CORNER BROOK Peter Hiscock doesn’t pay attention to anyone who tells him he can’t do something.
“I don’t let anyone take a dream away from me,” said the 47-year-old Hiscock just minutes after receiving his bachelor education (primary/elementary) degree during Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland’s fall convocation Friday.
Hiscock was one of over 60 graduates to receive degrees during the convocation at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre.
Hiscock, who could be seen wiping tears from his eyes after receiving his diploma, was pretty emotional about the experience.
“I’m a very emotional person and it’s a long time coming for me,” said the Corner Brook man.
“You cry when you’re sad, but when you cry when you’re happy there’s no greater feeling in the world.”
Hiscock said you only get three or four really good things happen to you in life and for him getting his degree is one of them.
Hiscock started university 30 years ago in 1982, but he said he was “young and immature” and quit.
He went on to work at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd., got married and started a family.
But about three years ago something changed for Hiscock.
“I just felt I needed to do something with my life. Make myself a bit happier. And I realized I needed to finish my university degree.”
So after 21 years in the mill he quit his job and enrolled at Grenfell.
“It wasn’t an easy decision financial wise,” said Hiscock. “But mentally I feel 20 years younger. I feel reinvigorated for life.
“Sometimes in life you’ve got to stick your neck out to see if it’s far enough out there. If you’re not scared, you shouldn’t be doing it.”
Hiscock said the last three years haven’t been easy but everywhere he went someone was there to help him.
“To point me in the right direction.”
And he gives a lot of credit to his family, especially his wife Robin.
“She put her goals onside so I could go for mine.”
He hopes his kids, Zachary, who is in his final year of high school, and Cassandra, who is in Grade 9, take inspiration from his accomplishment and go for whatever dream they have.
“Life has lead me to where I am now,” said Hiscock.
And he’s not finished yet.
Hiscock is currently working on a bachelor of arts in history and hopes to have a full-time teaching job by September 2013.
