Fatherhood, which will be celebrated Sunday with Father’s Day, is a powerful force. Just ask Perimeter College alumnus Jason Pickard. The birth of his son changed Pickard’s life.
Pickard experienced more than just the obvious changes, such as sleep interruptions and diaper duty.
In Pickard’s words, it “was a transformative experience and was even a catalyst that prompted me to reshape my life, redefine my goals and redirect my future.”
The birth of Josh inspired Pickard to eat right, exercise and get fit. He stuck at it and eventually lost 130 of his 300-plus pounds.
Josh’s arrival also prompted Jason to look beyond his job as a motorcycle mechanic. He went back to school at Perimeter College, studying business and taking core classes at the Dunwoody Campus. He made the Dean’s List and was awarded the second annual GPC/DeKalb College Retiree Association Scholarship in 2011. That scholarship is designed to assist a student 35 years of age or older, who has a GPA of 2.5 or higher and who is changing careers and has financial need.
Josh says his wife shares credit for his progress. She supported his decision and the family made sacrifices and cut expenses so he could stay on track, graduate with an associate degree, then continue at Georgia State University.
In December 2015, Jason graduated from Georgia State with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Now, he is exploring new job opportunities.
Pickard realizes he has come a long way since the birth of Josh.
“I wanted to be a better person and strong example for him.”