For adults returning to school, the path isn’t always linear. Career, families, and life’s unexpected events can throw plans off course and redefine what success really looks like. The Degrees of Success podcast, hosted by Freda Richards and produced by University of Phoenix, brings a new focus to these realities, highlighting alumni voices who get real about their setbacks, doubts, milestones, and moments of resilience that defined their journey to success and got them to where they are today.
One man’s story takes this to the extreme.
Former United States Navy rescue swimmer turned mountaineer, Brian Dickinson, recounts on Episode 12 of the podcast his summit of Mount Everest alone, only to be struck by slow blindness on his descent. In the episode, he reflects on the harrowing experience and how he used that experience to build resilience, overcome adversity, and stay focused on goals, whether it be in business, school, or your personal life.
Dickinson emphasizes that moving forward often requires courage, and waiting for the “perfect time” to do something can prevent progress.
“It’ll never be your time if you don’t have that courage to just step forward.”
His words resonate with a challenge many adult learners face today: trying to make progress in a world where our attention is constantly pulled in multiple directions from work, family responsibilities, social media, and everyday life.
For those returning to school or tackling your very own version of Everest, stories like Dickinson’s are a stark reminder that success is rarely a straight climb. There will be times when you’re faced with unexpected obstacles, moments of doubt, and challenges that can throw off their focus and determination.
Tune in to the Degrees of Success podcast to hear more stories that inspire, challenge, and celebrate powerful alumni.
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This article originally appeared on Phoenix.edu.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
