Darian Derrico may have applied to NYU after his mother encouraged him — but he wasn’t sure what to do after graduation.
Tuesday, June 25, episode of Double Down With Derricos began with Darian, 18, anxiously waiting to hear back from the university after he applied for their music program. Darian admitted he was “nervous” and the worst-case scenario began to play out in his head. However, when talking to her parents, she tried to give them a pep talk.
“Whatever God wants for you, that’s for you,” Karen Derricowho encouraged Darian to apply for the program, told his daughter as Deon Derrico he replied, “The meddlers said.”
Karen, 44, insists it’s what she wants it to be. However, Deon, 53, added that everyone also has the “freedom of choice.” Darian took his parents’ word for it and decided he wanted to consider some other options if NYU didn’t work out.
“So I don’t want you to get your hopes up, but I’m also looking at some other colleges, if you know, like (a) backup,” he shared. “So I’ve been preparing for the time to take the UNLV tour.”
Darian told his parents that he would come with him to check out the campus, as long as he didn’t try to interfere with his view. Meanwhile, Deon is thrilled that Darian is considering going to school closer to home, while Karen is thrilled.
“Honestly, I don’t even know if I’m going to college, but I’m already stressed knowing my parents don’t approve of my college application,” said Darian with a confession. “So I just want to explore my options and try to keep a balance between the two.”
In the episode, Darian and his parents visit UNLV and it looks like Darian is having a great time on campus. However, the visit only strengthened his desire to move to New York and live his dream.
Sometime after the tour, Darian finally heard from NYU and shared with his parents and grandmother that he didn’t get in. When Darian finally breaks down, Deon, Karen and Gigi comfort him.
“I’m so proud of you for this trip. You’ve worked hard and I just love you,” Karen said. “So you go upstairs and you will rest your tired heart and give it all.”
Despite the support of his family, the rejection hurt Darian and he admits that he is now rethinking his “choice”. While Darian doesn’t tell his parents that he’s not handling the news well, Deon and Karen discuss how he wants to be there for his daughter so she doesn’t feel “not good enough”.
As Deon and Karen worry about Darian and his future plans, they also have to deal with the fact that his primary home is not ready to move in, which prevents the tenant from moving to an additional home. In addition to the financial difficulties of having to pay off two mortgages, Deon is also worried about his mother Gigi’s health as she has stopped her chemotherapy treatment.
Although their family home is not 100 percent ready, Deon and Karen plan to move in as soon as possible. To make a good impression on the neighbors, they decided to host a BBQ at home for everyone on the block.
Deon and Karen continue to work together to get everything ready for the BBQ day, including the couple preparing the menu, which includes a family recipe Deon called “what up though” beans. Deon and Karen schmoozed with the neighbors, apparently winning over passers-by, while the 14 children formed friendships with some of the other children on the block.
At one point during the BBQ, Darian talks to Amy’s parents and neighbors about her plans after high school. Darian admitted he wasn’t sure he wanted to go to college and instead wanted to focus on his fledgling music career. Darian’s confession isn’t what Deon and Karen want, so they question his next step.
Darian indicated that he will get his “name out there” through social media and look for opportunities to showcase his voice. Deon thinks his daughter’s plan is good, but she needs to do more, especially after she graduates high school. The family decided they would discuss the topic more after the wedding.
“You know, (Deon) and I, we both agreed we would step back and let him do this,” Karen said in the confessional with Deon. “However, I’m very concerned, honestly, about what this current plan of action looks like for Darian, like we need to talk to him.”
Double Down With Derricos airs on TLC Tuesdays at 8 pm ET.