James Harris' military training and experience gave him the discipline and the drive it takes to succeed, but he soon realized he wouldn't advance in the civilian workforce on his military skills alone.

Harris, who turns 61 today (Oct. 30), retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1992 after 21 years of service. He began working with Franklin County Schools, hoping to have an impact on students' lives. Although he had the experience he needed to do the job, Harris didn't have his bachelor's degree. Harris moved around so much in the military that he wasn't able to stay in one place long enough to finish school.

Co-worker Cynthia Simons told Harris to consider pursuing his degree through the Saint Augustine's College Gateway Adult Learners Degree-Completion Program. Through Gateway, adults with some college credits can finish their degree in at little as two years. The program has campuses in Raleigh, Henderson and Rocky Mount.

Simons was persistent in encouraging Harris to go back to school. It took a few years, but he finally decided in 1999 to enroll in the Gateway program at the Raleigh campus. Harris said the motivating factor was the fact that he wouldn't qualify for certain jobs without a degree.

"Although I had the knowledge, I didn't have the credentials," Harris said.

Like many adults who go back to school, Harris did have concerns about becoming a student again.

"You doubt yourself because it's been so long," Harris said. "You think, ‘Will I have the time?' The main thing, I think, was the fear."

Harris overcame his fears about going back to school by approaching the situation with a definite game plan. He said it is important for any adult who plans to go back to school to sit down with his or her significant other and make sure they have that support from them. Harris also made sure he would have time to do his class work and still spend plenty of time with his family.

"The class work was easy," Harris said. "When I left class, I did my homework right then and there. Everything was still fresh in my mind. That kept me ahead of game."

Getting assignments done immediately kept school from interfering with Harris' other responsibilities.

Harris' hard work while he was in school paid off. He graduated summa cum laude in 2001 with a degree in Organizational Management. Right after he finished school, he was placed in charge of Franklin County's alternative education program.

With his bachelor's degree and a promotion under his belt, Harris enrolled in a master's degree program at North Carolina State University. He finished his master's degree about two years ago and now he's working on his doctorate. Harris said Gateway prepared him to pursue advanced degrees.

"If you pay attention and do what you're supposed to do (while in the Gateway program), you can go into any university and do well," Harris said.

At work, Harris is an assistant principal at Cedar Creek Middle School, and he'll soon assume the title as principal at Franklin County's new Early College High School, where students will receive a high school diploma and an associate's degree or up to two years of college credit upon graduation.

Related Links

1. http://www.st-aug.edu