From the Streets of Europe to the Classrooms of Carroll
At first glance, Sean Tewey’s life might seem circuitous and unconventional. But dig deeper and it becomes clear his journey has been one of resilience, self-discovery, and purpose. Going into his second year as a student at Carroll Community College, Sean’s path to higher education was far from traditional, but also serves as a testament to what Carroll stands for: a place where students from all backgrounds can find opportunity and a chance to rewrite their stories.
A Path Less Traveled
For most high schoolers, college feels like the natural next step. But for Sean, the decision was anything but straightforward. With his grades in high school less than stellar and his mother pushing for trade school, Sean never imagined himself pursuing higher education. So after graduating high school, he made an unconventional choice: he packed his bags and set out to backpack across Europe.
What began as a dream of exploring the scenic streets of Europe turned into a life-altering challenge. Left there without financial support after a disagreement with his father, Sean spent three months homeless, living on the streets of countries like France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Poland. He survived on only $5 a day, often having to scavenge food from the trash and occasionally being able to afford baguettes and Nutella from money he made from chess hustling.
Sean also absorbed the political and social landscapes of the nations he visited. “It was one of my biggest revelations over there,” Sean reflects. Being homeless in Europe opened his eyes to systemic issues like homelessness and infrastructure. “All my experiences there are what guided me towards college.”
Rediscovering Education
Upon returning home to Maryland after his European travels, Sean enrolled at Carroll Community College—a place he initially saw as his only academic option due to his low grades in high school. But what he found there was far more than a steppingstone to a better GPA.
“Diversity is probably the greatest strength of Carroll,” Sean shares. He’s built relationships at the College with people from all walks of life—from dually-enrolled high school students to retirees thirsty for new knowledge. “The sense of community here is incredible.”
Sean’s passion for learning reignited at Carroll. Whether delving into philosophy, history, or politics, he chose courses that aligned with his interests, not just ones that fulfilled transfer requirements. A standout class for him was Physical Geography, taught by Dr. Michael O’Neal, a professor Sean describes as “one of the strictest teachers I’ve ever had, yet definitely the most fulfilling.”
Whether it’s through its welcoming culture, academic services, or mental health resources, Carroll has provided Sean with all the support he needs to thrive at the College and beyond.
Diversity is probably the greatest strength of Carroll. The sense of community here is incredible.
Dreams of Impact
Carroll isn’t just helping Sean academically—it’s fueling his aspirations. With dreams of transferring to either Georgetown or Columbia, Sean has lofty plans to make a difference in the world, focusing on issues often overlooked.
“My time in Europe showed me how different countries handle homelessness,” Sean says. “Here in the U.S., we need safer public housing, less reliance on cars, and more walkable cities.” He aspires to help create improved systems in our country that support people rather than shackling them with unavoidable expenses they cannot afford.
Sean’s time in Europe, where he met people with all kinds of backgrounds and perspectives, also showed him how politics can be a great avenue for solving problems. “You have to understand people’s problems enough to be able to help them.”
Between his journeys in Europe and at Carroll, Sean has formed a solid foundation for his future. “A lot of things I’ve experienced have contributed to helping me build the person I am now.”
A Bright Future
Sean’s journey is far from over. Whether debating his peers in Carroll’s Debate Club, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, or reading biographies of historical figures like Kissinger and Metternich, he embodies a spirit of relentless curiosity as well as resourcefulness. Despite the challenges of his dyslexia, he’s found innovative ways to adapt, using apps to turn text into audio and dedicating extra time to his studies.
After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, Sean hopes to become a Naval officer like his grandfather had been. In the shorter term, Sean aspires to win a writing contest for the Naval Institute. “To be able to write for them would be an honor,” he says. “I really do love writing, even though it takes me ten years to write something!”
Sean says both his parents are happy about the path he is on now. “My dad is very proud of me, ironically, because I didn’t go into this with the intention of making him proud,” Sean ruminates. “Still, it’s helping mend our relationship.” As he continues his academic journey at Carroll, Sean is not just building a foundation for his future—he’s shaping a vision for a better world. From the streets of Europe to the classrooms of Carroll, Sean Tewey’s story reminds us that our paths may not be linear, but with determination and purpose, they can lead to extraordinary destinations.
