Name: Talmadge Edwards, 40
Occupation: Upward Bound Activity Coordinator & Jackson Public School IST Assistant
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
Location: Mississippi

Q: When did you start and finish college?

A: I started school at Jackson State University in June of 1994 and finished April 30th, 2016.

Q: What obstacles did you face along the way?

A: I experienced financial hardships and found it hard to study while raising a family, working and doing the will of the Lord as a minister. 

Q: What moment made you decide to go back to college to finish what you started in 1994?

A: I was at a graduation bachelorette service in May of 2011. Just sitting there…a feeling came over me. I felt the need to go back. I was tired of working deadend jobs.

Q: Do you feel that going back to school was one of the best decisions of you life?

A: Yes! It has opened several doors for me in different avenues. As a black man and as a father, now, I can be an inspiration for those that would like to return to school. It has allowed me to be a blessing to others.

 

Q: When you went back to school, did you go back full-time or part-time?

A: Full-time… I completed 12-hour semesters up until my senior year. At that time, I began taking 16 hours each semester.

Q: What advice would you give someone that has dropped out of college?

A: It’s never too late to go back and get your degree. Put your best foot forward and step out on faith. You can do it!

Q: What’s next for you? 

A: I have applied for different positions with the State of Mississippi and other jobs in different areas. To better myself job-wise, I plan to go back to college to earn an Art’s of Teaching master’s degree in the fall or spring.