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ATLANTA — Larry Hardy (M.A. '24) had always dreamed of going back to school to get his master’s degree. But like many people, his family and his financial responsibilities came first.
“I initially started going to school in the ’80s, but I also had a family then. It became very difficult to go to school,” Hardy said.
Hardy worked in sales and marketing for a local cable company before joining the Georgia World Congress Center serving in customer service and logistics roles. As Hardy neared retirement age, he wasn’t quite ready to retire but was eager to discover what his next chapter would look like.
“I was walking by Georgia State one day and said, 'Let’s see if I can get admitted,'” Hardy said.
Hardy enrolled in GSU-62, a waiver program that covers tuition and certain fees for Georgia residents who are 62 or older.
While having a conversation with an admissions counselor, he learned about Georgia State’s gerontology program. Gerontology is the study of aging. Hardy was intrigued. He thought about how he could incorporate his career working with the public and translate that into helping older adults.
Hardy noticed that a big issue for older adults is transportation, especially for those who cannot drive anymore or older adults with chronic health issues who need assistance. He knew being able to provide this service would be the next chapter of his career.
“We all get to a point where we can’t drive and have to depend on others,” Hardy said. “It feels great to know that these older adults have options for their daily travel to the grocery store, church and visiting friends. It’s great for their well-being, helps them to avoid isolation, loneliness and depression, and improves their independence.”
Now, at 72 years old, Hardy is not only fulfilling a lifelong dream of getting a master’s degree, he’s reached a whole new phase in his professional journey that he finds truly rewarding. After graduation this fall, Hardy said he would like to work in transportation policy and eventually start a business in travel and leisure for older adults.
He’s thankful for support from the GSU-62 program so he could focus on his studies and not how to pay for tuition. He encourages anyone who’s 62 years old or older to take advantage of the program if they can.
“You can never be too old. Just believe in yourself. Go for your dreams,” Hardy said.
— Story by Anslee Bunkley
— Photo by Raven Schley