Christmas Encouragement: High School Dropout--to--Doctoral Student

I noticed on Bill Grover's signature line that he dropped out of high school in 1957, then went on to earn numerous degrees and certificates, and is now enrolled in two doctoral programs. This is a wonderful example of how one can move beyond the setbacks of life and achieve one's goals/objectives. I have met high school dropouts who felt they had blown all their options, and could never again achieve any semblence of academic significance.

The Christmas season, however, is about humble beginnings. For those who lurk or post at DegreeInfo, who may feel that their academic/educational aspirations are beyond the reach of reality--don't give up!

1. Weigh your options.
2. Do your research.
3. If you can't go full-time, go part-time---one course at a time if necessary.
4. Choose only solid substantive programs of study.
5. Be patient! The degree or certificate worth having is worth the investment of time and energy.
6. Refuse to allow past mistakes to hinder your present and future possibilities.
7. Be the very best you can be!!!!!!!!!!!

May this Christmas season offer encouragement to those who feel they have wasted their opportunities. Its never too late to pursue your academic goals.

 

A great Christmas wish Russell.

Merry Christmas to all and I pledge not to log onto degreeinfo on Christmas day. Trying to break the cycle of degreeinfo addiction.

John

 

1. Failed to graduate Jr. High.
2. Kicked out of three high schools the next (sophomore) year.
3. "Tested out" (CHSPE) and received diploma at 16.
4. Graduated with BS in Business at 20.
5. MBA at 25.
6. Ph.D. expected at 43 (this April?)

It can happen.

Happy Holidays.

 

Happy holidays, Rich. Welcome back.
Jack

 

The headmaster suggested to my parents that it I might not only like to leave school at 15 but leave two weeks before the end of term too. I did, and spent the next five years doing my machinist apprenticeship.

Roy Maybery
City & Guilds (Pts 1 and 2 Mechanical Engineering Craft Studies)
Ontario Machinist Certification.
B.A. (hons) archaeology (Leicester University)
B.A. general arts (University of Waterloo)
B.Ed Technological Studies (Brock University)

 

My Catholic English teacher in high school once told me in front of the class ( while pointing at ongoing freeway construction) that I had a bright future in freeway construction. True story.



BS, Western State University, Fullerton, CA
JD, Western State University, Fullerton, CA ( ABA)
MBA, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA
MS, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS ( 2003)

 

Thank you

Thank you all for sharing such encouraging and inspiring accounts of your experiences.
Warm regards

Patrick

 

Happy Holidays and KEEP Plugging Away

Yes, dreams can come true...

Passed High School by the skin of my teeth - dropped a 3.8 GPA to, gee, very low...was failing Senior English my second semester (only credit needed to graduate).

At 18, I received my first introduction to "distance education". I was forced to take a correspondence course in English Literature during 2nd semester and earned an "A". This grade bumped my solid "F" to a "D-"...which allowed me to graduate on time.

Then, after my first hitch in the US Army:
BA, Bethany College, Magna Cum Laude
MBA, Touro University International

Now - on the cusp of Master of Divinity program - looking at possibilities for PhD - voted in High School Most Likely to Write a Book, seems I'll never live down the "Stephen King" jokes.

Committed to lifelong learning,
Steven King

 

Continue the journey!!!!!!!!!!

I finished high school, but had no aspirations for further academic training---actually I disliked school very much. However, at 27 I began taking classes at the local community college and didn't look back.

BA, Lee University Magna Cum Laude
MA, Church of God Theological Seminary
C.P.E., NC Baptist Hospital
D.Min., Erskine Theological Seminary

All of this while serving full-time in a local parish and with a family. Continue your academic journey, it can be done!

 

I too dropped out of High School and went on to earn the prestigious GED from my State. (It was actually a more difficult test than anything I took in high school; but, then again, I did go to public school.)

My plan is to frame my GED and hang it up next to my Ph.D., when I finally earn it. (Though, I'm not sure if I should hang it up in my office at work.)

 

Big Duh!

What..there's two Steven Kings here? Both had trouble in HS! Both spell name with no "ph"! Could this be fate? Both post on this thread? Too coincidental for chance? Must have been foreordained. What teleological evidence for Calvin's central thesis!

Tell me, Steven and Steven, did you feel compulsion, an irresistable drawing, to this board?

 

Re: Big Duh!

My theory on this is less philosophical. Personally, I blame the other Steven King for the whole thing! A couple of Graduate Assistants at Touro remarked on my comments on DegreeInfo.com. Of course, I had no idea what they were talking about. They assumed that there was no way there could be two Steven Kings at Touro, working toward an MBA, at the same time. They assumed that I must have been him. (Or he must have been me, or however that goes -- this is so confusing.)

So I decided to visit and have been hooked ever since.

 

Russell,

Thanks for the encouraging greeting. It was most enriching.

Like some of the others here, I too, have a GED and would love nothing more than to hang it on the wall beside a Ph.D. In fact, I think I will do just that ... once I earn the PhD.

Thanks to all for sharing your stories. I think this would make a great anthology on DL which could be published by Degreeinfo.

Best wishes to all!

Roscoe

 

Perspiration and inspriation are often more important than perceived intellect! In graduate school, I was taught by a clinical psychologist (Ph.D.) who described himself as "the professor with the room terperature IQ." When he went to high school in the late 50's, not much was known about learning disabilities. He was targeted by teachers to become a janitor. No one thought he had any potential. He always believed in himself. He made a real difference and he taught us to consider strengths when we tested people, not weaknesses. Bottom line, even diagonosed with an IQ of 72, John Dunn earned a BA, MA, and Ph.D.. He passed away several years ago, but his memory lives on for many of us who had classes with him. Much is possible if you first believe in yourself and then invest in yourself. I really appreciate what has been shared in this post.

My own story is a little different. I did well in high school (4th out of 170), but committed matrimony and parenthood by age 19, two children before 21 and 4 children before 29, a grandpa at 38. Where I worked they would not accept DL, so I commuted to school at night. 5 years to a BA, 3 years to an MA, a ten year rest and then almost 6 years to an Ed.D.. Always focused on the goal, time was on my side.

Your stories are inspirational. Thank you. Each journey is unique and personal, but much is possible when you believe and remain focused.

 

Re: Big Duh!

LOL - five point degreeinfoism...

When I originally enrolled with Touro I had similar struggles. For instance, when I registered they hooked me up with the other Steven King's User ID to check my email. Of course, every time I tried to access it I was given an invalid password window. After one week of frustration they finally figured out there were two of us.

I have lurked these boards for years - I originally got addicted with alt.education.distance before that forum went to hell in a handbasket. Many times I read posts that I would like to respond to - but I don't seem to have the time of, let's say, a Bill Grover.

Steven King