At 65, Donald Lambert isn’t a traditional student. He takes classes at Renton Technical College and Seattle Goodwill, sharpening his writing skills and preparing for more advanced college classes.

Donald is eager to achieve his goal: finishing a college degree with a double major in chemical dependency and health and human services.

“My mother used to say, ‘It’s never too late.’ Her voice is constantly in my head,” Donald said. “It’s the driving force for me to finish my education.”

Donald wasn’t always laser-focused on crossing the finish line. At 16, he started drinking and using drugs. He moved to Seattle from Minneapolis in 1988 and was homeless for a while. Back then he would start a new job or attempt sobriety, then quit when things didn’t go well.

When Donald heard that a friend was teaching at Seattle Goodwill, he committed himself to learning again. With encouragement from compassionate Goodwill instructors, Donald earned his diploma through the High School 21+ program. He plans to stay connected with Goodwill for life because of the help he has received breaking his barriers to success.

“Bottom line, it’s never too late to change your direction. But you need to search your soul and find what makes sense for you,” Donald said.