When it came to his faith, Howard Burrage, Jr., of Richton Park, always knew who he was. When it came to his career, he was doggedly uncertain.
Today, at the age of 54, Howard stands as a published author, businessman, and pastor while enjoying a meaningful career in the medical field. The road to realizing his ultimate career passion led Howard through South Suburban College, on a friend’s advice.
“I was in church one night in Dolton and the pastor said write a vision and make it happen. I always wanted to go to college and pursue a career in medicine because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Howard. “So I did what he said, and soon after I found a quality school right here in our area that allowed me to go to school while working.”
Howard credits his education for an assist with another passion of his–writing. In the spring of 2016, Howard wrote a book called Dog Faith that serves as a lesson on what dogs can teach us about our beliefs.
“God has a great sense of humor. He showed me through the eyes of a dog what unconditional love looks like,” said Howard. “No matter what kind of day you have, your dog is there to uplift you, and so is God.”
Why stop there? Howard recently created a trademark clothing brand with Dog Faith, while he oversees CT scans and X-rays working for a hospital in Tinley Park.
Howard reflects on how his life could have been completely different if not for well-timed advice, and a community college that led him to his pathway in life. Howard wants others to know, it’s never too late.
“Education changed my life, and it can change yours too. Next to God, my education has played the biggest role in my success. I am forever going to be grateful to South Suburban College.”
After all, SSC is the home to the Bulldogs. (God laughed.)