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Vicksburg native Ryan “Daniel” Riles, who was recently a student at Holmes Community College, credits the institution for him returning to finish his education. He serves as a marine compliance officer for a marine transportation company and enrolled at Holmes in the business administration program.
“I just wanted to take a moment to express a word of gratitude for my experience at Holmes during the year that I have been a student,” Riles said. “When I first started college, I began at Hinds Community College in 2004, where I eventually had to drop out. I was young, unmotivated and was determined to work my way to the top. Last year, after reaching the top of the ladder where I was in my career, I decided if I wanted to go higher, I would need to get a college degree. I spoke to some of the excellent staff at the Holmes Goodman Campus and the next thing I knew, I was a student again.
“My wife Afton and I had just brought home our twins, and I still work full-time, so the timing was less than perfect,” Riles said. “During this time, I prayed a lot and still do. It was a rough year, but I made it. In my journey as a student at Holmes, I experienced class with some of the best instructors in the state. My advisor, J.R. Hall, was always willing to help by any means. He even took the time to set up a Zoom meeting as we discussed what I need to meet my goals at Southern Miss and I appreciate that. I often regret that I waited 16 years to finally ‘get it’ that I needed this education, but it was all for this time and this season. The Lord works in mysterious ways.”
Riles is now at the University of Southern Mississippi where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. Outside of work and school he enjoys training civilians on how to protect themselves in public and on the safe use of firearms. When he is not coaching students, he enjoys being a student.
“I try to take as many personal protection/firearm-related classes as I can to keep my skills up to an instructor’s level,” Riles said.
Riles also enjoys spending time with his family. In addition to their twins, Annaliese and Abagail, they also have an older daughter, Adelynn.
“I am glad I chose Holmes,” Riles said. “As a working adult with a family, the online program provides opportunities to just about anyone longing to finish what they started. My only regret is waiting so long. There is no better time to pursue a college degree. I was a little hard-headed as a young adult; however, working in the real world, the new standard is a college degree. You can always climb the ladder to the top, however, taking the elevator (getting a college degree) is faster and provides a more secure future. I am very proud of where I am today and thankful for the many instructors at Holmes that helped me get there!”
Holmes Ridgeland Campus Vice President Dr. Don Burnham noted that Riles is a positive representation of the non-traditional population of students.
“Many of our non-traditional students have a life story similar to Daniel Riles,” Dr. Burnham said. “Daniel recognized a need, as do many of our non-traditional students, to continue his education to enhance his employment opportunities. He established the goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree and is remaining focused on obtaining an industrial engineering degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. We are honored to have students like Daniel attend Holmes Community College. We are also proud of our staff and faculty, such as J.R. Hall in Daniel’s case, who assist students in reaching their goals whether at Holmes or beyond.”
To learn more about Holmes Community College’s programs, visit holmescc.edu.
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