Out of the thousands of students that crossed the stage at the FIU Arena during the Summer 2017 commencement ceremony, Communication Arts student, Darlain Presmy was recognized as a “Worlds Ahead Graduate”.
Diagnosed with sickle cell anemia as a child and incapacitated by extreme pain since the age of 16, Darlain still made it to class, although having been hospitalized over a dozen times during his time at FIU. If he missed a semester, he would take additional courses upon his return to make up for lost time, often using his walking cane for assistance.
Darlain was extremely involved outside of the classroom, as well. He made the most out of his time spent at serving as a member of Lambda PI Eta Communication Arts Honor Society; participating in the Miami-Dade Police and Youth Community Dialogue program, which brings officers into local high schools to establish a dialogue with high school students; and becoming Treasurer for Student Poets Eloquently Articulating Knowledge (SPEAK) and Vice President and President of the Students Write Club.
Darlain’s hobbies include writing poetry and song lyrics as well as composing music. His biggest inspiration is his mother, who is his constant support and strength and to whom he credits for the motivation to fulfill his dream of obtaining a degree. Beyond graduation, he is looking to pursue a career in creative writing and looks forward to returning to FIU for a graduate degree in either marketing or communication.
