Less than a month after earning his high school diploma, Leslie was promoted.
“I was offered a store manager position at Domino’s because I got my diploma,” Leslie said. “They heard about how I went to school even though I have children, a wife, church responsibilities, and other things to do.”
At just 24 years old, Leslie is a husband and father to six children. He withdrew from high school when he was a 17-year-old single father so he could provide for his daughter.
His family-first mindset still guides his actions, including his decision to earn his diploma through the Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) Pathway to Degree Program.
“My biggest motivation for earning my diploma was my children and family,” Leslie said. “Also, my pastor’s wife encouraged me for years to go back and get my diploma.”
After first starting a paid adult high school completion program, Leslie decided to look for free programs. That’s when he found the OPSU program. He initially thought it was too good to be true, but he soon realized that the program provided him with everything he needed to succeed.
“The best part of the program was my Academic Coach,” Leslie said. “He really encouraged me to get through the program and throughout the weeks when work was due. … I loved it so much!”
Leslie will continue working in his new management position while he earns his Bachelor of Business Administration: Finance through OPSU online. Once he earns his degree, he plans to go into financial services and wants to climb the corporate ladder.
“My life and mindset has changed since I earned my diploma because now I feel like I can do bigger and better things,” Leslie said. “Now, I can go to college and get a better career!”