Austin, Taxes – Bill Rogers, a Liberian international track athlete based in the United States, recently inspired students at Cedar International Next Generation High School by sharing his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a world-class athlete and professor. Rogers urged the students to view his life as proof that with focus, hard work, and perseverance, anything is possible.
Cedar International Next Generation High School, located in Austin, Texas, is renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence. Speaking in the presence of the school’s principal, Steven Zipkes, Rogers expressed his gratitude for being in a place where former U.S. President Barack Obama once stood, endorsing the bright future the school is fostering.
In July, Rogers received one of Liberia’s highest honors, the Knight Official of the Humane Order of African Redemption, from President Joseph Boakai, in recognition of his humanitarian work over the years.
During his speech, Rogers recounted his journey to America and how he overcame the challenges posed by the civil war in Liberia. Born in Liberia, Rogers described his childhood as one marked by both incredible beauty and unimaginable challenges. As a young boy, he endured the devastation of civil unrest, which ravaged his homeland and left deep scars.
“Yet, despite these hardships, I never lost sight of my dreams. I was blessed to be able to travel the world—from Hungary to Kenya, and eventually, to this great country, the United States. Each step of my journey taught me valuable lessons, not just about survival, but about resilience, hope, and the power of following the right people in life,” Rogers said.
He continued, “Today, I stand before you as a former world-class athlete and now a professor in this great nation, proof that no matter where you start, your journey can lead you to incredible heights. My achievements, including awards from the President of Liberia and recognitions for global impact, are not just personal milestones—they are testimonies to what is possible when you stay focused, work hard, and never give up.”
Rogers also shared a brief story about the educational system in his home country, Liberia. He explained how the civil war, which ravaged Liberia for over a decade, not only took lives and displaced millions but also shattered the foundation of society—education.
“Schools were destroyed, teachers were displaced, and an entire generation of children was left without the education they deserved. Even after the war ended, the recovery has been slow. The system has struggled with underfunding, a lack of infrastructure, and insufficient teacher training, leaving many young Liberians without access to quality education,” he said.
Addressing the students, Rogers emphasized the importance of seizing the moment: “To the freshmen, juniors, seniors, and new students—this is your time. Each of you has unique potential waiting to be discovered. The decisions you make now will shape your future. Ask yourself, in a few years, how do you want to see yourself? How would you like to be remembered? What is your purpose and legacy, or your parents’ legacy, that you want to uphold or create? These are questions that will guide you as you navigate through life.”
He stressed that education is the foundation upon which dreams are built, calling it the most powerful weapon people can use to change the world.
“Here at Cedar International Next Generation Technology High School, you are given the tools, the environment, and the support to prepare for a future full of possibilities. Remember, those who prepare now are the ones who will lead in the future. The world is constantly changing, and you are the generation that will drive that change,” he said.
Rogers concluded by thanking the faculty and staff for their unwavering commitment to shaping the minds and futures of the students. “Your role in their lives is not just to educate, but to inspire, guide, and nurture. The impact you have on these students will resonate far beyond these walls, as they go on to make their mark on the world.”
