Darese Sparkman

My name is Darese Jaleel Sparkman. I was born in Canton, Ohio, and split my childhood between Soquel, California, and Massillon, Ohio. I am the third child of two wonderful parents, who had me when they were just twenty-three. Despite having no external support, they raised my brother, sister, and me with all the love and care they could, often working up to three jobs to provide for us and ensuring we didn’t repeat their mistakes. I was the second male in my family to graduate from high school, following my brother. At Massillon Perry High School, I excelled in wrestling, which helped me earn a scholarship to Notre Dame College in South Euclid. Later, I transferred to the University of Mount Union. My early college years were a struggle as I tried to navigate the education system with little guidance, often feeling overwhelmed. However, over time, I learned how to study effectively, take better notes, and develop the skills needed to succeed, and eventually became an Academic All-American.

In addition to my academic success, I took on leadership roles such as Vice President of my fraternity (Phi Kappa Tau), Vice President of the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and First-Generation Diversity Council Representative. My hard work also opened up opportunities for me, such as receiving a national award for my dedication to diversity on campus, speaking in front of the largest incoming class in the university’s history, and earning other awards and recognitions. Through it all, my parents have been my greatest inspiration. They went from living in a car to owning their own home, and their perseverance has put my siblings and me in the fortunate positions we are in today.

I am currently in my senior year at the University of Mount Union, majoring in history with a minor in Adolescent to Young Adult education. I am completing my preclinical student teaching at GlenOak High School, working with freshman World History students. In addition, I volunteer my time at local high schools, assisting with their wrestling programs by running or helping with practices. Beyond wrestling, I play tennis and serve as Vice President of my fraternity, Math Membership Chair. I am also a proud member of both the Accessibility Committee and Diversity Council, and a Transfer Raider Guide. I am currently preparing for two upcoming conferences: one focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), and another on history in Youngstown, Ohio. Recently, I was honored to be named Homecoming King at my university. This semester, I am taking courses in Women’s History, Art in Public Spaces, and two additional history education classes.

I have many future plans, and I am determined to achieve them all. I aim to become both a high school history teacher and a professor, with a focus on Women’s History and African American History. I plan to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership. In addition to teaching, I aspire to be a high school wrestling coach and create a wrestling organization between Massillon and Canton to help keep kids off the streets and engaged in wrestling. My goal is to educate and mentor young people, while also working to change policies that make communities more inclusive for everyone, regardless of their background. Throughout my college career, I am striving to become an All-American in wrestling and achieve Academic All-American status once more. Ultimately, I want to be the best person I can be and continually seek out ways to grow and develop into the best human being possible.