"Never give up. Keep believing in yourselves and don't make small plans." - Mark Wahlberg

Oh, Marky Mark, your adorability never ceases to move us. Mark Wahlberg recently completed the credits he needed to earn his high school diploma -- at age 42. A mixed up teen who had more than one run-in with the law, the actor and producer dropped out of school when he was in ninth grade. After graduating all these years later, he put his thoughts about the experience in an op-ed for the Huffington Post.

 "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," wrote Wahlberg.

"Most high school dropouts don't end up with successful careers in Hollywood. I was lucky. Compared with high school graduates, dropouts are more likely to be unemployed, in poor health, living in poverty or on public assistance," he continued. "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."

He concluded: "I was able to do it because I knew I wasn't alone: that other teens and adults were going through the same thing I was in balancing work and family in order to better themselves. 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."

The actor founded and operates the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which raises money for youth service and enrichment programs, including education.

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