Doug Jenkins graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1989, and he says he was not prepared for what lay ahead. Jenkins says while attending FHS, he enrolled in remedial classes because of his dyslexia... and that made getting into college a long and difficult process for him. "After 13 years in the public school system I did not have any of my core curriculum courses, so therefore, it was hard for me to get into college," he says. His experience inspired him to start "Fit For Life" so that others would not go through what he did. "Remedial really does not prepare students for higher education...we're working with the school board, and doing some things to change the curriculum to try and get all the students at the same place." In addition to preparing kids and adults for higher education, Jenkins says "Fit For Life" will teach them about social responsibility, and mental and physical health. "Our mission is to be a community resource. We want to provide health care, education, motivation and inspiration." Looking to take that next step... Jenkins wants to turn the old Jefferson Elementary into a liberal arts institute-- providing entry level college courses and a free daycare for students with children. Once a young parent himself, he knows how hard it can be balancing school and family. "We do tend to learn from our past mistakes and experiences, and when we can take that information and use it to better other people's situations I really feel like that's the social thing we should all try and do." "Fit For Life" is still in it's early stages, Jenkins says he's currently applying for non-profit status for the organization. But he has an impressive amount of support from people in the community, including Frank Broyles, numerous teachers and principles and the Lindsey family.
