For recent Florida A&M University graduate John DeHaarte (SEED Miami ’22, FAMU ’26) persistence and passion have been the cornerstone of his college journey. During his time in Tallahassee, John built deep connections with his campus community while laying the groundwork for a successful career in graphic design. Already an award-winning artist, he turned his creative talent into a clear professional path and a foundation for continued accomplishment.
John’s journey came with its share of challenges, but he leveraged every tool and resource available to persevere. By cultivating a strong on-campus support network and staying closely connected to his SEED college success advisor, John navigated higher education with confidence—tackling growth areas, sharpening his craft, and earning a degree in his dream field.
Stepping Beyond the Comfort Zone
Leaving home wasn’t initially part of John’s plan. Hesitant to leave Miami, he took a leap of faith after encouragement from his SEED college advising team, who saw FAMU as a place where he could thrive.
“I originally wanted to stay close to home for college, but Ms. Ingraham (SEED Miami’s Director of College Knowledge and Advising) and Ms. Muhammad (SEED Foundation Senior College Success Advisor) really encouraged me to go to FAMU. They told me it was a place where I would be well taken care of and have real opportunities to grow.”
That advice proved transformative. When early obstacles arose—including a freshman-year housing shortage that left him scrambling for off-campus lodging—his SEED college success advisor was right by his side.
“Ms. Muhammad helped with practical needs like housing, the FAFSA, and financial aid. But more than anything, I’m very grateful for her emotional and moral support throughout my time in school.”
John credits SEED Miami’s boarding model with easing his transition to campus life: “Living on campus in high school made moving away easier, including dealing with the homesickness. It meant we could step into college life with fewer tears.”
Finding Community and Connection
On campus, John made a conscious effort to build strong relationships with advisors, professors, and supervisors. He quickly discovered that surrounding himself with supportive mentors would transform his college experience.
“I had great relationships with my advisors—they were so welcoming. I appreciated that they saw me as a person, not just a student ID number. We could speak openly because they genuinely understood what it was like to walk in my shoes.”
That sense of belonging extended to his work as a graphic designer and student assistant for FAMU’s College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, a role he will continue through the end of the year as he launches his career search.
“My team at the College of Pharmacy played such an important role in my college journey. I’ve built lifelong connections here, and I know they will always have my back as I look toward the future.”
Making Space for the Craft
John’s hard work has earned major industry accolades. The American Advertising Federation recognized his work with a Student Gold ADDY Award for his mock campaign, Drawing Out Voices for Autism, which envisioned creative art spaces for autistic youth through vivid imagery of minds overflowing with colorful energy. He also earned the Dr. Arvard Mukes Design Award at FAMU’s senior gallery show and multiple recognitions at Florida Print Awards.
His success required more than natural talent—it demanded discipline. Recognizing early on that time management did not come naturally to him, John intentionally developed strategies to balance coursework, job responsibilities, and his creative practice.
“I knew I had the artistic skills,” he says, “but in college, making time to be creative is tough. I had to make a real commitment to myself to carve out the time and space to create.”
As he reflects on his journey, John offers timeless wisdom for rising college freshmen:
“If I had to give advice to a new student, I’d say put yourself out there. Don’t stay in your comfort zone—because that isn’t where you grow.”
John’s remarkable trajectory is a testament to that philosophy, and the entire SEED community looks forward to watching him continue to bloom.