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Adversity proves effective teacher for 1 of Lowellville’s 44 graduates
By Bob Jackson
LOWELLVILLE
David Durbin certainly didn’t follow a primrose path toward his high school graduation.
His path was more of an obstacle course that included a badly broken arm, stomach problems, and a battle with depression and anxiety.
But the drive that helped him overcome those hardships have shaped him into a young man prepared for the future.
“Those obstacles made me stronger,” said Durbin, 18. “When disappointment comes your way – and it’s going to, it’s inevitable – you’re better prepared to handle it having been through things like that.”
Durbin was among 44 students who accepted diplomas Sunday afternoon during Lowellville High School’s 128th annual commencement ceremony at Paul V. Johnson Gymnasium.
“He has overcome so much,” Principal Christine Sawicki said of Durbin. “He’s a very courageous student, and his perseverance is inspiring.”
While playing in the Ella Rose 3-On-3 basketball tournament in 2012, Durbin dove to the floor chasing a loose ball. His arm became entangled with another boy’s, and Durbin’s arm was severely broken.
“It was more complex than I thought it would be,” he said of the injury and ensuing surgeries and recovery. “It was really traumatic.”
The high-level dose of Advil that he took for pain caused him to develop a stomach ulcer, which required endoscopic treatments.
By the time he was a freshman at LHS, he was suffering from severe depression and anxiety. He gave up basketball and withdrew into a shell. Durbin speaks candidly about his struggles, both physical and mental.
“It’s made me a better person,” he said.
At 6 feet, 7 inches tall, Durbin’s height was an asset on the hardwood. But he wasn’t always comfortable with it.
“I felt like being tall put a lot of pressure on me,” he said. “I was always treated as being older than I really was. I didn’t really like it.”
His parents, Dave and Shelly, supported him through his worst days.
“They pushed me, but not too hard, because they know my boundaries,” Durbin said. “I pushed myself harder than they did.”
Durbin credited Dr. Joseph Farris, who treated him for the depression and anxiety, with being the inspiration for his decision to pursue a medical degree. He’ll enter the pre-med program at Westminster College this fall.
The medical treatment, along with support shown from Pam Iarussi, a social studies and economics teacher at LHS, helped Durbin see past the darkness and opened his eyes to a bright future.
He got involved with programs at school, including helping found a Math Club with math teacher Jeannine Reamer. He forged friendships and participated in various activities that he said made him more well-rounded as a person and as a student.
Durbin said he’s looking forward to life after high school, but he’ll miss his friends.
Sawicki said the Class of 2017 is “a great group of individuals. They’re all friends and they’re so supportive of each other.”
Michaela Mrakovich, class president, echoed that sentiment, noting that she and her classmates are a close-knit group.
“I admire the fact that they aren’t afraid to be themselves, to pursue their own path and follow their dreams,” Mrakovich said.