The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2023: Meet Michael O'Key
Michael O'Key, 25, is a Ph.D. student, researcher and instructor at Stanford University.
He was nominated for 40 Under 40 because he "has been committed to championing his community in all settings through the work he does," a nominator writes. "Michael's deep roots in Fayetteville have driven his passion for creating positive change in the area. As a resident, he has witnessed firsthand the challenges that many in his community face, and his dedication to making a difference is unwavering. Michael's work in education and community service demonstrates his commitment to addressing the issues facing his fellow Fayetteville residents, and his efforts to promote equality in education and eliminate disparities faced by system-involved youth reflect his deep connection to the community."
Here's what else you should know about this member of The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2023.
Who are your immediate family members?
Mother, Joyce O'Key; sister, Summer O'Key; father, Darryl Thomas; and godmother, Cookie Hodges
What does your job entail?
I am a student, researcher and instructor studying education and sociology. I am trained as an urban planner, and my research examines the relationships between school access and segregation, school closures and juvenile delinquency.
I also serve on various North Carolina and federal committees aimed at reforming the legal system and providing just outcomes for system-involved youth.
Where did you receive your education?
High school diploma, Pine Forest High School (2015); B.A. and B.S., Auburn University (2019); master's degree, Cornell University (2021); Ph.D. and M.A., Stanford University (2026)
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with?
American Planning Association; American Educational Research Association; Coalition for Juvenile Justice; Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization; Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network; NC Governor's Crime Commission
How do you volunteer your time in the community?
I try to volunteer my time in local community initiatives to promote better urban planning and growth. That normally looks like listening in on town hall meetings and participating in community discussions. I also provide support and mentorship to at-risk youth, developing and supporting programs that aim to divert young people from the justice system and into more positive avenues for growth and development. This includes tutoring, mentorship and providing resources to help them thrive in their communities.
What is one thing you wish people knew or understood better about your profession?
In terms of earning a graduate degree, I wish people understand that the core requirement is not years of work experience, a great academic track record or publications (that all helps, sure). The real key is insatiable curiosity. Pursuing what gets you out of bed every morning; what issues are you thinking about when you are standing in the grocery line; what problem do you not want to leave this earth without solving? That drive is what makes a successful student.
In terms of doing activist work for juvenile justice reform, I wish people understood that amidst the incremental progress, the red tape and the bureaucracy, that frustration we all feel is central to this work continuing. We absolutely should celebrate victories for those who finally receive justice and a future, but we can never stop fighting for those who have yet to.
What's the best advice you've ever received and/or the worst advice you've ever followed?
The key to self-confidence. Confidence comes from trust. And trust is built on consistently doing what you say you will. So the root of self-confidence is not about the way you look, or even how others see you. It's about honoring your commitments, every single day.
What goal have you already achieved, and how did you make it happen?
Cornell had been my dream school since middle school. In high school, I struggled with the application process, and end up applying. That is for the better because the people and experiences I had at Auburn University changed my life. Still, having had the opportunity to attend Cornell for grad school, and seeing that dream come full circle, is a blessing I still am in awe of. Making it happen involved a lot of technical skills — learning how to write, apply, interview, developing a work ethic and earning good grades. But probably most significant was learning to be patient and understand timing. I was not ready yet in high school, but I was several years later. The problem wasn't that the door was locked — it was that I hadn't found the key just yet.
If you weren't in your current profession, what would you be?
A fifth-grade teacher
What's something you do outside of work to enrich yourself?
I love attending open houses and all things real estate, architecture and interior design.
Some responses may have been edited for style and grammar.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 40 Under 40: Michael O'Key, Stanford University
