CINCINNATI — A University of Cincinnati student is grateful these days for how far he’s come. He said if it wasn’t for a supportive family and community, he probably wouldn’t be here today. 

What You Need To Know

  • Avery Sherman was taken off of probation in 2023 after serving time in a Department of Youth Services facility for involuntary manslaughter
  • The 21-year-old said that after he was read his rights, a pastor prayed for him and that changed his life causing him to grow closer to God and his family
  • At that point, he said he began to learn about accountability and the consequences of his decisions
  • Sherman said his situation also taught him to love others and to help people along their journey

Spending several years in juvenile detention, Avery Sherman learned quickly that tomorrow isn't promised and that things can change quickly. Getting letters from other kids while there served as encouragement. 

Focused on making a life for himself, he finished school and started taking college courses while serving his time. His mom, Kasie Ertel, said she wasn’t sure how things would turn out once he was released, but along the way she started noticing that there were people within the Department of Youth Services and beyond helping to connect him to the right paths. 

“They were supportive," she said. "Like, I always got calls back, and they always reassured me everything was okay. Just everyone was lifting him up and not letting him give up and not letting that be it…like the period to the end of his story.”

That’s what she said gave her hope as well. 

After his release and enrollment into the University of Cincinnati, Sherman began his journey as a business economics major. Looking back, Sherman acknowledged it was a blessing and a dream come true considering how things were before his enrollment.

“I was begging my mom to sign my dropout papers in high school," he said. “I thank God she never went through with it. I never imagined, you know, I'd be sitting here, being a bearcat at the University of Cincinnati. You know, it's a huge blessing.” 

Excited for the rest of his journey in college, Sherman now spends his time outside of school serving in the community and going back to DYS facilities to encourage other youth.

“Just never lose hope," he said. "Always have faith…and just know that good things are coming and that if there’s a will there’s a way, and you just gotta trust the process.”

In the meantime, he’s set to graduate in about two years and hopes to pursue a career in the tech sector.