Education Is The Key To Success!
Shaquille O’neal [4 time NBA champion] is now Dr. O’neal. O’neal obtained his doctorate degree in Education from Barry University and like many, Shaq took part in his commencement ceremony this past Saturday [May 4th Miami Florida] to accept his honorary award.
Who’d ever thought? Shaq was shooting in the gym and hitting the books hard at same d*mn time! Just 19 years prior, Shaq left Louisiana State University to enter the NBA, but what many people did not know was that Shaq had returned to school and earned his bachelor’s, then his master’s and now, a doctorate degree.
Just one year into retirement, Shaquille O’neal proves that he is more than an athlete on the court. Shaq was all smiles as he walked across the stage. Shaqn was joined by his longtime girlfriend Nicole Hoopz Alexander and mother and he couldn’t have looked more happier.
Shaq told ABC that he values the importance of education and he promised his parents that he would complete finish school.
One, I promised my parents I would[follow my passion for education]. Two, I wanted to continue my education and three, I wanted to challenge myself.
The hardest part was getting back into high school mode. You ever have that high school teacher that says, you’ve got to read six chapters over the weekend?
Shaq wrote his thesis on the value of humor in leadership, because he says he’s a natural leader who loves to laugh. Shaq has his eyes on a new goals. Shaq says he wants to become a motivational speaker and he also noted that he intends to go to law school as well.
Shaq also says thats there is “no way” anyone is allowed to call him Shaq.
Only the children can call me Shaq, the adults have to address me as Dr. O’Neal. I’m proud to call you Dr. O’Neal!” said his mother.
When asked if he missed the game. Shaq replied:
I don’t miss the game, Because I got a new walk, A Doctor’s walk.
What an accomplishment? Now I dare a celebrity tell me that they ain’t no role model. Yes the h*ll you are? Whether you think you are or not. Congrat’s Shaq! Let this be an example for many to follow. In the words of Nas: I Know I Can, Be What I Wanna Be, If I Work hard At It, I Be Where I Wanna Be.