Achieving His Goals: A Rochester City Scholar’s Perseverance Pays Off | May 2025
Jaelin Vernon is graduating this week. He is one of 17 Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars and two Mark and Maureen Davitt Scholars who will receive undergraduate and graduate degrees during ceremonies at RIT. He was honored just last month with a Student Beacon Award at the Division of Diversity and Inclusion’s Celebration of Excellence program. It is given to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership in creating a welcoming and inviting space for others.
When Vernon first arrived on the RIT campus four years ago as a first-year student, we asked him how he envisioned life on campus:
2021-What are you looking forward to at RIT? “I’m looking forward to networking and meeting new people at RIT. I find that I learn best when I’m surrounded by talented and dedicated people.”
2021-How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you? “I would describe myself as a dedicated creative. I’m constantly looking for ways to think outside the box or take an idea to the next level.”
2021-What clubs at RIT are you interested in joining? “Two clubs I’m interested in joining at RIT are The RIT Book Club and any bands or instrumental ensembles. If possible, I also want to join any clubs that involve clothing and jewelry design. “
That was then. Fast forward four years, and today Vernon says, “Nothing has changed!! I've accomplished everything on my to-do list as well.”
The New Media Design major accomplished that and more. Yes, he joined Fabrick, RIT’s fashion club. He applied for and was accepted into MOCHA, Men of Honor, Color and Ambition. That would be Cohort 9, by the way. He has received numerous awards, as a “dedicated creative.” He was selected to work with Michigan’s Sphinx Organization, which develops young classical musicians of color. He also did a study abroad in Croatia. Vernon says the support he received as an RCS student and his job with RIT’s Multicultural Center for Academic Success is what truly kept him going. He gained a strong sense of confidence and pride.
“Throughout my time as a Rochester City Scholar, I encountered many challenges, particularly in building connections with students from similar cultural backgrounds and accessing crucial resources like housing, food, and transportation. Although my tuition was paid in full, the RCS scholarship didn’t cover food or housing. Students who lived off campus and took the bus didn't have any direct routes to campus. I was estranged from my parents for the majority of my college career so I had to find solutions on my own. Each obstacle pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and find solutions. I found that whenever I had a problem RCS faculty did whatever they could to help me.”
Vernon says in addition to his academic studies, he learned something else, just as valuable.
“These interactions taught me the power of advocacy, showing me that my voice matters and that I can make a difference for both myself and others. Throughout my time as the MCAS (Multicultural Center For Academic Success) Student worker I’ve created multiple zines informing students of where to find resources, I’ve advocated for the needs of RCS Students in various meetings with RCS and RIT officials, and I’ve mentored incoming students.”
And his advice for those incoming students? “As a student about to graduate, I urge students to become familiar with the RCS staff. They are dedicated to supporting us throughout our college journey and there may come a time when you'll need an ally or two on campus. I would also encourage them to find spaces to connect with students outside of the classroom.” He has a few other nuggets of advice below:
Fun Facts
Favorite spot on the RIT campus?
WITR music library.
Best place to grab a bite to eat on the RIT campus.
Brick City.
Best place to study?
Academic Success Center Lounge (during the day) and WITR music library (at night).
It’s the weekend-no classes. What would we find you and your friends doing?
Sleeping (We’re Overworked).
The Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars program was founded by former RIT President Bill Destler and his spouse, Rebecca Johnson. It provides tuition waivers and academic and social support for eligible students in the Rochester City School District, the Greater Rochester Charter School system and the Urban Suburban Program.
The Mark and Maureen Davitt Graduate Education Endowed Scholarship is open to Rochester City Scholars who wish to pursue graduate degrees at RIT.