Summer Commencement 2014 is held at Youngstown State University, and it's the first graduating class for new President Jim Tressel.

Tressel knows better than anyone that your path to success in life does not have to lead you down just one road.

"Continue that curiosity to learn to grow to find out what you can do next," Tressel said.

As hundreds graduate from YSU they're prepared to pave that path to success.

Many have already secured that dream job, including Todd Burch of Warren, who in his 30's realized it's never too late to get that college degree.

"I had experience, I loved working with young people, so I though it would be good for me to go back to school and earn a degree as far as working with young people so that's why I chose the field of social work," Burch said.

YSU gave Kevin Thompson Lang all the tools he needed to get his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Civil/Environmental Engineering. He says there's jobs out there, so nothing should hold you back from getting an education.

"Go for it. If you're even thinking about it, just do it. Don't second guess yourself, just do it. Stick to your degree, get through your classes," Thompson Lang said.

While higher education is a major investment, the payoff in the end should be the biggest benefit, and your ultimate reward.

"Life is so much about your attitude and your confidence and your belief in yourself, that's why it's fun to see this day where everyone has that glow and we have to remind them keep that glow, not that things are going to be easy. But keep that glow and you'll be fine," President Tressel said.