The Art of the Pivot
Pivoting seems like a simple basketball skill. But when done well, it creates space — space to move and change the game.
That’s what Dexter Mack did. Graduating today with Associate degrees in Philosophy and General Science, the first-generation college student plans on transferring this fall to a four-year university, where he’ll be working toward his dream of earning an MD-PhD in Neuroscience. All because he knew how to pivot.
In high school, Dexter was all in on basketball, a sport he excelled at and loved. But after a tough stretch on the court dimmed that passion, he changed course. When a TED Talk on neuroscience sparked his curiosity, he dove into the subject and realized this was what he wanted. He pivoted to academics his senior year, earning straight A’s. Then he enrolled at SMC, where he found not only the rigorous coursework he needed but also faculty and staff who cared.
“It makes a difference,” says Dexter, “knowing all these people are rooting for you.”
That difference shows. In addition to joining SMC’s STEM MÁS Program, Scholars Program and Black Collegians, Dexter secured research internships at UCLA and UC San Diego. He also took part in a UCLA IDEA Hack-a-thon, worked as a math tutor, and learned to code. And still, he makes time to train kids at his old basketball academy.
For those looking to change course in their lives, Dexter offers some advice.
“Trust yourself,” he says. “Trust your framework of belief, and everything will work out.”