The winding road is more beautiful than the direct route
/My time in high school
Attended high school in the
1990s
Overall high school experience
7/10. Some of High School sucked. Some of High School was the absolute best. I made great friends working on Theatre productions and other artistic ventures and hated every minute of PE. Jocks made fun of me in every way they knew how as I walked into the choir room, and then I made beautiful sounds with a group of 60 singers.
Grades in high school
B's and C's. My grades were all over the map. Some A's Mostly B's and a handful of C's and I think one D. I honestly don't remember because once you're a couple years out of high school none of it matters. Sure it matters in getting you to college and for some scholarships, but by the time you're 25 or 30, it is the memories from your experiences that stay with you.
Favorite subjects
Foreign Language, Performing Art
Struggled with...
PE. I was tall and gangly. Not particularly fast or strong...and definitely had issues with authority.
Favorite extracurricular
Performance Art
Life since high school
“What I am finding now in my mid-late 30’s is that having experience in various fields has helped me differentiate myself and it makes me more valuable. I have also found that my early experience from High School and college jobs may not look good on my resume anymore, but I can still rely on using the lessons I learned at those jobs in my current position. ”
Attended college / university at
UC Santa Cruz.
Majored in
Major: Community Studies. Minor Electronic Music
Post-graduate education or training
A year after college I found myself working retail and took the Management Training course at Radio Shack. It has been useful for every job I've had ever since, and most of my hobbies too. I also went back to school and got my MBA through University of Phoenix while I was employed at Radio Shack.
Places lived in US
California, Michigan
Current occupations / past occupations
Currently Audio Video Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Bar Association. I have previously worked as an Audio Visual technician in hotels and event centers, Store Manager for Radio Shack
Industries I've worked in
- Retail Trade
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (e.g. Law, Accounting, Interior Design, Graphic Design, R&D, PR, Advertising, etc.)
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
- Tourism & Hospitality
Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
Yes and no. My education helped me understand work and deadlines, but the realities of the work world are that you have to learn a lot things for every new job you do...and eventually you have worked enough jobs that you come in as an experienced candidate instead of entry level. It almost always takes longer to be perceived as experienced than it takes to feel experienced...and you often have to prove yourself no matter what experience you bring in.
Has your education or career/occupation trajectory ever changed? How?
I have changed paths several times. What I am finding now in my mid-late 30's is that having experience in various fields has helped me differentiate myself and it makes me more valuable. I have also found that my early experience from High School and college jobs may not look good on my resume anymore, but I can still rely on using the lessons I learned at those jobs in my current position.
A little introspection...
To me, being successful means...
Being in the process of creativity and in the company of people who make you feel good inside...while able to feed yourself food that makes your body feel good and work well.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be more about money and accomplishments
My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
My greatest accomplishment was when I picked up my guitar again after 5 years of giving up and deciding to play and write songs again. I learned that making music is a gift that I can give to myself. It doesn't have to make me famous or earn me money in order to add value to my life.
My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
In college I pulled away from my friends because my girlfriend didnt like them...fast forward a few years and she was my wife and I had very few friends of my own...fast forward a few more years and she's my ex-wife and I had to rebuild those friendships.
An unexpected event that significantly changed my life and how it impacted me
When I was 16 my older brother died in his college dorm room. This absolutely changed my life. Suddenly my high school "problems" seemed inconsequential. Suddenly my classmates seemed childish. Suddenly I needed to make the most of each day. Eventually I realized that I needed to plan for the future because I may live another several decades...and living in the moment can only take you so far.
This alumni is open to your questions and follow-ups.
In order to protect anonymity, we will pass along your message and they can choose whether to respond.
My favorite spot in or around Palo Alto
I had a great time delivering pizzas for Pizza A Go-Go during my senior year...which is of course gone now, changed locations and switched to Pizza my Heart...some of the same staff but very different pizza.
[map pointing to the new location at Pizza my Heart]
