When NSCS member Dwayne Wiggins, Jr. returned to college as an adult in his early thirties, he wasn’t chasing a title or trying to impress anyone. He just wanted to finish what he had started, for himself. Now 42, Dwayne reflects on how returning to college as an adult led to more than just a degree. It helped him discover purpose, confidence, and a calling to help others thrive.
The Power of a Fresh Start
Dwayne didn’t follow a traditional college path. After high school, life took him in a different direction, and it wasn’t until years later that he found himself ready to try again. “I just wanted to do it for me,” he shared. “No pressure, no expectations. I needed to know I could.”
That shift changed everything. Once enrolled at Full Sail University to continue his education as an adult learner, he leaned into the experience, taking on student leadership roles, eventually serving as Chapter President for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) and joining the National Leadership Council. He remembers traveling to Washington, DC for an NSCS leadership conference and feeling like, for the first time, he truly belonged.
“I’ll never forget that trip,” Dwayne said. “It reminded me that even if you start late, you still get to show up fully. That was a turning point for me.”
Building Confidence Through Connection at NSCS
For Dwayne, getting involved wasn’t just about building a resume. It was about healing. “When I got active in school and NSCS, I started seeing myself differently,” he said. “I realized I had something to offer, not just as a student, but as a person.”
As a member of this honor society for high-achieving college students, Dwayne gained leadership experience, mentoring opportunities, and access to NSCS scholarships that helped him stay motivated and focused on his goals. “It was the first time someone saw leadership in me before I saw it in myself,” he said. “That changed my mindset.”
Asking the Real Questions
Today, Dwayne is a high school educator, author, and speaker. His book, Are You Okay?, grew from a simple question he noticed people rarely asked with intention.
“We’re so used to saying ‘I’m fine,’” he explained. “But when someone really asks, ‘Are you okay?’ and means it, that can change everything.”
He now leads workshops across the country, helping others create space for honest conversations. His message: vulnerability is a strength. And healing starts with giving yourself permission to feel.
Boundaries, Rest, and Protecting Your Energy
Through all his work, Dwayne is intentional about setting boundaries. “I give out my phone number at events,” he said, “but I don’t pressure myself to respond right away. I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup.”
He encourages other students and professionals to take care of their mental health first. “It’s not selfish to rest. It’s necessary,” he said. “You can’t keep going if you’re running on empty.”
Your Story Isn’t Over
Dwayne believes in the power of speaking goals into existence. Years ago, he told his grandmother he wanted to be featured in a magazine. A few months later, it happened. That moment showed him that ideas only grow when you give them room to live.
“If you’ve been waiting to start something, do it,” he said. “You’re not too old, too late, or too anything. You’re ready when you say you are.”
Interested in NSCS membership for non-traditional or returning students? Learn more about NSCS benefits for adult learners.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Dwayne and NSCS Founder Steve Loflin on ScholarScoop:
