How College Changed My Life: A Journey of Persistence and Growth

I grew up in a poor household, and like many kids in similar situations, I didn’t place much value on education. In fact, I hated school. From elementary to junior high and through high school, all I wanted was to be done and out of there. School was something I just had to get through, and my focus was always on escaping rather than learning. I didn’t see the point. I didn’t enjoy it, and the idea of working hard for something that didn’t seem to give me immediate rewards felt like a waste of time.

I graduated high school in 2000, and soon after, I found myself trying to make a living. But as time passed, I quickly realized how difficult it was to find a suitable salary without any higher education. I had no degree and found that my job opportunities were limited, and the wages were far from what I wanted or needed. It wasn’t until I had my first child that I realized something needed to change. I wanted to give my child more than I had growing up. I didn’t want them to face the same challenges I did in life, and I knew that education was the key to breaking that cycle.

In 2006, I made a decision that would change my life—I enrolled in college. At first, I chose to major in marketing because it seemed like a logical path. I secured an internship at a global company, excited about the opportunity. However, once I started interning in marketing, I quickly realized that it wasn’t the right fit for me. I didn’t enjoy it, and I found that I was much more passionate about working with numbers and analyzing data. That realization led me to a pivotal moment: I decided to change my major to economics and finance.

However, making this change wasn’t easy. My wife, knowing my history with school and my dislike for it, was discouraging. She told me that economics and finance would probably be too hard for me, given my past struggles with education. She was looking out for me, but at that moment, I knew I had to prove to myself—and to her—that I could do this. I wanted to show that, despite my early struggles, I had the perseverance and the drive to succeed. I wanted more for my family and for myself.

Switching my major was a huge step. It was a leap into the unknown, and it required me to step out of my comfort zone. At that point, my life wasn’t easy, and I had little to no experience with the kind of rigorous academic work that economics and finance would demand. Plus, I was bad at math. But I committed to doing the work, because I knew that the long-term benefits would far outweigh the short-term challenges.

College wasn’t easy. There were countless nights of studying, late hours of work, and moments where I felt like giving up. But I kept my eye on the prize. Success in the form of a stable career and the opportunity to provide for my family the way I always wanted.

Years later, after much hard work and determination, I have completed five college degrees. Looking back on that decision to go back to school and push myself, I can now see how much it has transformed my life. I’m thrilled with my current occupation, the work-life balance I have, and the salary I earn. It’s all due to stepping out of my comfort zone and pursuing something I never thought was possible: a fulfilling career that I’m proud of.

The journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. College opened doors that I never thought would be possible for me. It allowed me to learn a new skill, gain experience, and ultimately land an occupation that provides for my family and brings me personal satisfaction. I’ve learned that sometimes, the things that are the most difficult are the ones that change your life in the most profound ways. If it weren’t for college, I wouldn’t have the opportunities and success I enjoy today. It wasn’t just about getting a degree—it was about learning how to persevere, push through adversity, and never give up, even when the road ahead seemed uncertain.

In the end, college didn’t just change my career; it changed me as a person. It taught me that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible—even when you’re starting from a place of doubt and uncertainty. College gave me the foundation I needed to build a life for my family that is completely different from the one I grew up in. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.