From the south side of Chicago to the University of Illinois. Meet Dexter Smith. 

A first generation student in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) majoring in one of the most competitive Agricutural  and Biological Engineering programs in the country, Dexter knew this new journey would not be easy.  He was used to a struggle and he was up for the challenge.  Although high school had not exactly prepared him for college, Dexter describes in detail how he was able to beat the odds and make it to (and through) the University of Illinois.  Through a fierce family support system and determination to make it out of his tough neighborhood, Dexter knew he would need more than a high school diploma to get where he needed to go. He had a tough road ahead of him, but he faced all challenges head on and took advantage of as many opportunities as he could. Dexter will graduate this month. Check out what he has to say about heading into the future and where he's been in the audio piece below.  
 

   You can also read more about Dexter's inspiring story here: