Determined to earn his GED after a 25-year hiatus from school, David Rogers had two inspirations – his children Sarah, 5, and David, 7.

Rogers, 45, of League City, enrolled in a free, six-week GED preparation class with College of the Mainland and discovered it is never too late to return to school.
 
“I went to classes every night until it was time to take the test,” explained Rogers. “When I found out I passed with honors, I was floored. To walk across the stage with my diploma made (my dad) cry.”
 
Spurred to continue, Rogers jumped into classes for the two-year College of the Mainland Process Technology Program.
 
“I knew since I was a kid (that’s what I wanted to do),” said Rogers. “That’s what I'm passionate about.”
 
Besides attending school full-time, Rogers cares for his two children.
 
“David … has cerebral palsy,” said Rogers. “My inspiration is my kids. My kids see daddy do homework and it inspires them.”
 
Excelling with a 3.6 GPA, Rogers is assisted by the BP Process Technology Scholarship.
 
“If it wasn’t for scholarships and financial aid, I wouldn’t be in school right now,” said Rogers. “I couldn’t say anything but thank you. I haven’t paid for a book or a class because of financial aid and scholarships.”
 
After a 25-year hiatus from school, Rogers has also found support in COM instructors and staff.
 
“PTEC is a lot of math,” said Rogers. “Kirk McVey in the Math Lab is very helpful. COM has people to help you to succeed.”
 
With just four classes to go, Rogers anticipates growing opportunities in industry – and one more walk across the stage.
 
“Without a shadow of a doubt, I will walk in 2015,” said Rogers. “It’s challenging, but rewarding. I want to be that inspiration for other people.”