Being one of those "non-traditional" students (you gotta love labels), the whole wiki thing is, well... not intimation per-se, but the most ambitious thing I have done in quite a while. (And that's after two kids through the Pinellas County School system.) Not that I am giving it a second thought. It had been quite a while since I have stepped into an organized classroom. Not only that, but it is unusual (for me, at least) to be the oldest student in the class. Shit, I got kids older than this. One in USF and the other in UCF, graduating in December. A lot to process. Not to sound like some old asshole, but I've been through worse. And so It goes...

Who are you?

As I drove across Tampa Bay with my daughter, the traffic on the bridge was amazingly light. It gave me time to reflect, and to organize my thoughts. That was a much more difficult thing than I let on. America is the land of second chances, and I am not going to let this one slip by. I came to USF with strong desire to finish what I started what seemed several lifetimes ago.

I know it might be a little of a cheat but there is a scholarship for the "non-traditional" students. It is the called the Osher Reentry Scholarship, and required a Goal statement. I thought it would be appropriate. And I wrote it two weeks ago...

The pursuit of a degree has always been a balance between work, family and formal education. In the years prior to my “break” from the pursuit of my Bachelors degree, I had become a father of two daughters, Alyson and Ashley, as well as an assistant manager for Color Tile in Los Angeles. I had already weathered one layoff, when the furniture company I worked with suddenly decided to cease operations. As one of their higher paid employees, I was one of the first to be let go. Financially we had already seen rough times. With two small children, the priority has always been to keep a roof over their heads.

Until then I had been attending classes at Los Angeles Valley College, mainly at night and mostly part time. What was most challenging was my choice of pursuing Journalism as a course of study. Journalism requires a commitment of time and effort not just limited to the classroom, and flexibility was essential. As one of the editorial staff, in addition to reporting, I juggled many responsibilities, including supervising a small staff of writers and providing content on a deadline. All this in a time before personal computers were available, especially to someone with limited means.

There was no doubt that I loved every minute of it, my GPA and Dean’s List recognitions serving as proof. Earlier the Journalism department sponsored a small writers conference, and I had been given the responsibility of organizing and executing the event. It was one of the first management opportunities for me, and it went perfectly. That was the point where I felt I had skills in business that could serve me well.

By the time 1993 came, I was presented a difficult choice. A Color Tile store was in need of a new manager. It was a struggling location that had not turned a profitable quarter in quite a while. It was in Austin, Texas, a place where neither my wife nor myself had ever visited. The responsibility and rewards would be a welcome change from what we were doing in Los Angeles, especially for Alyson and Ashley. Unfortunately it meant taking a break from school. The time requirement and devotion I would normally dedicate to school was redirected into my success at Color Tile. Off to Texas we went.

The store in Austin became one of the most improved locations in the region and the company. That soon lead to other opportunities and chances for success. But there was always a lapse in my story. I felt a bit shorted and needed more.

In meeting people, the response is surprise that I have not completed my Bachelors. I have frequently been told I carry myself as someone who achieved that level of education. I always prided myself on education, attending sales training and gathering up as much professional knowledge as possible. At times not having a degree was bothersome, but I could always comfort myself with the knowledge of my two wonderful daughters, both successful in school, and my own profitability in sales and management.

In subsequent years there were obstacles. Financially, times were tough, including several changes in fortune, not least of which becoming a single parent in 2001. A single father and two teenage daughters living together full time is challenging, to say the least. I had taken a job withYellow Cab in Pinellas County, providing transportation for Medicaid recipients, the economically disadvantaged, the mentally challenged and the elderly. It was a job that provided me with use of a vehicle, and flexibility of schedule so I could be available “on call” for my daughters. I would continue driving for several years which was physically and emotionally exhausting. Struggling to make a living, I found myself spending most of my time with those who are also wrestling with life. It was a unique opportunity to observe people in a variety of circumstances, with points of view just as unique. And I relished it. After a severe automobile accident in February 2007, and at the insistence of my daughters, I left Yellow Cab and returned to sales.

By this time Alyson was attending the University of Central Florida, where she will graduate in December, and Ashley had soon after started at USF(go Bulls!) and is now in her junior year. In spite of several relocations, coping with their parents divorce, and growing up in general, it is with no small sense of accomplishment that they receive the success they deserve, through hard work and determination.

But the real winner is me. With all the challenges in my life what I have in return is maturity, a little wisdom, and the desire improve myself and others. I will succeed because I have an appreciation of my abilities and I understand what it takes stay at the top of my game. I will need to stay sharp. Finishing my Bachelors will give me just that. My post graduate educational goal is law school. Not to become a “big time” lawyer, but to specialize in Civil Rights and Equality. With emphasis on pro bono work. Helping those who struggle and those in need.

The purpose of the race is not only the finish line, but in the race itself. USF will provide me with a framework for achieving the finish line. I will bring the passion for the race.

Who are you?

Sorry for the cheat. Wanted to hit the ground running.

Besides, I prefer this Who song, it is a better fit.