Story #15: Dillon Brown
This week’s 50 for 50 story features one of our recent graduates: Dillon Brown (’20)
“I cannot believe it’s been two years since our class of 2020 graduated online” is something that we hear quite frequently in the house these days with graduation coming up in full speed ahead.
In the spirit of this special class, we wanted to feature one of our many amazing 2020 graduates, and beloved former JEP Program Assistant – Dillon Brown. When Dillon was a PA, he was the life of the party in the JEP house, making friends with everyone, but at the same time, he also worked hard inside and outside of school to achieve his goals. He was one of the program assistants who, aside from working for JEP, also participated in many assignments as a volunteer himself. He was very dedicated to making an impact – so much so that he graduated with an acceptance from Columbia and being named a Fulbright Scholar.
“JEP showed me ways that, no matter how big or small, every student at USC can make a positive impact on the community we temporarily inhabit. I highly encourage every student at USC to volunteer with JEP for a semester (or more) to put into practice the ideals of service and learn things about themselves along the way.”
After his time at USC, Dillon’s dedication to service and education did not stop, though. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dillon moved back home to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he served at his old elementary school as a 4th-grade math tutor both virtually and in-person through the Americorps Keystone SMILES program. He also partnered with Literacy Pittsburgh to help local immigrants in the area who were beginning the process of applying for citizenship. Currently, Dillon is working in Greece, teaching kids once again.
“Working at JEP helped me realize that my ideal job isn’t based on a salary or prestige, but rather on the work actually being fulfilling and in a community of passionate, driven people.”