Reporter’s note: HN Darquita Thomas was born in Atlanta and raised in Valdosta and a lot has happened within her 19 years. Thomas is your typical young person until one takes a closer look at the list of accomplishments she has had in the past two years after her life turned 180 degrees. With stone resilience and determination, Thomas has utilized what many would have used for excuses as motivation to recreate her life. Today, review a road to success that many would consider short, but everyone should regard as great based on its pit stops and despite its length.

VALDOSTA — HN Darquita Rashae Nicole Wilson Thomas — a long name to describe a long chain of events that have occurred in the short time frame of 19 years. Thomas comes from a striving family, but with strong determination and motivation she longed to reach the next plateau — improving life with each generation.

Thomas is the daughter of Daphane Stacks and Larry Wilson, sister of Vanette Scott and Callajeno McIntyre, wife of Traveon Thomas, and mother of Treveon Mikael Thomas. Born in Atlanta on Oct. 27, 1988, she lived life in Valdosta for 18 years becoming a typical teenager. She enjoyed “running the streets.” going to parties, shopping, hanging out with friends, occasionally skipping school, and getting into the normal teenage trouble. Despite many people’s outside perceptions of Thomas and her own outward presentation, she has always had outstanding performance academically. But as life proceeded, Thomas lost her way a little.

“I have always been a little older than my true age and for that reason and my outspoken demeanor, I did not get along with authorities and many of my peers,” said Thomas. “I have always done well in school as far as my grades, but my extracurricular performance lacked the same aptitude. I left high school for many reasons. I was having a rough time as a teenager.”

But after coming to grips with reality, Thomas made up her mind that each generation should excel and not diminish in stature. Thomas enrolled at Valdosta Technical College and within two months, she walked across the stage and received her GED.

“Getting my GED really inspired me and I did it in two months,” said Thomas. “No matter how hard you may think it is, education is like a car, it gives you drive to be a better person. My advice to people, period, is get your education. It doesn’t matter how long you wait to get it and no matter how long it takes to get it. Just get it.”

Thomas made a promise to herself from then on to take whatever gigantic steps and make whatever limitless sacrifices were necessary to ensure a positive future for herself. Looking at Thomas, no one would necessarily think that she was the type of young lady that would make it through boot camp or the physical and mental reconstruction that one must endure to join any branch of the military. But in October 2006, Thomas defied the odds and is serving the country as an E3 United States Navy hospital corpsman, currently stationed with the Marines in Quantico, Va.

“Once I was done with my GED, I went on to Valdosta Technical College and got the two technical certificates. After that, I came in contact with a Navy recruiter and shortly after speaking with them I joined the Navy. It has really changed my life and allowed me to gain exposure to new things, new people, and new experiences,” said Thomas.

But of all her accomplishments, perhaps the crowning achievement has been the birth her first child.

“After reconstructing my life for success, the greatest moment of all has been Treveon. Greater than receiving my GED, joining the military and all the rest has been the birth of my son on Oct. 14, 2007.”

Now, on her own with a family in Quantico, Thomas says that not only her family, but being raised in the South in general left an impact.

“Yes, being raised in the South really did have an impact on my life. My grandmother made me learn to cook at a very early age and now I can cook pretty much anything,” said Thomas.

Looking over the short, yet intense life Thomas has led, she said that being in the United States Navy has been the most influential part of her life. “Being in the military has really taught me self discipline, bearing, and commitment,” she said. “Despite the expectations of many, I changed my life, finished my education, started my career, got married, had a son, and continue with making change for the best. I am a Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Customer Service Specialist, and I am attending Central Texas College getting my bachelor’s in Criminal Justice.”

Thomas still enjoys shopping, conversing, dancing, reading, and taking long trips. When asked what she would like to improve about our world and/or community, Thomas had this to say: “It may sound cliché but world peace. We would be better off if everyone just got along,” as she has faced many adversities due to the inability at times to coexist with individuals as well as the inability of individuals to coexist with her. Today, Thomas is proud of the firm camaraderie that she has formed in the Navy, in addition to the character she has built.