On a quiet afternoon at SUNY Old Westbury, Chevaun Cooper sits closer than ever to a milestone that once felt out of reach. After nearly a decade of college, the 26-year-old graphic design major is preparing to graduate this fall — a moment shaped by years of setbacks, responsibility and persistence.

“I originally wanted to do game design, but it didn’t turn out like that,” Cooper said. “Once game design didn’t work out, I knew I still wanted to do something creative.”

What began as a straightforward college journey quickly became something much more complicated. Over the years, Cooper’s path was slowed not by a lack of ambition but by circumstances that forced him to move at a different pace than those around him.

“Managing work and school,” he said. “I could have finished earlier if I didn’t have to work so much. I had to pay for classes out of pocket because I didn’t qualify for financial aid. At a point, I had to take one class a semester.”

The extended timeline wasn’t just about academics. Outside the classroom, Cooper was balancing responsibilities that many traditional students never face.

“Plenty of times,” he said when asked if he ever thought about quitting. “It was annoying having to juggle work and school. My parents are older too, so taking care of them on top of everything slowed my progress down.”

As the years passed, another challenge emerged — watching others move forward while he remained in place.

“It was gut-wrenching,” Cooper said. “Hanging out with friends and family, and people talking about accomplishments, new positions, and whatnot. I could have let it dissuade me, but I had to use it as motivation instead.”

That motivation often came down to something simple and urgent.

“Money,” he said with a laugh. “I knew if I could hunker down, I could create a better standard for my family and me.”

A turning point came when Cooper made the decision to change his academic direction. Letting go of his original plan forced him to reevaluate what he truly wanted.

“When I changed majors,” he said. “After game design didn’t work out for me. I had to really think and decide what I wanted for myself in life going forward. Graphic design was right for me to focus on.”

That decision gave his college experience new clarity. It also revealed more about who he is beyond the challenges he faced.

“Caring, kind  . . . goofy,” he said with a chuckle, describing how others might see him.

Now, with graduation finally within reach, Cooper is beginning to reflect on what the journey has meant.

“It’s exciting, it’s finally over,” he said, laughing. “I can finally focus on work and building a career.”

Looking back, he recognizes that his path was different — but not without purpose.

“I’d tell him to get a job,” Cooper said, laughing as he reflected on his younger self. “Take what you do seriously. It’s better to do what you gotta do now and have fun later. Everyone’s different. Find what works for you.”

After 10 years of persistence, setbacks and growth, Cooper is finally approaching the finish line — not behind, but on his own terms.