Rising through Creativity and Courage: Destry’s Journey at Mid

At 26 years old, Destry Therrell has already lived a story defined by resilience, creativity, and a deep desire to grow. Born in Texas, raised in Oklahoma, and eventually rooted in Mount Pleasant beginning in fifth grade, Destry’s path has taken many turns—but each one has shaped the artist, designer, and determined learner he is today.

While Destry thrived learning at home with his father, school was a different experience entirely. “My dad always made learning fun,” Destry said. “He’d make math flashcards and it became a game to shout out the answers as fast as possible.” That excitement, however, clashed with the fast pace and limited flexibility of traditional classrooms.

With undiagnosed ADHD, Autism, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affecting nearly every part of his life, Destry struggled to keep up. “I always felt like I was doing my best,” he said. “But most of school felt like guesswork. I needed more detailed explanations—an opportunity to understand the inside and out of every concept—but that opportunity was never there.”

By his sophomore year of high school, the mounting stress triggered intense Tourette Syndrome. His tics became severe, even violent, leading to hospitalizations and making consistent attendance nearly impossible. “It got so bad that my dad actually suggested I drop out. And honestly—it was the best thing that could have happened,” he said.

Those months away became a turning point. Destry rediscovered his love of art, learned at his own pace, and gradually found ways to manage his disabilities. With the unwavering support of his best friend—who walked to his apartment every morning to encourage him—he returned to Mt. Pleasant High School his senior year. “I truly wouldn’t have made it through without him,” Destry said. “But I did it. I graduated.”

After high school, Destry built independence slowly. He learned to drive over four years, took his first job, and began navigating life with a confidence he’d never experienced before. In 2019, he pursued a new passion: becoming a nail technician. By 2023, he was not only licensed he was running his own successful LLC. “I never thought I could run my own business,” he said. “I proved myself wrong.”

As the years passed, the physical demands of nail work became increasingly painful due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Knowing he needed a sustainable path forward, Destry made a bold decision to return to school. “I was ready to learn something new,” he said. “I wanted to fill in my knowledge gaps, expand my technical skills, and open more paths in my life.”

That search led him to Mid Michigan College. “I chose Mid because it felt manageable, supportive, and genuinely focused on student success,” he said. “The classes aren’t overcrowded, the scheduling is flexible, and I can go as slow as I need to fully absorb the material.”

Today, Destry is pursuing an AAS in Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, with the possibility of transferring to a four-year university for an engineering degree. His dreams are wide-ranging and imaginative: toy design, packaging design, even medical device design. “My future isn’t set in stone,” Destry says. “I just want to grow, prove I’m capable, and open up more paths.”

His time at Mid has shown him that growth is not only possible—it’s expected. “The instructors here are incredibly supportive,” he said. “You can really feel that everyone wants students to succeed. It feels personal and meaningful.”

For Destry, the difference between high school and college is profound. “This experience is nothing like high school,” he said. “Here, I can learn complex concepts while filling in my gaps. The education feels thorough. The help feels real. For the first time, I truly believe I will succeed despite my disabilities, deficits, and struggles.”

He hopes others will give community college a chance, especially students who doubt themselves or fear they won’t fit into higher education. “I had so many misconceptions about community college,” he said. “Mid washed them all away immediately.”

Destry’s journey is ongoing, bold, and filled with creative possibility—and Mid is the place where his next chapter is taking shape.

Whether it’s rediscovering your confidence after years of doubt or finally finding a place where your pace, your passions, and your potential are honored, Mid Moves You.