This entrepreneur enrolled in his first-ever class, seized opportunity at WSU to follow lifelong healthcare dream
OGDEN, Utah — Derrick Marks’ first class at Weber State University was a psychology course. It was the first time he’d ever been on a college campus, and also the first time he received formal education of any kind.
“I never went to school,” Marks said. “I’m Romani American, and that’s the way I was raised. It’s just something that, in our culture, we're not very interested in. But I am.”
When he was young, Marks dreamed of working in healthcare: "I wanted to be a doctor since I was 4 or 5 years old. But not going to school, that dream fades away."
Instead, he excelled in other career fields that drew on his strong communication and people skills. At 9 years old, he sold his first car. By 17 years old, he started a car dealership business — something he still does today.
He also previously owned an asphalt seal coating company and, his personal favorite, a tattoo shop in Seattle, Washington.
“Most of my people are entrepreneurs and own businesses,” Marks said. “That’s the way it’s always been, and it’s great. I’ve just always been a little bit different.”
Marks was doing what he describes as the “basic Romani American thing.” He had a successful career, a wife, and two young children.
But after a difficult divorce and custody battle, he said he didn’t like the way his life was going.
His now-fiancee Alia suggested he look into getting a GED online. Marks took the first of four required exams on Jan. 1, 2024. Just three days later, he was done with all the tests and his diploma was emailed to him.
“From there, I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to college now,’” Marks said. “I’m getting my kids; we’re going to open a whole new chapter.”
Marks applied to almost 20 colleges and universities. A few days later, he was accepted to Weber State.
“When I got that email and letter in the mail, I can’t even explain the feeling,” Marks said. "I'm Derek. If it wasn't for Hooked on Phonics or LeapFrog, I never would've known how to read. Now I’m going to college.”
Today, at 30 years old, Marks is studying emergency healthcare sciences. Within the year and half he’s been on campus, he’s gone from feeling lost in class to gaining confidence and enjoying school.
He also has a job as a medical assistant at a pediatric clinic in Layton, Utah, where he likes working alongside experienced medical providers and helping kids.
After he earns his bachelor’s degree, he hopes to begin WSU’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. He’s motivated by the prospect of learning more about patient care and has a goal to be a PA within three or four years.
Marks said he’s proud of setting a new course and showing his two children what’s possible.
His 7-year-old son Henry loves school, frequently coming home excited to show off the A’s he earned. And his 4-year-old daughter Madeline is already dreaming about what she’ll do when she grows up.
He also wants others to feel inspired about what they could accomplish.
“You’re not too old, you’re not too far behind, you’re not too uneducated,” he said.
Balancing school, work, and family responsibilities keeps him busy, but he said he feels fulfilled and supported by those around him. That includes professors who’ve helped him grow and his fiancée, who encourages him to keep going.
“Education opened doors for me,” he said. “I believe I’m a better dad now than I’ve ever been because of school. I just feel like I’m a totally different, new person, and I love this person that I’ve become.”
Rachel Badali, Interim Public Relations Director
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Interim Public Relations Director
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu