AUBURN, Ala. – Prior to college, Malcolm Askew strived to be a difference maker.
A four-star football prospect from McAdory High School in McCalla, Alabama, Askew also lettered in basketball and baseball. But he was more than just a great athlete with a long list of scholarship offers. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honorary.
"Stay patient, trust God, and have faith" is a quote Askew remembered when making the decision to attend Auburn in January 2017.
"After taking all my visits, Auburn reminded me of my hometown of McCalla," he said. "It was most comfortable to me and my environment. It wasn't busy but had a family feel."
Askew graduated from Auburn in three years, earning a degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on sports coaching and a minor in leadership. To graduate in three years, it took a lot of hard work and discipline – something he learned from playing football.
"Everything we do in our everyday life, such as working out, getting ready for the season, and off-season workouts, prepared me," Askew said. "Just the pushing and grinding of everything that we do not only prepares you for graduation and getting through school, but your upcoming life as well.
"All the dedication we have to put into football translates to academics and life in general."
Just like Askew will never forget his favorite moments playing football – Auburn's home victories over Georgia and Alabama during 2017's November to Remember – he too will always remember the moment last December when he walked across the stage at graduation and was awarded a diploma from Auburn University.
With a bachelor's degree already in hand, Askew will be attending graduate school at Auburn this fall where he will work to achieve a master's degree in adult education with a minor in sports management.
Now a senior on the football team, Askew has some advice for the incoming class.
"College went by so fast. Don't rush anything. Continue to love the grind and continue to love Auburn because reality comes at you fast. Be grateful for every second you get to wake up and be a student-athlete. Take it one day at a time."
After he graduates with his second degree, Askew wants to help troubled teens who might not have the luxury of growing up in a stable household. He also wants to work with foundations centered around today's youth. More than anything, he wants to give back to underprivileged kids and help them fulfill their dreams – just as Askew was able to during his time at Auburn.