Cab driver keeps pedal to the metal

From left, Cory, Elijah and Jules.

The young cab driver seems easygoing.
     Jules Dossou Azatassou is unfailingly polite. His smile is warm. He addresses a visitor as sir, and Mr. Richard. Jules is so personable that he won Spokane’s 2010 First Impression Transportation Award: “My cab is always clean, I am always on time, and I respect people no matter who they are,” he said.
     But, underneath his laid-back exterior, this driver is driven.
     Look at how he got here: Jules emigrated from the West Africa nation of Benin in 2005 because he wanted a better life. He spoke French and five African languages (Fon, Hogbonou, Adja, Mina, Yoruba) – but not English. He used Google Translator to apply for a student visa.
     Look at his resume: Jules helped teach French at Spokane Community College, was a cashier at 7-Eleven, worked as a nursing assistant, and helped homeowners find refinancing assistance. Then he bought a taxi and started his own business. “I wanted to do something with a flexible schedule while also serving Spokane.”
     Look at his academic record: After graduating from community college, he joined Washington State University’s online degree program. In fall 2010, he ignored strong warnings about overload from his academic consultant, and signed up for six courses. He got A’s and B’s. The next semester, Jules signed up for seven. More...     Look at his schedule: Jules drives a cab for 12 hours a day, usually 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. He studies about six hours. “I sleep four or five hours a day,” he said. “More like two or three,” said Cory Sharp, his fiancée, fellow WSU Online student, and mother of their 20-month-old son, Elijah.
     Last semester, Jules got a bit of help when he won a scholarship from ASWSU-Online, the online student government. He graduates with a criminal justice degree in May. His goals are to work for the federal government, earn a combined law degree and master’s, then earn his doctorate. Jules also will apply for full citizenship at the end of the year.
     Cory graduates a year later – “I’m trying to go as fast as I can, like he is” – and is also studying criminal justice. “I love it,” she said. “There are so many people from WSU all over. Even in other states, everybody says, ‘Go Cougs.’ ”
     For Jules, the program reflects two key parts of his personality: WSU Online is “a very friendly place to study,” he said. “And, whenever, I call the online department, there is no wait time on the phone.”