Slacker to Scholar
Written by Daniel Keller | 3 minute read
My name is Daniel Keller. Dr. Daniel Keller to be more specific. It is surreal every time that I have the pleasure of introducing myself as such. Yet, there is a part of me that feels like I am bragging and throwing my accomplishments in people’s faces. But, I am here to tell you that this is not the case. In fact, my doctoral degree should inspire you because if I can do it, then anyone can!
Growing up, I did not have anyone in my life who influenced me to pursue my education. No one in my family ever graduated college - my father attended for a few months and then quit. I come from a family of workers - long hours and decent pay. This was my view of adulthood. At 14 I had my first job, which was at the local grocery store and I worked as much as I could. Bagging groceries wasn’t glamorous work but it put money in my pockets.
As I worked my way through high school I was more interested in finding ways around, over, or under assignments than putting in the effort to do them. I wasn’t lazy...I just didn’t see the point. In my free time I would play video games or run the streets with my friends. Homework and studying were not on my list of things to do. Despite these facts, I was not a bad student.
I am one of the most competitive people I know. I always want to win, whether it’s a game of tic-tac toe, a fantasy football league, or a competition among my friends to see who could earn the highest grades. Fortunately for me, I had friends that aspired to go to college. So, my grades were always pretty good. Despite this, college was NEVER on my radar…ever. This all changed my senior year of high school. As many of you may have experienced, I was required to meet with my guidance counselor to ensure I was going to graduate and to mull over college options.
I remember it like it was yesterday, she flat out told me, “Daniel, you are not college material.”
That comment lit my competitive spirit ablaze! However, I did not argue with her and I calmly left her office. But in my head all I could think about was that I was going to prove her wrong. What may have seemed like an insignificant comment to my counselor became the motivation for me to attain my bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree.
Wherever she is now, I would like to say “thank you”, because if not for those six words I would have never transitioned from slacker to scholar.
Now, I have my own college consulting business, Keller College Consulting, inspired by the idea that any and everyone can achieve their goals with the right guidance and a little motivation! We are not bound by others’ opinions of us, nor are we destined to live a life of mediocrity.
Our destiny is of our choosing! I share my story because I live to inspire. I believe in you. If you are still reading this then you are already taking the steps in the right direction. Every step, no matter how small, moves us closer to our goals. I would love to hear your story, tell you more about mine, or answer some questions you may have. No need to be shy - reach out! One team, one goal!
Email: DKKeller10@gmail.com
Instagram: @kellercollegeconsulting
