04/28/2025
“It’s absolutely been an advantage to come back to school at my age. I know what I want now. I know what I can do with this degree, and that gives me an edge. I’ve lived life — I’ve worked, I’ve struggled, and I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. That experience is my foundation.” - Rod Gordon, Dallas College student. Read Rod's full story below.
What was your experience like returning to college after being away for so long?
“Yes, I’ve been to college before. My first attempt was as a pre-med major in the ’90s, living at home. But honestly, I wasn’t focused. I was more interested in moving out of the house and gaining my independence, so I went that direction. Once I moved out and had bills to pay, school quickly became secondary to work. But even while I was working, I knew I’d need to go back to school to break through the ceiling I kept hitting. When I found out what Dallas College offered, the cost, convenience and value, it just made sense. As they say, the math was mathing.”
What advice would you give someone thinking about going back to school?
“First off, it can be done. Don’t let anyone, or yourself, tell you otherwise. I graduated high school in 1993. I’m 51 now. Life expectancy is getting longer, and people are living healthier lives. It’s never too late. The opportunity is there, but you have to reach for it. Nobody’s going to push that door open for you — you have to let yourself in.”
What inspired you to keep going after returning to school?
“Family, for sure. Hearing my loved ones say, ‘We’re proud of you’ is like a drug. It motivates me. Inspiration can come from all kinds of places. Your struggles, your people, even unexpected moments. Once you find it, hold onto it. Let it push you forward.”
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
“I want people to know that it’s never too late to change, and to make your life better. No matter what obstacles you face — physical, emotional, spiritual — you can still make a choice. I want to be remembered as someone who never gave up, who pursued his dreams, and who inspired others to do the same.”