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Al Brunet
When I reached the age of forty two I decided to take a hobby of mine and make a career of it. I quit my job, that paid well and had what was considered to be a good pension, and went back to colle...view moreWhen I reached the age of forty two I decided to take a hobby of mine and make a career of it. I quit my job, that paid well and had what was considered to be a good pension, and went back to college entering into a computer degree program. Friends questioned my sanity citing that I would be up against eighteen year olds that had grown up around computers. They referred to them as Computer Geniuses and declared that I would never be able to compete with them. What if? I thought. What if I not only competed but held my own. What if I was able to give them a run for their money. What if my determination and hard work would help me to challenge their so called superior computer abilities. I dove in with the belief that my what if’s were not only possible but attainable.
Many times my data analyst instructor advised me to reconsider and find another field. She informed me repeatedly that sixty percent would fail and there was no shame in accepting defeat and changing to another less demanding course. I stressed and struggled through the ceaseless tests and focused my detail oriented mind on the problems. Pure determination carried me through some of the most gruelling, and challenging tests. When the final exam came I stood outside the hall and a sense of relaxation came over me. I met my instructor outside the hall and she asked how I was. Fine I calmly replied. “You do realize that this stands for thirty five percent of your total mark do you not?” I smiled and shrugged my shoulders. “I guess I will find out if I know it or not. If not then it’s too late to worry about what I don’t know.” She shook her head and I entered the hall. I could see from her expression that she considered my future doomed. What if she were wrong? She was. Not only did I pass the exam but did so with a mark that surprised her. I advanced.
I entered this course with many opinions of what is ringing in my ears but walked out having accomplished all of my what ifs.
So I ask you to examine what you believe is and ask instead what if .. and see where it might lead you.
And now I enter a new phase in my life. Writing the books that have grown within my mind. Where might this lead me?
Al Brunetview less