full rides to three universities and five-digit financial aid packages from eight other schools, racking up over $1 million in scholarships.
"It was amazing I was like, 'Me?' Like you know, one of those 'Wow' moments," Dawson explained.
His academic success landed him at Florida A&M University, a decision he couldn't be more thankful for.
"Overall my journey at FAMU has been one that has given me my foundation for the rest of my life," Dawson said.
It's a foundation that took time to build and didn't come without its challenges. One of Dawson's most difficult times in his college career was when he moved out of his dorm his sophomore year.
"I needed to start building the structure of my day and having to go get money orders, having to go pay rent ... it was one of the most difficult times for me but overall, once I was able to get that set study schedule, I was able to come out on top," Dawson said.
Now, Dawson's million-dollar mindset is making sure the people around him succeed with him.
"I'm most excited about how I can uplift and mentor others," said Dawson. "The biggest piece of advice I can give is to never doubt yourself, and trust what you have."
Dawson is set to graduate Friday at 6 pm. Following his graduation, he will be working as a strategy and operation business analyst out in San Francisco.
