14 DAY TRIAL // In June 2012, Mark Wahlberg promised on David Letterman that he would do his best to finish high school, many decades after dropping out. True to his word, the actor now proudly introduces himself as “Mark Wahlberg – High School Graduating Class of 2013.”
In an op-ed on The Huffington Post, Wahlberg explains why he was adamant to finish what he started years ago, and even uses his own example to highlight a situation most American families are well too familiar with.
The star, who has a very successful career as an actor and producer, and has even enjoyed fame as a musician, starts his piece by stating out the obvious: not all high school dropouts end up “with successful careers in Hollywood.”
While he might be the exception to that, the fact that he dropped out of school in ninth grade is something which many teens and their families can relate to.
“Compared with high school graduates, dropouts are more likely to be unemployed, in poor health, living in poverty or on public assistance. And this doesn't just affect an unlucky few. Every day, 7,000 students drop out of high school – more than 1.2 million a year. More than 40 million adults nationwide lack a high school diploma,” Mark writes.
Because you can only change something for the better by starting with yourself, Mark wants to lead by example.
As he promised over a year ago, he went back to school and he finally got his diploma.
“I was fortunate to find out I could attend high school online. For almost a year, I've been taking classes and studying any chance I could get – on the set, traveling for work and at home. It has been both humbling and challenging, but I'm happy to report that I am officially a high school graduate,” he writes.
The experience has also made him more determined to do his best to help others in a similar situation, so he’s teamed up with several charities with the aim of offering funds to those who don’t have the financial resources to get a proper education.
“It shouldn't take luck for people to be able to access the education they need to help overcome life's obstacles. Investment in education is a no-brainer in promoting personal and career growth and supporting our economic recovery,” Mark argues.
“You are not alone. I can now look at my kids every day knowing that I didn't just do this for me -- I did it for them, and I did it for all the other teens and adults who have inspired me by their commitment to graduate. If we don't live by example, then what do we live by?” the star concludes by saying.