Finding Community and Purpose: Jeremiah Boyd’s ’28 First-Year Journey

As a second-semester freshman at Valparaiso University, Jeremiah Boyd ’28 has had much to discover. After uncovering his passion for computer engineering and innovation, his search for a top engineering school led Jeremiah to Valpo. “[After I applied], Valpo sent me a message – really quickly, actually,” he recalls. “They offered me a scholarship to come here. They made me feel like they really believed in me… So that kind of solidified my decision to come here.” That decision marked the beginning of an exciting and sometimes challenging journey of self-discovery.

The transition to college life is a hallmark experience so many Valpo students and alumni reflect on as a pivotal moment in their personal and professional lives. Moving away from his home in Beech Grove, Indiana, meant stepping into a world of newfound independence, new responsibilities (like balancing laundry with hours of studying), and academic rigor – a challenge that Jeremiah has embraced as an achievement in and of itself. “One of my biggest accomplishments during my time on campus is learning to live on my own and all the responsibilities that come with that,” he shares. 

Jeremiah’s engineering studies, though a demanding adjustment, have also been extremely rewarding. “The College of Engineering is very supportive. The staff is very supportive. That’s important because [engineering] is kind of challenging. Sometimes I struggle, and that could be bad and good. For me, it’s more of a positive, because I really want to do it. I’m sitting here trying to push through these struggles, and I think that kind of says something about me,” he shares. His motivation to use what he learns to better the lives of others serves as a beacon for his journey forward. “I’ve learned that engineering isn’t just about yourself and what you want to do. It’s about service, helping others, and building upon the work of all the engineers before you.”

With firm resolve, enduring effort, and a telltale motivation to brighten the lives of others, Jeremiah has put himself on a path to success. As he continues to lend his light across our campus, finding a sense of community has become a big part of his journey. As a member of Valpo’s Black Student Organization (BSO), Jeremiah has been able to explore his identity in ways he hadn’t before. “I think BSO spoke to me not just culturally, but because I’ve kind of always struggled to find my place with my people,” he shares. “I felt like I wasn’t in touch with my community, and joining BSO was a good way of doing that – just kind of surrounding myself with people who may have similar experiences to me.” Growing up in a predominantly white area, Jeremiah didn’t always feel a deep connection to his cultural roots. At Valpo, that changed. “They’re all very kind people and very supportive of their members. I think it’s really cool to be part of a community like that. Having a tight Black bond is really important to me, and I’m hoping to stick with BSO and get involved more over the years.”

Jeremiah’s time at Valpo has also unveiled deeper perspectives on Black history that is often touched upon in secondary education classrooms, but not thoroughly explored. As a first-year student, Valpo’s liberal arts core – the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) – brought Jeremiah to the University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration last month. “I used to see Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day off school,” he says. “I understood the impact that Martin Luther King Jr. had made, and how that impacts me today. But it seemed like we were just learning the same things over and over again in school. This year was different. Valpo made a really big deal about it, and while some things, of course, were familiar because of the history of the holiday, the event touched on much more.”

While at this year’s MLK Day celebration, Jeremiah attended the We Are Our Ancestors Wildest Dreams – Black America’s Legacy in Latinx Communities focus session. “It was really interesting. It’s great to see how these communities have been able to find solace in each other and uplift each other, even in hardship,” he reflects. “I hope that people take away that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.”

As our campus reflects on Black History Month and encourages our entire community to honor the ongoing story of Black history, we must also celebrate the profound impact Black excellence has had on our collective legacy. “To me, Black History Month is about remembering what Black people have gone through in history and what we still go through. It’s also a celebration of the Black people of today and yesterday – of future Black inventors, philanthropists, philosophers, creators, and actors,” Jeremiah shares. “That could be me in the future, my nephews, my nieces, or cousins, and that kind of gets me excited. It’s a celebration of Black people everywhere.” 

As Jeremiah continues his journey here at Valpo and steps into the shoes of a leader in the field of computer engineering, he offers incoming freshmen some essential advice: While it can be intimidating to come to a campus where you don’t know any of your peers, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. “Joining at least one club or organization can really help, even if you’re not sure you’ll stick with it,” Jeremiah advises. “My favorite thing about Valpo so far is definitely the community… I was pretty scared coming up here. I’m sure I’m not the only one. I didn’t really know anybody. I still don’t feel like I know many people, but since I’ve got here, that fear has gone away. I don’t feel like I’m being judged. Everybody here is kind in small ways, which really helps the environment feel so much friendlier.”

For Jeremiah, Valparaiso University has grown into more than a place of learning, revealing a safe space for self-discovery, empowerment, and growth. And as he continues on his college journey, both as an engineer and as a member of a community that uplifts and inspires, we can’t wait to see him shine even brighter.
Incoming students interested in innovating for a brighter future through computer engineering can follow in Jeremiah’s footsteps. Updates from our Black Student Organization can be found on the organization’s Instagram page.