Retired firefighter Roger Lopez makes his college comeback, says “anyone can, no matter what age.”

Retired San Antonio firefighter Roger Lopez no longer has to report for work at the fire station. These days, he’s focusing his time on hobbies, spending time with family, and — earning an associate degree in Fire Service Leadership completely online at San Antonio College (SAC).

Roger is making his college comeback. He first attempted college over 30 years ago but found it impossible to juggle shift work with in-person classes. Now retired, he’s still balancing a list of competing priorities, including raising his two sons. How does he fit earning a degree into his schedule? With AlamoONLINE at SAC.

Roger enjoys the flexibility to choose his course schedule, complete his assignments before deadlines approach, and even learn from the comfort of his home.

“The flexibility of online learning is what made my return possible,” Roger says. “Even with retirement, you’d think I have all of this time, but I’ve got a 9- and 6-year-old and other responsibilities,” Roger explains. “With the convenience of SAC's online degree programs, I can navigate my courses around mine and the kids' schedule. I set specific days to work on my assignments, ensuring I stay on top of it without last-minute cramming.”

"With AlamoONLINE, I can navigate my courses around mine and the kids' schedule”

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Returning to college to earn a long sought-after degree has been one of Roger’s greatest achievements. Although the hardest part was deciding to go back, he wants others to know that they’re capable of doing the same, regardless of age or stage in life.

“If anyone is thinking, ‘I don’t know if I want to do this” — go through the registration process, take one class, and try it. You might find that you can do two or three classes,” he explains. “Come to new student orientation, and meet with your advisors. They helped lay out a path for me to get my associate's and a bachelor's with AlamoU.”

Roger also uses life experience, including decades of full-time employment, as an asset in his studies. “I did a lot of things in the fire department; I had a great career. I learned how to study and communicate, which is a big deal, especially in these group settings in class, it’s helpful.”

In this new chapter of Roger’s life, he’s re-discovering old passions and exploring new ones, like the joy of life-long learning. He says his coursework has been “an enjoyable experience.”

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but it’s different from years ago,” Roger says. "Now I'm enjoying classes."

Roger’s story is a testament that it’s never too late to earn a degree. Make your comeback and start planning for your future by contacting an enrollment coach today!