Graduation Spotlight: Dasianee Gavin’s Dream Reimagined

This article is part of DSU’s Share Your Graduation Story series. 

From lab coats to lesson plans—a dream reimagined. When Dasianee Gavin first walked onto Delaware State University’s campus as an undergraduate, she had one clear vision for her future.

“Science had always fascinated me, and I envisioned a future filled with lab coats, animal care, and medical breakthroughs,” Gavin said. “Teaching wasn’t part of the plan, but life had other ideas.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree in science, Gavin pursued graduate studies. But instead of clarity, she found herself feeling uncertain and adrift.

“I struggled academically and emotionally, and for a while, I questioned whether I had what it took to achieve any form of success,” she said.

That season of doubt led her to rediscover what mattered most.

“That period of uncertainty forced me to pause and reflect on what I truly loved: connecting with others, making science meaningful, and inspiring curiosity,” Gavin said. “Slowly, the path became clear. Teaching wasn’t a backup plan, it was my purpose.”

She returned to Delaware State University to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching. For Gavin, it felt like coming full circle. Then, just as her path was taking shape, life shifted again.

“Eighteen months before graduation, I gave birth to my beautiful son,” she said. “I was healing from a hernia, surviving sleepless nights, and leading a classroom full of curious 7th-grade scholars—all while attending evening classes, mentoring new teachers through the B2CARS program, and pushing forward.”

There were moments that tested her limits—but her purpose kept her grounded.

“There were times I felt overwhelmed,” Gavin said. “But every time I looked into my son’s eyes or saw the lightbulb go off in a scholar’s mind, I was reminded why I kept going. My scholars were watching. My son was watching. And I wanted to be an example of resilience, growth, and what it means to rise after falling.”

She credits Delaware State University for her education and for helping her become the person and teacher she was meant to be.

“DSU gave me more than a degree—it gave me my voice, my confidence, and a village of professors, mentors, and classmates who never let me give up,” she said.

Now a proud two-time Hornet, Gavin stands firmly in a purpose she never expected but fully embraces.

“Sometimes the dream changes, and that’s okay because what’s waiting on the other side might be even better.”