Sumter's Next Generation: Former Lakewood Class President Dais talks finding his way, building a legacy at Clark Atlanta University

When Quindon Dais looks back at his 17-year-old self, it's with admiration. He remembers a young boy who walked the halls of Lakewood High School, sure of where he wanted to go in life even though he was still figuring out exactly how he would get there.

Now 20 years old and a junior at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, Quindon has spent the past several years turning that certainty into action. A business administration major, he is a Google Scholar through the Google Scholar Academy, a member of the Collegiate 100, part of the Isabella T. Jenkins Honors Program and keeper of records for the Gamma Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

But his dedication to scholarship and service didn't begin in Atlanta.

Quindon entered high school during COVID-19 but was still deeply involved despite the unusual circumstances. He served as sophomore and junior class president, National Honor Society president, student body president and as a member of Lakewood inaugural boys volleyball team, among a host of other organizations. The most pivotal part of his high school experience, he said, was the GEAR Up Program, or Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, which he was an ambassador of, as it helped prepare him for where he is today. For him, being involved was never solely about collecting titles. The instinct of being involved traced back to how his mother raised him and his twin, Quinton.

"I always give credit to my mom only because ever since we were young, we were always doing something. I [have been] singing in church since I was probably 3 years old, leading songs," he shared. "You start to have that leadership at a young age, and it transcends to every other arena in life. So, with school, it was just natural for us."

That early exposure to leadership, service and achievement followed him into his college career. In seventh grade, he searched colleges in Atlanta and settled on Clark Atlanta University. Enamored with the university's history, the leaders of today who crossed its stage and the opportunities the school offered beyond majors and minors, long before an acceptance letter arrived, he told his classmates he was destined to be a Panther.

It wasn't lost on Quindon the leap of faith he'd take in attending school out of state, away from the family and friends he's always known. But he knew that leap would be vital to his soaring success. As a twin, he said, they were always viewed as a pair. And though the dynamic duo made great strides in their hometown, Quindon felt that geographical distance would help him find his own way.

"Taking that leap of faith was me literally finding my own way," he said. "It's funny because one of our school mottos is, 'I'll find a way or make one.' But I literally found my way to Clark Atlanta University and made one as I build the man that I want to be."

His first shot at charting his path came before the start of his freshman semester of college. He participated in Clark Atlanta's three-week summer bridge program, which helped him learn the ins and outs of campus life, public speaking skills and time management. The program, alongside preparing him for his next four years, allowed him to arrive at college with a community already surrounding him. Meeting people from all over - from Detroit to Bermuda to New Zealand - and having peers to turn to in his time of need gave him a sense of belonging far away from home.

The camaraderie also gave him the confidence to expand his involvement. In his freshman year, Quindon served as freshman class president, part of the Google Scholars Royal Court as Mr. Google Scholar and was part of the university's honors program. He later served as Mr. Sophomore for the university's royal court, an accomplishment that has allowed him to represent the university at events, interact with alumni and develop professionalism.

But for many college students, the highs are met with lows. During his freshman spring semester, Quindon was stressed while studying in the library. He stopped and wrote a handwritten prayer asking God for guidance. A few hours later, he received an email from Clark Atlanta's scholarship director, saying they heard him speak at a freshman induction event and felt he was the right applicant to receive a scholarship. After writing two essays and obtaining letters of recommendation, he received a $10,000 scholarship. The money provided a refund check and helped pay loans he had already taken out.

"They teach us your network is your net worth, so knowing people literally got me a $10,000 scholarship on a random day that I'm stressed out in the library," he shared. "You can't be afraid to take that leap of faith and put yourself out there because people are watching."

Reflecting on his own growth and independence, he encouraged the next generation to not be afraid to take that leap of faith but be sure to explore their options on the freefall. Beyond college, look for certifications, explore trades, consider multiple streams of income, and start building your independence before leaving home.

As he heads into his junior year, the 20-year-old Quindon is just as sure of his future as he was when he was 17 - and this time, he knows how he's getting there. After completing undergrad, he plans to attend graduate school to earn his MBA and pursue project management in the corporate and nonprofit fields. He said the motive is to build generational wealth and establish his own nonprofit to create resources in low-income communities across the country.

"It's all just a life of service," he said simply with a smile. "If I could go to my deathbed being able to say that I was able to change somebody's life, I was able to help people and I genuinely was a public servant, I think that I did all right."