William Coward, '25 BA

I was a non-traditional student in every sense of the word. I began my journey at Arizona State University at 47 years old, decades after graduating high school. In fact, so much time had passed that my ACT scores were no longer valid, and I found myself retaking the exam on a Saturday morning alongside a room full of high school students. It was humbling, but also exciting. Earning a college degree had always been one of my goals-it just took me a little longer than most to get there.

After high school, I wasn't ready for college, so I entered the workforce instead. Along the way, I met my wife, Jackie, who was finishing her degree at the time. Together, we decided that the best path forward was for her to complete her education first, and then I would eventually return to pursue mine. Life, however, had other plans. Soon we were raising a family, and my focus shifted to providing for and supporting my children as they grew.

Years later, I watched each of my children achieve incredible milestones of their own. My oldest earned a master's degree in education, my middle child completed a nursing degree, and my youngest was preparing to graduate high school. Seeing their accomplishments reignited my own dream. I realized I didn't want to be the last one in the family without a degree, so I began researching online programs that could fit both my career goals and my busy schedule. That search led me to ASU, whose flexible online program matched my degree field perfectly.

Going back to school later in life was challenging, but it was also one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. My journey taught me that education does not have an expiration date and that it is never too late to pursue a lifelong goal. . Earning my degree was more than just receiving a diploma-it was proof to myself, my family, and others that perseverance, determination, and hard work can make any dream possible, no matter when the journey begins.