Mark Wahlberg just graduated from high school. At 42. The Oscar nominee who dropped out of school in ninth grade decided to go back as an adult and earn his diploma not only for himself, but to set a good example for his kids. Congrats Marky Mark – this is truly fabulous!

Mark took to Huffington Post yesterday to pen an op-ed about why he went back to school after so many years and after having such success with his career.

“My circumstances were not unlike millions of other teens today, who live in tough working class neighborhoods surrounded by drugs, violence and crime, and who struggle to stay on the right path without positive influences,” Wahlberg wrote.

Mark explained that he’s been “lucky” to have a career which allowed him to make time to graduate after all these years.

The actor referred to scary statistics which include the fact that over 1.2 million high school students drop out every year, resulting in of $200,000 less earnings over the course of their lifetimes than students who do graduate.

“For me, this crisis isn’t just a national problem. It’s entirely personal. I was fortunate to find out I could attend high school online. For almost a year, I’ve been taking classes and studying any chance I could get – on the set, traveling for work and at home. It has been both humbling and challenging, but I’m happy to report that I am officially a high school graduate, having received my diploma this summer.”

Mark put in his two cents: “It shouldn’t take luck for people to be able to access the education they need to help overcome life’s obstacles. Investment in education is a no-brainer in promoting personal and career growth and supporting our economic recovery.”

Mark then addressed people who may have had a tough early start to life. “To those students struggling every day and – most importantly — to those who are looking for a second chance, I have a message for you: never give up. Keep believing in yourselves and don’t make small plans.

“You are not alone. I can now look at my kids every day knowing that I didn’t just do this for me – I did it for them, and I did it for all the other teens and adults who have inspired me by their commitment to graduate.”