In 1979 I was an 18 year old wide-eyed freshman at the University of Southern Maine (USM). My plan was to major in English, graduate, and become a famous writer. It all seemed pretty straight forward.
However, like many teenage boys I was immediately distracted (consumed?) by things other than academics. I’m sure I don’t need to explain.
I was on academic probation after the first semester and the second semester was no better. I was stressed about grades and how I would pay back my student loans once (if) I graduated.
At the beginning of my sophomore year the stress (and the continued distractions) got the best of me and made me ill. I dropped out after just one month into my sophomore year. My plan was to go back once I recovered, but I didn’t.
After six months working a dead end job I realized that I needed some guidance and tough love. In April 1981 I enlisted in U.S. Army and got my wish. For those who haven’t experienced military life, drill sergeants are great motivators! Over the course of my four year enlistment I received training and experience that instilled a sense of responsibility and prepared me for a successful career in the tech industry. I will always be thankful to the U.S. Army for giving me a chance and showing me the way. I’m not sure what would have happened otherwise.
In April 2022 I retired after a successful career in the tech industry while working for the same company for 36 years.
That might normally be the end of the story, except there was something nagging me. It had been nagging me since 1980 when I dropped out of USM. I had quit something that was very important and I didn’t feel good about it.
Last month I decided that I needed to wrap up this loose end and as of last week I am once again enrolled as a full-time student at USM. It couldn’t be just any school. It had to be USM because it was important for me to finish what I started where I started. Classes begin next month. As a side note, USM offers in-state tuition to out-of-state veterans. How’s that for serendipity?!
This isn’t about getting a degree. I certainly don’t need one now. This is all about the importance of honoring commitments. I am finally following through on an important commitment I made to myself 43 years ago and it feels good.
However, like many teenage boys I was immediately distracted (consumed?) by things other than academics. I’m sure I don’t need to explain.
I was on academic probation after the first semester and the second semester was no better. I was stressed about grades and how I would pay back my student loans once (if) I graduated.
At the beginning of my sophomore year the stress (and the continued distractions) got the best of me and made me ill. I dropped out after just one month into my sophomore year. My plan was to go back once I recovered, but I didn’t.
After six months working a dead end job I realized that I needed some guidance and tough love. In April 1981 I enlisted in U.S. Army and got my wish. For those who haven’t experienced military life, drill sergeants are great motivators! Over the course of my four year enlistment I received training and experience that instilled a sense of responsibility and prepared me for a successful career in the tech industry. I will always be thankful to the U.S. Army for giving me a chance and showing me the way. I’m not sure what would have happened otherwise.
In April 2022 I retired after a successful career in the tech industry while working for the same company for 36 years.
That might normally be the end of the story, except there was something nagging me. It had been nagging me since 1980 when I dropped out of USM. I had quit something that was very important and I didn’t feel good about it.
Last month I decided that I needed to wrap up this loose end and as of last week I am once again enrolled as a full-time student at USM. It couldn’t be just any school. It had to be USM because it was important for me to finish what I started where I started. Classes begin next month. As a side note, USM offers in-state tuition to out-of-state veterans. How’s that for serendipity?!
This isn’t about getting a degree. I certainly don’t need one now. This is all about the importance of honoring commitments. I am finally following through on an important commitment I made to myself 43 years ago and it feels good.