Dario Knotts came back to school in his 30s so he can give back to others. The 2025 graduate is earning an associate of arts in psychology and plans to go into social work. Knotts, 33, wants to help children who endure the difficulties that can stem from single-parent households.

“I read once that you should be the person you wish you had while growing up; that’s what I’m going to be,” said Knotts, 33. “I want to help children who come from broken homes figure out a way to develop their skills. There are a lot of children who are overlooked.”

While Knotts said he comes from a broken home, which gives him personal experience to combine with in-class learning, he stressed that his mother powered through every situation with grace, love and never-ending support.

“My mom worked hard,” Knotts said. “Going to school herself and raising three kids on her own. It was hard work. But I’m successful. My brothers are successful, so I think it worked out well.”

After graduating high school, Knotts attended The University of Akron to get started on his degree. But the timing wasn’t right, and he moved to Lorain for work.

By age 25, Knotts felt as though his life was at a standstill. Looking to make a change, he joined the U.S. Navy. Following boot camp in Great Lakes, IL and then technical school in San Antonio, TX, Knotts spent his six years in service travelling the world as a master-at-arms.

“That’s pretty much military police,” Knotts said of his position. “I’ve been to Spain, Greece, Israel and Germany.”

Knotts is now in the Navy Reserve, often called to conduct customs operations, base access and entry control, and aircraft and flight line security operations, among other duties. He said serving in the Navy has taught him the importance of tradition, family and communication, all of which he has pulled from during his transition to LCCC.

“It’s easier to overcome obstacles when you have that background,” Knotts said.

Knotts said he also leaned on LCCC’s Veterans Services to help bridge the gap from military to student life. LCCC was among the first colleges in the state to receive the Collegiate Purple Star Award from the Ohio Department of Higher Education for supporting military-connected students.

“They helped me get my credits transferred from military school to LCCC,” Knotts said. “And they also help me with anything I need to do financially with my GI Bill.”

Knotts has juggled school, work, and home life, raising three children with girlfriend, Jenell. But no matter how intense the load became, he had the support he needed to reach his goal, both on campus and at home.

“Jenell has believed in me the most,” Knotts said. “When I got back from the Navy, I was in a weird spot, and she believed that I could earn my degree and be the best that I could be. That’s what drives me.”

After graduation, Knotts plans to enroll in LCCC’s University Partnership with Cleveland State University to earn his bachelor of arts in psychology, and then his master’s in social work. He said the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree on LCCC’s campus and at a fraction of the cost will help him achieve his goal of helping others. And it’s deepened his appreciation for LCCC, a college that gives everyone the opportunity to do the same.

“This is a transformative place,” he said. “There’s not one starting point. Everybody’s journey is different. And at Lorain County Community College, no matter where you are, you can start from your beginning.”