Donovan, a senior at Gulliver, is a young man driven by a wide array of passions—from anthropology and literature to filmmaking and football. Beneath his diverse interests lies a story of resilience, personal growth, and the pursuit of a future in the arts.
“I had an accident, a traumatic brain injury, and I lost the vision in my left eye,” Donovan shared, reflecting on a defining moment from his childhood. “It made it hard for me to socialize with people. It made it hard for me to talk to people. And so, my passion for painting and visual storytelling grew. When I wasn’t able to talk for myself, I used my paintings.”
This experience shaped Donovan in ways that words couldn’t express. His art became a powerful form of communication, allowing him to navigate the world around him, even when the spoken word failed him. “Art helped me when I couldn’t express myself through conversation,” Donovan explained, pointing to how painting became not just a hobby, but a way of healing.
As a child, he was naturally inclined toward the arts but took a break in middle school. Once he arrived at Gulliver, Donovan rediscovered his passion for art and began to take it more seriously. “Gulliver definitely helped me find my passion for art,” he said. “It was something I’d always grown up doing, but I had never really taken it seriously until I got here.”
His growth as an artist has not gone unnoticed. Stacy Goldman, his art teacher, recalls Donovan’s journey starting from his first days at Gulliver. “When he started in ninth grade, Donovan was a bit apprehensive. He wasn’t sure if he had the same experience as other kids,” Goldman said. “But very soon, it became obvious that Donovan was already an artist. He worked incredibly hard to improve his skills, always coming to office hours for extra help.”
Goldman points to Donovan’s evolution as an artist, particularly his passion for depicting faces. “He used to do these really expressive pen drawings, and now as a senior, he’s creating this huge canvas of a woman’s face, her hair filling the entire canvas. The colors are intense, and the emotions conveyed through the piece are powerful,” Goldman explained. “He has an insightfulness and maturity that’s rare for someone his age.”
Beyond his artwork, Donovan has embraced multiple roles—football player, a photographer for school events, and an active participant in Breakthrough Miami and the Black Student Union (BSU). He credits Gulliver with helping him balance his wide range of interests while honing his creative skills.
“So I had never really done filmmaking, more just videography, before this summer,” Donovan explained. “But I went to a program at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and it was a very rigorous summer program where they introduced me to all the different aspects of film. I explored screenwriting, videography, and everything that goes into it, like planning and directing. I was primarily the director of photography for most of the projects, handling all the visual aspects of the film. I also played the role of director, organizing the people on set.” His interest in filmmaking has now evolved into aspirations of becoming an art director and director of photography.
With his diverse talents, Donovan doesn’t limit himself to one path. “I have talents that are kind of diverse, so I don’t want to just limit myself,” he said. His goal is to continue developing his skills and forge a career in visual storytelling, bringing stories to life through art and film.
After graduation, Donovan is headed to Howard University, his top-choice. “It’s the community at Howard that draws me in. It’s not just about getting an education, but about being surrounded by like-minded people who feel like family,” he shared.
Goldman, who has followed Donovan’s journey from the start of high school, sees great things ahead for him. “Donovan has been accepted to nearly every art school he applied to. He wants to be in the film industry as a producer, director, or cinematographer, and I have no doubt he’ll succeed,” she said. “He’s one of the most well-rounded students I’ve ever worked with, and he embodies the values we hold dear at Gulliver.”
Donovan’s journey at Gulliver has taught him to embrace challenges and foster meaningful connections. As he looks ahead, he’s determined to build a future where his creative vision will shine. “I want to be able to tell stories through visuals, to show what’s happening rather than just telling it,” Donovan said, ready to turn his artistic dreams into reality.
Donovan’s story is a testament to the impact of teaching and learning that goes beyond the classroom—it’s about nurturing the passions, strengths, and dreams that shape our students into well-rounded, determined individuals. By supporting Teaching and Learning at Gulliver, you help ensure that we can continue to offer these transformative experiences to students like Donovan—students who will go on to shape our world with their talents, creativity, and vision. Your support empowers them to reach their fullest potential, discover new passions, and turn their dreams into reality.
