From the cramped confines of the hotel rooms he called home at two different points in his childhood, Dallas Salas knew a brighter future was ahead. Even so, it’s unlikely a younger version of this remarkable young man could ever have predicted the path he’d ultimately take.
In a few short weeks, 18-year-old, Dallas is poised to graduate with a degree in neuroscience, and he’s on his way toward earning doctoral degrees to practice law and medicine. Fortunately, the path ahead appears much clearer than the dips, turns and ruts he’s navigated thus far.
Like many of today’s college students, a world pandemic threw a wrench in his high school plans. Along with COVID-driven depression and losses, he navigated an identity crisis in his teen years – the result of trying to find his place in the world as a multiracial kid with ties to nearly every major racial and ethnic group. Add homelessness, domestic violence and a parent behind bars, and it’s safe to say Dallas’ formative years were troubled, at best.
A fortuitous turn of events came late in high school, when he enrolled at ASU Prep Digital, an online K-12 program chartered through Arizona State University. After muddling through his early days, Dallas made some profound self-discoveries. In his own words, he “flipped the script” on his tendency to procrastinate and instead began to accelerate his way through courses.
By spring 2022, thanks to his own tenacity and his ASU Prep support team – including Learning Success Coach Kristen Rund – he’d earned the credits necessary to graduate high school. He fell short of the requirements to enter ASU’s undergraduate neuroscience program, but undaunted, he turned to Kristen and others at ASU Prep, including May Prince, Executive Director of Student Advisement, for help overcoming this latest obstacle.
He began chipping away at college credits and successfully met the criteria for enrollment. He also began stockpiling credits through a local community college. He formally enrolled at ASU in fall 2022 and has accumulated a whopping 53 credits in the short time span since – enough that he’s on track to complete his undergraduate degree this December.
It may seem unfathomable but remember… Dallas doesn’t just talk fast (really, really fast!). He even watches his online lessons at double speed because that’s the way his brain processes information best. It’s safe to say, he’s on a fast track toward success.
Congratulations to Dallas! There is not doubt this young man is going places and we look forward to seeing his progress along the way!
You can also visit ASU Prep Digital to learn more!