A 40-year old graduate provides inspiration (Photo by marygober)

In a day and age where instant gratification has become the credo, it is nice to see that some people are still willing to work for their dreams no matter how long it takes. Among the record-breaking graduating class of 3,624 students at one college is a student who stands out a little from the rest. Dax Crocker is such an individual. At 40 years old, he is among the oldest students graduating from Tucson’s Pima Community College this year.

Crocker left his native Guatemala and moved to the United States at the age of 14. Forced to drop out of school to support himself, he never finished high school. Today, he is graduating with a GPA of 3.9 and as member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. His accomplishment even surprises him.

He decided to pursue his American Dream of becoming a minister by travelling around the world with his wife as missionaries. Then, last summer he decided his career needed a little help and he turned to the college. Focusing on religion and philosophy, he attended the same college that his 18 year old daughter Rebecca was attending. He even took the opportunity to take a class with her; something she says was “interesting.” Rebecca saw the value in what her father was doing. It taught her that no matter how long it might take to achieve, pursuing your dream is worth it.

Next up for Crocker is a bachelor’s degree in religious studies which he will pursue at the University of Arizona. If everything goes according to plan, he hopes to earn a master’s degree from Harvard.

When asked what advice he would offer to others, Croker keeps it simple saying only to never give up on your dreams.

Related news:

1. Woman Earns Degree After 19 Years
2. Woman With Severe Memory Loss Graduates From College