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In reply to the discussion: My high school counselor said I wasn't "college material". Well, guess who passed the CA bar exam? [View all]usaf-vet
(6,189 posts)Well I did find a job where my hands were important. I became a military medic working in the operating room. Everyday for four years. From my hand to the surgeons hands the instrument he (they) needed. Every surgeon is different. Each one has his own choice of the instruments he or she uses for a specific step in any given operation. You had to know what came next and have it ready. What instrument for what doctor in what step in the given case.
After graduation from basic training, basic medics training, and advance specialty OR training I returned to my high school guidance office with my certificates of graduation from medic's training with my class ranking of second in each course. Additionally I deliver this message. Do NOT underestimate the part that a desire to learn in a challenging environment has in ones success. High school was boring then and failed to take into account an individuals learning style.
I was then and I still am an independent learner. Put the desire to learn together with the resources to learn and there is no end to what you can accomplish.
After my honorable discharge. I went to college and got several degrees on the GI Bill. Got married and raised a family.
I went on to co-author a book on teaching database management to middle and high school students. I taught courses in several colleges in our region. Many of the now retiring teachers and college professors were students of mine when schools were starting to add computer science class to their curriculum.
When time allowed I decided to give back to my community and ran for the local School Board. Got elected twice.
One of my proudest moments was the day our brand new elementary school was opened.
In the front entrance there is a plaque with nine names on it. And mine is one of the nine School Board members that ushered this new learning environment into our community.
Now retired and in our 70's my wife (a college graduate) and I are still giving back to our community. And we are both still life long learners.