Big Bend graduate transforms his life

MOSES LAKE - Jeremiah Novak, 29, was given a second chance at life.

He used it to better himself by taking welding classes at Big Bend Community College for two years.

With his family and friends watching, Novak accepted his diploma Friday night.

His accomplishment comes after experiencing an abusive home life as a young person, brushes with the law and problems with drugs and alcohol.

He said he used to drink, take drugs and party.

His alcohol and drug use stemmed from the abuse he received from a relative, Novak said.

It made him an "angry, aggressive person at a young age," he recalled.

He needed people to care, Novak recalls today.

"I didn't want to be where I was at," he commented. "I hated myself, what I was doing, how I felt when I got out of bed and the people I was around."

He also hated the fact his family didn't give him any regard.

His time in Grant County started six years ago.

He moved to Ephrata from Seattle to leave negative influences and live with his grandparents.

Before he came to Ephrata, he was charged with a DUI in King County, he said.

Once in Grant County, he eventually fell "right back into a pattern," of his former life.

He found himself in court and later on state Department of Corrections work crews "paying his debt to society for trouble" he got into years before, Novak explained.

He met Frank Lupinacci, a DOC correctional officer and work crew supervisor.

Lupinacci called Novak "one of those motivated kids," even after experiencing adversity.

"He took things seriously and wanted to turn his life around," Lupinacci said. "He is one of those kids we wanted to let know that he did a good job."

Novak was a good role model for others on the work crew, Lupinacci added.

"He just stuck in my mind," he said. "He jumped through the hoops we had at the DOC."

While serving his time on the work crew, Novak attended classes at Big Bend so he didn't have to sit in jail, he said.

Novak said he realized he was going nowhere and thanked Lupinacci for that realization.

He credits his father for knowing he needed love and support.

"Over the last couple of years, he clung tight to me," Novak said of his father.

With his healthier lifestyle, his relationship with his parents changed. He can call them anytime now, talking to his dad at least once or twice a week.

He completed chemical dependency treatment at Grant County Prevention and Recovery Center roughly six months ago.

He quit smoking cigarettes nine months ago.

"It's been interesting," Novak said.

He also credits his good friend and fellow student, Paul Smith, for his support and help.