From High School Dropout to MBA Graduate: How UoPeople Helped Me Rewrite My Story

Growing up in California, life didn’t follow the path I expected.

I became a father as a teenager and made the difficult decision to leave high school to support my family. At one point, I was working three jobs just to make ends meet. College wasn’t part of the plan—I was focused on survival.

Eventually, I earned my GED and later completed a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Looking back, those early experiences taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of perseverance—qualities that would shape every chapter of my life.

Reinventing Myself After a Major Life Change

For more than 17 years, I built a successful career in marketing and digital communications, managing websites, content strategies, public relations campaigns, and client relationships across multiple industries.

But one of the biggest challenges I faced came later in life.

After my divorce, I found myself going through the motions. I was working, paying the bills, and doing what needed to be done, but I lacked direction. It was a difficult period that forced me to take a hard look at my future.

I realized that if I wanted my life to change, I needed to start investing in myself.

That realization eventually led me to University of the People.

Discovering UoPeople and Returning to Finish What I Started

I first learned about UoPeople through a TED Talk by President Shai Reshef, where he shared his vision of making higher education accessible to people around the world.

Inspired by that vision, I enrolled in 2017. However, balancing work and school proved challenging, and I eventually stepped away from my studies.

Years later, I knew it was time to return.

In 2024, I re-enrolled with a renewed sense of purpose and graduated in November 2025 with a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

As someone who dropped out of high school as a teenager, earning an MBA was never something I imagined for myself when I was younger. Receiving that degree was more than an academic achievement—it represented resilience, personal growth, and a commitment to never stop moving forward.

Why UoPeople Worked for Me

One of the things I appreciated most about UoPeople was the practical nature of the coursework.

Many of the concepts I studied connected directly to situations I encountered in my professional career. The discussion forums also exposed me to perspectives from students around the world, creating a rich and engaging learning environment.

Most importantly, the program’s flexibility allowed me to balance a demanding full-time career with my education.

For working professionals, that flexibility is invaluable.

How My MBA Opened New Doors

One of my primary goals in pursuing an MBA was to create opportunities to teach at the college level.

Today, I work part-time with a local college, where I am building experience as an instructor while continuing my full-time career in digital marketing and account management.

One of the courses I teach is coffee roasting—a course I personally designed and developed, including the syllabus. I also teach a Career Academy course that helps students explore career opportunities and develop pathways toward their professional goals.

Being able to combine my professional experience with teaching has been incredibly rewarding.

The MBA also gave me the confidence to revisit another long-held goal: entrepreneurship.

After relocating to Arizona, I relaunched Cock Coffee Roaster, my specialty coffee business focused on small-batch roasting. Building the company has allowed me to apply many of the concepts I learned during my MBA studies, including branding, marketing, strategic planning, and operations management.

Advice for Current and Future Students

There is no better time than the present to invest in yourself.

Life will always present obstacles. There will never be a perfect moment to pursue your goals. But if you stay committed, keep learning, and continue moving forward, your future self will thank you.

My own journey—from high school dropout to MBA graduate, educator, and business owner—is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Looking Ahead

My long-term goal is to become a full-time college professor.

At the same time, I plan to continue growing Cock Coffee Roaster and exploring new ways to combine my passions for education, entrepreneurship, and specialty coffee.

Whether through teaching, mentoring, or business ownership, I hope to continue helping others learn, grow, and discover new opportunities for themselves.

About the Author

R. Launceston P. earned his MBA from University of the People in November 2025. Based in Arizona, he works full-time in digital marketing and account management while also teaching part-time at a local college. A lifelong learner, entrepreneur, and educator, he is the founder of Cock Coffee Roaster and hopes to continue building a career that combines education, business, and mentorship.