61-year-old Fischer left high school to serve the military. Due to knee and back injuries, he could no longer do labor-intensive work. Fischer had not been in a classroom for over four decades but was determined to finish what he started by earning his high school diploma. Though he initially struggled to pass his exams, Fischer studied hard, retook the test, and succeeded. Fischer proudly announced at the podium that he has been accepted to Pierce College to study computer technology. “Life happens,” Fischer said, “but it’s important that we never lose sight of our dreams and goals.”