April 3, 2023
Student veteran Ricky Massengale wants to use his degree in education he’s earning at Shawnee State University to mentor students in the classroom.
“I chose this major because I felt like when I was in school my friends and I were kind of written off as ‘the bad kids’ or whatever name you might want to assign it,” he said. “I've seen a lot of my friends go through some very hard times with drugs, alcohol, and crime. I have even lost some of my friends to these things, and I just want to help the younger generations, however I can, to avoid ending up in these situations. I would eventually like to earn a doctorate and publish my perspective, because it seems that even though we have the statistics there is room for improving the plan forward.
Using skills he obtained throughout his Army service, Massengale is looking forward to transferring his perspective to a learning environment.
“When I was in the Army, I was a squad leader in a heavy-weapons company,” he said. “Once I reached this point in my Army service, I was responsible for training my guys on complex weapons systems and operational tactics and techniques. I was always proud when my dudes would excel at their positions and eventually became leaders throughout the company. I imagine there are useful qualities from these experiences that will transfer into a classroom. Like being able to take an assortment of dudes from all kinds of backgrounds, identify their qualities, and helping them to bring out their potential. Another possibility I look forward to in this career path is the family time it affords me. I look forward to spending the summers and holidays with my children. I don't want to look back on life and remember mainly a career, I want those memories to be of the time I was with my family.”
Looking at how far he has come in his education, Massengale is thankful for how services at SSU have impacted his education.
“I really have to give myself credit first and foremost with my success at Shawnee so far,” he said. “Hopefully, my fellow students can relate to the fact that while much needed assistance can come from time to time – and there has been a plethora of assistance for me – the motivation for any kind of academic endeavor should be intrinsic and success will ultimately be credited to your own grit and willingness to sacrifice. Some of the toughest times I have gone through have been during my time at Shawnee and the hits honestly keep coming, which I am partially to blame at times. I try not to ask for much or make excuses for myself but the most helpful stuff for me has been friendly faces.
Massengale is also thankful for those professors and advisors that have helped him navigate his degree path.
“Dr. Roush is a good role model of how a properly masculine teacher should hold himself in front of a class,” he said. “Professor Nance always has the most wonderfully encouraging things to say about my assignments and demonstrates a warm heart. Dr. Dunham is a much-needed firm instructor who holds us to high standards and has kept me on a good path as my advisor. Dr. Cassie Patterson for inspiring me to look into my Mexican heritage, leading me on a path to finding family I never knew.
His support system has grown on campus, but he’s also grateful to those at home that have pushed him to succeed.
“I want to thank all the staff at Shawnee that offers me a smile and conversation, my homies in the vet lounge – nerds included,” he said. “Most of all to my children Joan, Jimmy, and Sasha, you keep me motivated when my grit gives way to fear and fill my heart with love and strength. I look forward to watching you three grow.”
Collaborating with the Office of Career Services, SSU’s Women’s & Gender Equity Center is celebrating students who “Flip the Script” on gender stereotypes and enter the programs they are passionate about. Throughout the week, the center will be sharing several spotlights to encourage others to “Flip the Script”.