Interview by Anna Kurtz

Donald and friends graduate from high school

The basics: Donald Simmons, alumnus of KIPP Academy Middle School in Houston, Texas; attended high school at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts; current sophomore at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Did you grow up in Houston? My dad’s family is from Houston, but my mom is originally from southern California—I was born in Long Beach, but Houston is definitely home. We have a lot of extended family across the country, and a big family in Houston too. I have one younger sister that currently attends KIPP Academy in Houston as an eighth grader

What was it like going from Houston to Deerfield? It was a big shock—I never did camp or anything like that! First time I saw snow was the winter of freshman year, and that was crazy. Deerfield has all different types of people; one of my best friends is from Thailand. It was interesting to see all the cultures and socioeconomic classes mixed together—I’m glad I went where I did, I feel like I was successful there.

What’s one thing you’ve done to get where you are today? I’ve listened to my pastors’ advice and leadership. They’ve been through life, and I can definitely learn from hearing their experiences and advice.

Does any subject area stand out more than others? Definitely Spanish. I’ve had great Spanish professors, and really love the subject—I do know that Spanish is my minor. I’m planning on studying abroad in Chile once I have the advanced language skills I need.

Do you remember what you thought of college back in the fifth grade? We read the book “Gifted Hands” by Ben Carson. Learning about his life, I decided I wanted to go to college and be a doctor. Ben Carson was an African-American surgeon. That book is what got me to think about college and prioritize figuring out a way to get there.

How did KIPP Academy prepare you for college? The “no shortcuts” mentality. Playing football now, my coach talks about how we need to do every drill, every little thing to the best of our ability. I already had that mentality; knowing that whatever stands in your way, you do what you need to do—that is something that KIPP instilled in me.

The idea that “all of us will learn” was important too. I learned at high school and out in the world that this is a mentality that is very important. If you believe that every kid should be on the same playing field, society should at least put them on the same playing field. Then it’s up to them to make the decisions what to do with it.

What’s something you want to accomplish in the next year? I want to do a mission trip out in the world—to both grow spiritually and expand my outlook on the world. There is so much going on in the world right now, and I want to help.

What about over the next 20 years? One of my major goals is to have a family. I’d like to attend graduate school, but probably will do some teaching first—I love kids, and see myself becoming a teacher and a coach. I also want to be in control of what’s at stake in my life. I think that’s one of the most important things to be able to do as an African-American male.

At college, Donald can be found on the football field, playing intramural basketball, studying Spanish, and enjoying life in a big (albeit snowy) city.