Location: Washington DC Jail
Orijin Training: Successfully completed multiple Interplay vocational certificate programs and is utilizing Orijin as part of his higher education journey at Ashland University.
Career Goal: To own a restaurant in his local community.
From Tech Enthusiast to Aspiring Entrepreneur
From an early age, Ronnell knew he was destined for a future intertwined with technology. As a child, he would take apart household appliances, determined to understand their inner workings. “I used to take all the appliances in the house apart and try to put them back together,” he recalls. His love for technology was clear even then. Whether it was repairing the family refrigerator or dissecting game consoles, Ronnell found joy in uncovering how things worked, a curiosity that laid the foundation for his passion.
However, life took an unexpected turn, and Ronnell found himself incarcerated. Yet, his passion for technology persisted. Even in this difficult environment, he continued building his knowledge and skills in tech-related fields.
When Ronnell discovered Orijin, his journey took another step towards transformation. He initially enrolled in a GED program using Orijin’s managed learning platform. Upon obtaining his GED, he was determined to continue his educational journey.
“I didn’t know I was gonna be that excited to obtain my GED, me being a 35-year-old man. But when I got it, I was actually excited, and that just gave me the drive to keep going.”
Today, through Orijin, he is taking virtual classes with Ashland University, pursuing an associate’s degree in general studies. Looking ahead, Ronnell is already considering pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management, with the dream of opening his own restaurant one day.
Orijin has played a critical role in this journey, allowing Ronnell and other learners to continue their studies even during lockdowns. “The most vital times I was able to get on the tablet and continue my education was when we were locked down,” he says. “It has helped improve my learning exponentially.”
Beyond academics, Orijin’s platform offers vocational training through its partnership with Interplay Learning, which Ronnell found invaluable for acquiring practical skills. Additionally, the platform’s mental health resources have helped him cope with the emotional challenges of incarceration. “It also helps with mental health. It gives you a sense of achievement and something to do other than sitting idle,” he says.
He’s also deeply grateful that Orijin provides its content for free, acknowledging that access to education is often limited by poverty. “The fact that Orijin provides the educational content for free is important because a lot of issues start at the poverty line.”
Ronnell is optimistic about the future. With his associate’s degree on the horizon and plans for a restaurant in the works, he sees education as the key to achieving his dreams. His journey is a powerful example of how Orijin’s mission of free, accessible education is transforming lives.
Watch our Video
To hear more of Ronnell’s inspiring story, watch his video below and discover how Orijin is empowering individuals like him to pursue their dreams.
