A story of one man’s unique journey in pursuit of adventure
“You’re never too old to learn and never too young to go on adventures.”
This is Darren Ellis’s life motto. For many people, age is a barrier that stands in the way of goals and dreams, but not for Ellis. Even at age 55 he still holds on to a child-like spirit, constantly looking for adventure wherever he goes. His story is an inspiration for anyone with a dream to chase.
The Adventure Begins
Like many other Kankakee natives, Ellis always dreamed of going to Olivet Nazarene University. However, due to financial reasons, he instead chose to attend ITT Technical Institute in Indianapolis, IN, to study engineering.
In 1986, Ellis received an associate’s degree in Electronic Engineering, and two years later, he received a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science and Automated Manufacturing Technology. After graduation, he quickly found out that getting a full-time job was harder than he expected.
He worked several jobs over the next few years – in a grocery store and as a security guard – before reaching the point where he needed to make a change.
“I got tired of doing all of these minimum wage jobs, so I was like, ‘You know what, I want to go into the Navy and do something with my life.’ ”
Submarine Life
So, in 1996, Ellis joined the Navy, where he served in Navigation Electronics on a submarine for six years. For months at a time, he and 100 other crew members – who became more like family than crew – lived and worked underwater. Together, they faced life-and-death situations, traveled the world, and even became the first American submarine to dock in Germany after a 20-year period.
By the time Ellis’ six-year contract ended, submarine life had changed him. After only a few days out, Ellis realized he wanted back in. He rejoined the Navy and went on to serve for 14 more years. It was only after 20 years of honorable service to his country that Ellis officially retired from the Navy.
At this point, his adventure could have been over. Ellis could have chosen to enjoy a quiet, relaxing retirement, but that’s just not who he is. Full of adventure and always looking for a challenge, Ellis made the decision to return to college – 28 years after his first college graduation.
Back to the Classroom
Ellis enrolled in Olivet’s School of Engineering in the fall of 2016, and his dream of attending Olivet finally came true.
But again, his story doesn’t stop there. As if an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, 20 years in the Navy, and almost three years of engineering at Olivet weren’t exciting enough, Ellis decided during his junior year to change majors. Ellis, realizing engineering just wasn’t for him, made the switch to join the communications department as a Communication Studies major. Switching so late in his academic career wasn’t easy, but Ellis worked hard and has enjoyed every moment as a part of the “Comm family.”
One of Ellis’s favorite multimedia communication professors, Mark Bishop, has witnessed Ellis’ cheerful attitude and hunger for learning. Bishop said he often sees Ellis studying hard in the library and praised his efforts, saying, “I applaud Darren for coming back to school at a later age. I appreciate his willingness to serve our country in the Navy and now he’s challenging himself by getting a degree. Very honorable.”
What’s Next?
As he prepares to graduate in the fall of 2022, Ellis has his sights set once again on adventure. The adventure this time? Owning his own recording studio to help new artists break into the business. After graduation, Ellis hopes to gain experience in a recording studio in Chicago before starting his own.
Regardless of where life takes him, Ellis always reminds himself that he’s never too old to learn, and never too young for an adventure.
For more information about Olivet Nazarene University’s Communication Department visit the Olivet website or find the department on Facebook and Instagram.
