Graduate Spotlight: Douglas Laing’s story of perseverance and purpose
From deployment to academic heights, December graduate shares his inspiring journey navigating challenges, embracing triumphs.
Keely Hagan | 615-966-6491 |
Douglas Williams Laing, of Ravenna, Ohio, is a determined individual whose journey through academia and personal challenges has shaped him into the resilient college graduate he is today. Laing’s path to receiving his bachelor’s degree in political science at Lipscomb’s Dec. 16 commencement ceremony is a testament to his perseverance and commitment.
Throughout his college career, he faced struggles such as job loss and financial strain, as well as taking on the caretaker role for his grandparents, who raised him. It was his grandmother’s unwavering belief in his potential, the encouragement of Lipscomb’s faculty and his own determination that pulled him through to this academic milestone.
A military veteran with three years in active duty and three in the National Guard, Laing deployed in OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) from 2016 to 2017. Before leaving the Army, a mentor’s sincere concern resonated with him—advice to “take care of himself.” Although initially dismissing the remark, Laing realized the wisdom of that simple advice and decided to seek a degree to advance his career.
First drawn to software engineering, Laing discovered a new passion in political science thanks to another encouraging comment, this time in the form of a question from his professor, Bethy Butler.
“I told her I wanted to help people and she asked if I ever thought about political science,” says Laing. “Intrigued by the prospect of helping people through alternative avenues, I researched political science over the summer and discovered it was something that really pulled in my attention. It also resonated deeply with my personal history as the child of a Thai immigrant.” Although his father died when Laing was young, he remembers his father facing many challenges and having a difficult time adjusting to life in America.
Laing’s college journey took an emotional turn as he began caring for his grandparents during a challenging year, balancing online classes and familial responsibilities. Despite hardships, his grandmother’s encouragement inspired him to persevere. Tragically, she passed away on his birthday, compounding the difficulties Laing faced, including a recent serious health diagnosis.
Despite these trials, Laing’s resilience shines through as he shares his tentative plans. His goals include backpacking across Thailand, reconnecting with his roots, and potentially working in the government or pursuing a role as a foreign service officer. His long-term aspiration is to establish an orphanage, providing care for children and individuals affected by war and poverty.
Graduating in December is a moment of immense pride for Laing, marking the culmination of a challenging but rewarding journey. He expresses deep gratitude for the faculty, particularly of the political science department, who stood by him during life’s rough patches.
“I really admire the faculty,” says Laing. “They’ve truly made a great impact on me and helped shape me even more into the person I am today.”
As Laing embarks on his post-graduate adventures, the resilience and determination that defined his academic journey will undoubtedly shape his future endeavors, embodying the spirit of a graduate ready to make a difference in the world.