John Shirley, a U.S. Navy veteran, has achieved a life-changing milestone after years of hardship, graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate at over 60 years old. His inspiring journey has resonated with Americans across the country.
Before donning his graduation cap and gown, Shirley faced a string of devastating challenges. He battled colon cancer, endured a period of homelessness, and even lived in his car. Still, he never lost sight of his dream to build a better life.
“I wanted to have a better life for myself. I felt better about me as who I am,” Shirley told NBC 5. “I’ve always been the type of person that never wanted to stop and never wanted to quit.”
Shirley, who grew up in Kentucky, enlisted in the Navy straight out of high school and served for eight years. After leaving the military, he worked as an electrician and fought a life-threatening battle with cancer. Once in remission, he made a bold move in 2021 to Dallas, where he briefly lived in a homeless shelter before finding work and ultimately enrolling at UTA in 2022.
His tenacity paid off, and Shirley became the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. “It means everything. It’s a major life accomplishment,” he said. He emphasized the transformative power of education, especially for those facing adversity. “If I can make it, they can make it.”
Shirley’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith, resilience, and hard work can forge a path to success — no matter the odds.
