By Aron Smith
At 37 years old, Justin Washington is set to graduate from Jackson State University on Friday, Dec. 8. It’s a significant achievement nearly twenty years in the making, as his pursuit of higher education was abruptly cut short when he became a father.
Washington recalls a critical moment of inspiration he received from his uncle’s book, “No More Bad Days,” which reshaped his outlook on life.
“Once I read it, something clicked. It made me realize that a bad day is a mindset. My perspective changed. Believing I’m having a bad day would mean I’m giving up on the strength God has given me,” he said.
Washington’s path to education was far from conventional. His academic journey began in 2004 at Sanford University in Birmingham, Alabama, a predominantly white institution. His decision to attend college there was a choice he shared was influenced by his mother’s preference for its reputable educational program.
However, according to Washington, the university’s environment, echoing his predominantly white high school experience, presented a bit of a culture shock. Rebelling against his mother’s designs for his life led to him becoming a teenage father.
He recalled his mother’s firm guidance. She told him, “You can no longer just do what you want. I will not let you fail your child. You’re going to do whatever it takes, and I will be there to ensure you follow through.”
Washington shared that he began taking charge of his decisions. “I went back home, and together with my mom, we strategized our next move. It was then I expressed my desire to attend the same school she did,” he said, which was Jackson State University.
At JSU, Washington became distracted with his social life, leading to a decline in academic performance. “I wasn’t focused on my studies. I was too caught up with relationships, and my grades suffered, dropping to a 1.9 GPA,” he said.
Washington further shared that some bad decisions led to him dropping out of college for a second time.
Shortly after that, Washington learned he would be a father for a second time.
“My son was born on Nov. 27, 2007, but I didn’t meet him until the end of 2008,” he recalled.
After a third failed attempt to attain his college degree through a stint at the University of South Alabama, Washington enrolled in the military.
“After realizing I had a child, I decided to join the military to secure a better future for my children,” he explained.
On June 28, 2008, he enlisted in the Mobile, Alabama National Guard and began training.
Stationed as an E-4 specialist, Washington’s military service was punctuated by marriage and the birth of his third son. As he excelled in training as a 94E10 Radio/COSMEC Repairer, he faced another major setback.
Washington was deployed in 2012 to Kuwait and Iraq. Prior to leaving, Washington spent a week with his family. His mother gave him a chain in a heartfelt moment, asking him to promise to return it to her in person.
During his time serving active duty in Alaska, Washington, was severely injured when a vehicle he was riding in flipped over, and the equipment they were carrying shattered his left ankle and foot. This injury coupled with his already ruptured thigh ultimately led to Washington receiving a medical discharge.
“I was concentrating on learning to be a father and do what was best for my kids,” he said.
Washington said the injuries he sustained left him both mentally and physically broken. Eventually, he and his wife divorced.
“My wife confessed she never loved me and didn’t want to be with me,” he shared.
Devastated, Washington continued to go through a series of setbacks, including homelessness and in 2015, a suicide attempt. Somehow, he found the strength to rebuild his life.
“I decided I was tired of the world telling me I wasn’t good enough. I know the greatness of what God made me. I have no doubts that I am going to be great in life. There is nothing on this earth that can stop me,” he said.
Eventually, Washington remarried and returned to Jackson State, where he excelled. He diligently worked to improve his academic standing, raising his former 1.9 GPA to a 3.2, earning his place in the Omega Nu Lambda online honors society.
A 20-year milestone in the making, Washington is graduating with honors from JSU with a degree in emergency management technology. “My purpose is to serve, which for me means training soldiers or civilians to save lives during disasters in America,” he explained.
Reflecting on his experiences, Washington emphasized the importance of looking forward and not letting the past dictate the future.
He drove home his point by echoing some poignant words from country artist Jelly Roll’s CMA acceptance speech.
“Success is always on the other side. The front window is bigger than the rearview for a reason because what is in front of you is more important than what’s behind you.”
Washington is set to publish two faith-based books in the near future and has launched a successful Christian clothing brand, Garments of Salvation. His physical ailments are gradually improving through his journey of healing and growth.
As he prepares to graduate, Washington expresses deep gratitude to Jackson State University for the support and opportunity to prove that anything is possible with the right motivation.
“I am committed to following God’s guidance in everything I do. If He instructs me to do something, I start on it. I won’t stop following His directions because His voice constantly guides me,” Washington said.
And he still has the chain his mother gave him.