“What I’m Learning at UoPeople Fuels My Mission to Shape Global Businesses,” Says Robert R.

Based in Southern Alabama, United States, Robert R. is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at University of the People. His life reflects resilience, determination, and a lifelong drive to rise above adversity. Born and raised in South Louisiana, he turned early hardships into a journey of personal growth and leadership that now spans across borders. 

Robert’s childhood was far from easy. Growing up with parents struggling with their own vices, he often went without necessities. “Growing up wasn’t easy, but I found my own ways to get by,” he says. “I often went without lunch at school and earned the nickname ‘Milkman’ because I’d collect unopened milk cartons so I wouldn’t go hungry. After school, I spent hours at the public library—reading, learning, and finding a bit of peace. The librarians became my quiet support system, and by seventh grade, I was working after school to take care of myself and stay in school. My early education came from books, curiosity, and whatever work I could find to survive.” 

At fifteen, Robert made a life-altering decision to leave home. By sixteen, he had dropped out of school and was working as a mechanic. At seventeen, he joined the military—not for glory, but for structure, food, and shelter. After active duty, he started college but ran out of funding before finishing. Unable to pay tuition, he returned to the workforce, beginning his adult life on his own terms. 

Nearly three decades later, just shy of fifty, Robert decided it was time to complete his degree. “I wanted to finish what I started—not just for a promotion, but to prove to myself that I could follow through,” he says. “After weeks of research, I chose UoPeople for its affordability, critical-thinking focus, and global student body. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” He transferred 77 college credits and found the process straightforward and fair. “I’ve already recommended UoPeople to dozens of others, especially adult learners with real-world experience they want to build on.” 

Since enrolling, Robert has written more than 300,000 words across 450 assignments and reviewed nearly 800 peer papers. “That kind of engagement is empathy in motion,” he says. “Interacting with peers from every background expands perspective, challenges assumptions, and builds connection. It’s my favorite part of the experience.”  

Professionally, Robert has spent over three decades at Pop-A-Lock, one of America’s largest locksmith service networks. Rising through the ranks, he became Director of Operations across four countries, overseeing nearly 1,800 team members. Today, he serves as second-in-command at the company, supporting national operations, training franchise owners, and helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses. “What I am learning at UoPeople aligns directly with my professional mission. I want to keep shaping global businesses while encouraging others who feel stuck to take that leap,” he says. 

Outside of work and study, Robert’s curiosity is boundless. He explores AI research, plays drums, teaches ethical lockpicking, mentors gifted youth, and writes science fiction. “I write for digital archaeologists—imagining futures so others can look back and see that we weren’t just dreaming; we were working,” he says. 

Empathy and gratitude guide his life philosophy. “Hardship cements our deepest truths,” he reflects. Rather than respond with anger, he practices what he calls ‘Empathy on Wheels’—listening, understanding, and tending to stories beyond his own. He has even transformed holidays into ‘Gratitude Days,’ moments to thank those whose small acts made a lasting impact. 

As he reflects on his journey, Robert credits his peers, mentors, and the UoPeople community for their support. “To those who’ve accompanied me on this academic journey, thank you,” he says. “Education has given me the tools to keep growing, and I’ll never stop learning.” 

Robert’s story stands as a testament to perseverance and purpose—proof that with resilience, empathy, and education, one person can not only rebuild a life but help others rise along the way. We are truly inspired by his accomplishments and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.