Wheelchair skater Robert Thompkins has been showing up in a big way these past few years.
Between filming clips, staying active in the adaptive skate scene, and holding down his job, he has been moving forward with a level of commitment that anyone in the skate community can respect.
Most people know Robert for his clips and for the way he keeps rolling no matter what life puts in front of him.
His mobility device has never slowed him down on a board or at work. What many people might not know is that he has also been working through something personal that has nothing to do with tricks or filming days.
This time, it is not a new part or a heavy clip.
Robert has now earned something many people spend years trying to complete. He officially received his high school diploma, and the support he received from friends and family made the whole moment even more meaningful.
It proves that skaters do not have to fit into one box. Skate legend Jamie Thomas finished his GED at fifty. Now more skaters are feeling confident enough to take care of things outside the streets, proving that learning continues long after school usually ends.
Robert shared the story behind his achievement in an emotional post.
He talked about how he left school early because he was told he would graduate, then moved straight into work.
After his accident, he returned to school and earned a certificate in the trade he has been dedicated to for more than seventeen years.
He never felt the need to go back for anything else until recently, when he learned his transcripts only showed completion up to the eleventh grade.
He explained that this year brought a lot of challenges and that he had moments where things felt heavy, but he stayed committed, kept showing up, and refused to quit. In his words, giving in is unacceptable.
He finished his message by thanking everyone who encouraged him throughout the process and closed with the line that hit everyone right in the heart. We did it momma.
Robert’s accomplishment means a lot.
It shows growth, determination, and the strength to handle something he set aside for years. It also shows the value of the people who stood with him through every step.
And now he gets to celebrate something that was entirely his to claim.
Better late than never, as he said. And for Robert, this moment feels just right.
Robert Posted:
"When I was younger I made a lot of bad decisions, after being told I’d graduate a couple times I left school & started working, after the accident I returned to school to receive a certificate in the trade that I’ve worked in now for 17+ years. I didn’t have any plans on returning to school as it’s never been an issue until recently & after receiving my transcripts they only showed completion up to 11th grade. This year has truly tested me in more ways than I can say, but I’m still here & have plenty of fight left in me, giving in is unacceptable!! Better late than never I suppose, I thank each & everyone of you that’ve known of the scenario & that have supported/encouraged me along the way. We did it momma!!"