Finding the grit to carve an invisible path
Dominic Stover is a member of the Food Security Scholars’ second cohort. He is a senior studying Sociology and Philosophy, with a minor in Political Science.
Dominic’s story is about grit, growth, and a heart-wrenching dream for success. Born in Salina, Kansas, he grew up one of five siblings, humbly accepting his role as the middle child. He experienced great challenges during his childhood, forcing him and his siblings to fend for themselves and navigate an unstable home. He was no stranger to food insecurity as he watched those in his family battle with drug addiction, unable to fulfil their parental role. Dreaming of a future invisible to him, he was removed from his home at age 11 and taken into state care as a ward of the state. Ahead of Dominic was a road unknown to him, with peaks that would seem insurmountable, and dreams left to be discovered.
Upon removal from his home, Dominic was exposed to an education for the first time in his life, at age 11. It became clear to him that he was far behind his peers, socially and academically. He began a game of catch-up, soon becoming the only of his siblings to graduate from high school. Today, he pursues higher education focused on what he loves most: people.
Dominic is in love with the human experience. A humanitarian at heart, he continually seeks opportunities in his education that broaden his understanding of the systems in our world, and the people who run them. He is in tune with his curious side, eager to soak up as many things during his time at K-State as possible.
Leaning into that curiosity, Dominic applied for and was accepted into the Food Security Scholars’ second cohort. This experience has provided him with a space to connect with peers that are passionate about food security, broadening his understanding of what it means to be food insecure from the perspective of someone who lived it. His time in Food Security Scholars has been filled with intentional conversation that has propelled him toward action. During his 2022 spring break, Dominic will be volunteering at nonprofit organizations in Kansas City, evaluating the root causes of homelessness in the area. Additionally, he recently submitted his application to serve in the Peace Corps.
As someone with a remarkable story, he is highly intrigued by the people in our world and their experiences relative to each other. He dreams of running his own nonprofit organization, spending his time volunteering, and traveling. He hopes for experiences in life that will bring him genuine joy, allowing him to serve others altruistically, and show the world all the love he has to offer.
Dominic has a unique and powerful story. The Food Security Scholars are honored by his commitment to our organization and thank him for sharing his story with intention.
Stover is a member of the Food Security Scholars’ second cohort. He is a senior studying Sociology and Philosophy, with a minor in Political Science.
