"To make a future for my family"
Evan Medley, 21, is a junior Biology and Chemistry double major at Western Kentucky University. During high-school he met his partner, Alex Morris, while playing Dungeons and Dragons. Evan was 17 when he and Alex realized that they were going to be parents to their son, Leon. They got engaged soon after.
"I decided then that I need to go to college and be able to support the family that I created"
Evan Medley holds open his chemistry textbook while studying for class. Since he could not afford to buy an engagement ring, a friend from his high-school made him a set free of charge.
Evan goes to unlock the door to his apartment on Park Street. He chose to live in an older apartment because rent is cheaper than many other apartments in Bowling Green.
"Money is a struggle" Evan states while explaining his financial situation. While the federal Pell grant and FAFSA provides payment for most of his tuition, he chooses to live frugally to provide for his Fiancée and son who live an hour away. Although Evan's parents are willing to send him money for rent and tuition, he refuses to accept their money. Instead he has them redirect the money to his fiancée Alex so she can raise Leon. "I would rather have a worse life paying for my shit so my son can be raised correctly" Evan states.
Evan keeps close tabs on his expenditures. He strives to keep his utilities as low as possible to save money.
Alex currently lives with her parents an hour away in Owensboro Kentucky. Neither Evan nor Alex have driver's licenses, so Evan only gets to see his fiancée and son over breaks. A personal goal for Evan is to get his license and a running car over the summer.
Evan Medley walks home after class. He walks to and from campus because he does not have a driver's license or a vehicle.
Evan expresses that he has to sacrifice precious time away from his family to pursue his college career to get into get into med-school. Evan and Alex make it a point to call each other daily, He states that it brings him to tears when Leon asks for him to come visit. Leon turns three in July, Evan hopes that his family can be united under one roof before Leon is old enough to remember his absence.
Left: A framed picture of Alex and Leon sits on a shelf in Evans bedroom.
Right: Evan examines a picture of his son, Leon, on his phone.
Right: Evan examines a picture of his son, Leon, on his phone.
Evan says that after getting into med school he will be financially able to support having Alex and Leon live in Bowling Green. As for now he states that he focused on maintaining his straight A grades and getting his drivers licence.
Maintaining good grades in important to Evan. According to him, keeping good grades proves that he is dedicated to creating a bright future for his family.
Caption: Evan Medley (left) studies for his chemistry final with his classmate Connor Saylor (right).
Caption: Evan Medley (left) studies for his chemistry final with his classmate Connor Saylor (right).
Despite the hardships, Evan says that all he can do is his best and that as long as he has a goal to reach for he will remain hopeful that he can start a functioning family.
Evan Medley studies for his ornithology test. "Having to remember all of these birds is dumb" Evan states.
