Throughout the spring semester we are celebrating our senior student-athletes with a Senior Salute series. Today's featured senior is football and track and field's DT Franklin. Franklin is a communication studies and urban studies major.
Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I chose to attend Wooster because I wanted to experience something new and challenge myself outside my hometown of Memphis. I saw Wooster as a chance to grow both personally and academically, and to create opportunities that would help me build a future beyond the city. Wooster offered the right environment to develop independence while still being part of a supportive community.
Q: What does being a Fighting Scot student-athlete mean to you?
A: When I came to Wooster, I did not just join a team, I joined a brotherhood. Being part of Fighting Scots football has helped me grow as a student, athlete, and person. It is about representing something bigger than yourself, staying disciplined, and supporting the people who go to battle with you every day.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: Some of my best memories include dancing at the basketball playoff game against Wabash College and celebrating after our defense forced a late fumble to beat Ohio Wesleyan University this fall. I will never forget walking down the hill with my brothers on game days, feeling the energy of the fans, and representing our team. Those moments captured what makes being a Scot so special.
Q: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: The best part is being able to pursue my education while competing in the sport I love. Balancing both has taught me discipline, time management, and teamwork in ways that go beyond the classroom. Being a student-athlete at Wooster provided me lifelong friendships and memories I will always carry with me.
Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: Outside of my sports, I was involved with Wooster Christian Fellowship, Green Scots, the Black Student Association, and the Communication Club. Each group gave me a chance to connect with new people and explore different aspects of campus life while giving back to the community.
Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: Dr. Heather Fitz Gibbon is the most impactful professor in my college journey. She went above and beyond to help me find direction when I was unsure how to connect my communication studies major to a career path and added urban studies as a second major late in the process. Despite the time crunch, she worked closely with me to create a plan that fit both my academic goals and personal circumstances. What stands out most is her empathy and flexibility. She always made me feel understood and supported, no matter what challenges I faced.
Q: What other people or resources impacted your Wooster experience in a positive way and how did these people and resources set you up to be successful at Wooster?
A: Justine Harrison and Denise Rotavera-Krain in APEX played major roles in my professional development. Through resume help and the APEX Fellowship program, they guided me in building career skills and exploring real-world experiences. Their support helped me feel confident about my future after Wooster.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: My Independent Study explores the unequal access to green spaces in low-income communities in Memphis, Tennessee. My research focuses on how green spaces function, what inequities exist, and how those differences impact community wellbeing.
Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: One of the highlights of my time at Wooster was completing a summer internship through the APEX Fellowship with Kent Parks and Recreation. The fellowship provided hands-on experience in community development and environmental outreach. I was able to apply what I learned in class to real-world projects that made a difference locally.
Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what advice would you give your first-year self?
A: I would tell my first-year self not to be afraid to ask questions and to use the many resources the College provides. Wooster always has someone willing to help. You just have to take the initiative to reach out. Stepping out of your comfort zone and seeking support early makes the biggest difference in your growth.
Interested in becoming a Fighting Scot?
High school prospective student-athletes can click here to learn about our recruiting process, click here to view the virtual campus tour, and click here to learn more about admissions events, tours, and visit programs.
Transfer prospective student-athletes can click here to learn about our transfer recruiting process and use the links above for the virtual tour and admissions visit programs.
