Near death experience sparks new life for STCC student headed for Stanford University

Ryan Laxton earned four scholarships and was celebrated at a ceremony this spring with STCC President Dr. John B. Cook, right. He stands with STCC Foundation Board President Jennifer Brown, left, and Board Vice President Dr. Jacqueline Johnson.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College student Ryan Laxton logged on the Stanford University website one spring day to check on his application to the prestigious school in California.

He could hardly believe what he saw. Stanford not only accepted the 24-year-old but offered a financial aid package that covered most of the expenses.

“I was definitely shocked,” Laxton said.

For Laxton, the opportunity to transfer to Stanford from STCC was once unimaginable. Before enrolling at STCC, he was a few years out of high school, an average student at best. He worked in service industry jobs to scrape together money to pay bills.

At the time, Laxton enjoyed boxing and kept himself in shape by running several times a week. On July 5, 2021, Laxton went for a jog along Route 5 in Enfield, Conn., before his work shift. He experienced a life-altering event that would set him on a path of remarkable transformation. Laxton suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and collapsed. He was 21 years old.

Laxton does not remember the morning, but later learned a biker on Route 5 stopped and called an ambulance that transported him to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He fell into a coma with a 10 percent chance of survival.

Not long after the incident, Laxton’s employer was concerned he didn’t show up for work and called his brother. No one knew where Ryan Laxton was for at least 12 hours.

Because he carried no identification or phone while on his jog, Laxton was listed as a “John Doe” at Baystate. Some 12 hours later, the hospital identified him through his tattoos. One tattoo on his arm lists the birth and death date of a late friend. They found the friend’s obituary and then checked his Instagram account, which had Laxton’s name and photo. The hospital then was able to contact Laxton’s relatives.

As he lay recovering in the hospital, Laxton reflected deeply on his life choices and aspirations. He realized he wanted more for himself – more knowledge, more opportunities and a more fulfilling career.

“I decided to come back to school,” Laxton said. “While I was in the hospital, I signed up for STCC.”

Later, he wrote an essay as part of his application to Stanford.

“It took weeks of recovery before I was released from the hospital, and in that amount of time, I was able to process the weight of what had happened to me. I was granted a second chance at life, a second chance to make something of myself, and I couldn't waste it,” he wrote.

STCC has been my second chance at education, which is really amazing. Ryan Laxton, STCC student transferring to Stanford University

He tried college once before, a few years earlier, and was determined to be successful this time around. His first college experience began after high school in West Virginia, where he grew up. He graduated from high school with a 2.5 grade point average and left for a university in Michigan. Feeling homesick and learning that his grandfather was ill, he came home early during the first semester and then dropped out.

While back at home in West Virginia, he worked at a hotel and thought of a better life somewhere. In 2020, he moved from West Virginia to Springfield where his brother, Alan Yanbul ‘19, lived. Yanbul was an STCC graduate who talked up the school and the region to his younger brother.

“He told me there were more opportunities,” Laxton said. “Once I got here, I noticed how much people valued education, so that kind of got me interested in going back.”

Laxton wrote in his essay to Stanford, “Just two months after leaving the hospital, I enrolled at Springfield Technical Community College, where I have thrived and loved every semester here. Through my time at STCC, I've built friendships, found mentors, and served as a mentor whenever I could.”

With an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), Laxton found the Engineering Transfer program. He worked as a Supplemental Instructor (SI) for three courses. An SI is a peer tutor who works with a particular class for the semester. He took advantage of the STEM Center at STCC, which offers services and support for students.

A first-generation college student, Laxton was part of the Male Initiative for Leadership and Education (MILE) program at STCC, which helps students adjust to college.

Carmelo Solivan, a counselor at STCC and one of Laxton’s advisors, said he was impressed by Laxton’s work ethic.

“Not only was he maintaining a 4.0 (grade point average), but he also filled his time boxing at Central City Boxing & Barbell, held a job in food service, and worked as a tutor and supplemental instructor,” Solivan said. “Even with such a busy schedule, he immersed himself in this experience and was committed to his goals. Early on, he mentioned his interest in Stanford, and I matched that sentiment with encouragement, knowing that regardless of the decision, some four-year institution was going to add a stellar young man to their campus community.”

Laxton thanked Solivan and his STCC professors for their support during his journey. “They’re amazing. They’re the nicest people I’ve ever met. They’re generous. They care about the students a lot,” Laxton said.

“Working with my current professors has opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing my own Ph.D. one day. Scientific research has crept into my mind as something that I would want to do for the rest of my life,” wrote in his Stanford essay.

Laxton cited several teachers who helped him succeed, including Professor Sharon Sheng and adjunct faculty member James McDonald, who were instrumental in helping him get into Stanford.  Nicole Jackson, a Student Success Center staff member, helped him through the transfer process.

McDonald described Laxton as an exceptional student and tutor, someone who was a joy to have in class.

“I first encountered Ryan when he took Technical Math 1 with me. The course was presented on-line due to COVID,” McDonald said. “Early in that course I noticed a student who submitted homework sets and exams on time and completely correct! Obviously, he earned an A in the course, and I decided to recommend him for an SI position.”

Zahid Haddad, chair of Engineering and Physical Sciences at STCC, said Ryan's acceptance to Stanford is a testament to his talent, perseverance and commitment to excellence.

“Ryan has demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, maintaining an impressive GPA of 4.0 throughout his studies. His dedication, hard work and passion for engineering have undoubtedly set him apart,” Haddad said. “His success is truly well-deserved, and we are immensely proud of him.”

Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs at STCC, said the entire college community is proud of Laxton and his transformation.

“STCC is about giving people a fresh start and creating opportunities,” Thuot said. “His remarkable accomplishment reflects his hard work and determination and also highlights the quality of education and preparation provided by STCC.”

Laxton applied for and received four scholarships from STCC in the spring of 2024. The Stanford-bound student realizes he beat the odds after a major health scare.

“I’m supposed to be here for a reason,” he said. “I’m hoping to find my reason through school. Maybe that will give me a purpose in life to try to be more successful than I was prior to this accident. Hopefully I can use this second chance for another opportunity to be something.

“Luckily, I’ve come to STCC, and it’s been a great experience. STCC has been my second chance at education, which is really amazing,” he said. “And now I’m going to Stanford. It’s been a great ride – an interesting ride.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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