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Dropout to graduate
The Damon Thompson who dropped out of high school in 2018 is not the same Damon Thompson who is graduating from Black Hawk College in 2026.
“I’ve definitely turned my life around, from not doing well in high school to deciding to go to college later in life,” he said.
Thompson earned his GED® in 2018 through Black Hawk College. In 2024, he decided to continue his educational journey and pursue an Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity at the Quad-Cities Campus.
“Having my future in my own hands has been an eye-opening and transformative experience for me because it made me realize your life really is what you make of it,” he said.
Time for change
One of the perks of Thompson’s part-time job at Farm & Fleet is getting to meet new people and their animals.
Since becoming a college student, Thompson says he has changed a lot for the better, both mentally and physically.
“From the mental aspect, I think maintaining my grades and high GPA has just helped me mature mentally and become a more responsible individual,” he said.
He has been inducted into two honor societies – Phi Theta Kappa and Psi Beta – and was an inaugural recipient of the national Chime Workforce Scholarship from the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation.
He also has kept busy working at Farm & Fleet and in the college’s ITS Department and working out in the Fitness Center.
“Alongside my educational journey, I have also been on a weight loss journey,” he said.
“I have gone from 450 pounds when I started school to currently being at 265 pounds. BHC having a gym on campus has been amazing.”
Finding support
Along his journey, Thompson has found many supporters.
“I’ve met many amazing people, become friends with fellow classmates, and just overall felt accepted and included in campus life, not only by the students but teachers as well,” he said.
Thompson credits Jacob Pender, instructor of information systems, with having a huge impact on him.
“He’s funny, very knowledgeable, interacts with the class, enthusiastic, and most of all he actually cares about his students and the lives they are forging,” Thompson said.
“He is definitely one of the best teachers I’ve had in my educational career.”
After graduation
Even before finals started, Thompson received an offer for a full-time, post-graduation job as a desktop support technician. He plans to work and save money so he can begin pursuing an online cybersecurity and information assurance bachelor’s degree through Western Governors University in early 2027.
He also will be returning to Black Hawk College for one more class so he can earn a CompTIA Network+ certification.
Since January 2026, Thompson has worked 16-20 hours a week as an intern in the college’s ITS Department.
“Black Hawk College has helped prepare me for the next chapter of my life by offering a multitude of resources,” he said.
“I would tell anybody thinking of attending BHC to do it, without a shadow of a doubt!”
