Don't Throw Those Cards Away

I went to university a bit later in life. It was September 2006 so I would have been 24 years old and 5 years removed from high school. I did receive a diploma from one of those private colleges (inside a plaza or mall) which I personally don't recommend. You pay a higher tuition than a university and get a sub-par college education. Sure, I did learn a lot however employers, I believe, frown upon this type of education. They will hire someone out of a college or university first.

Anyway, fast forward to 2006. I am heading to the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. Much to the chagrin of my mom, I am finally moving out of my parent's house! I was a truck driver/milkman and saved up all I could for this education. I refused to go into debt. My goal was to graduate with a major in Computer Science. My parents congratulated me with a "Good luck Son! We are proud of you!" Hallmark card and a brand new laptop. The laptop you would think is the best present a college bound student could have, and trust me it was, but that Hallmark card....

My first year went well. I passed all my courses with flying colours. All the Calculus and programming languages I learned in high school somehow stayed in my brain and I didn't miss a beat. My savings was still intact but I had to take on a summer job and keep saving for years 2, 3 and 4. I found another trucking / delivery job made perfect for a summer student. I saved up all my hard earned summer money and was ready for round two.

It killed me. Graduates of this program I had the pleasure to speak to called 2nd year the "weed out" year. It was the year you either got it and stayed with the program, or some very tough choices lie ahead. It was the first time I had ever failed at anything. Projects upon projects were taking up a lot of time. One math course called "Data Logics" was extremely hard for me to grasp. We were spending countless hours in the lab programming. On weekends, we would sleep in the lab because going home to eat or sleep would be too time consuming. Some students got it, I just didn't get it.

Christmas was approaching and I passed only 3 out of 5 courses in the first semester. I was depressed. I was lost. Not only did I feel I wasted all of my hard earned money on two courses I bombed, I was also missing home. My friends were getting married. They were starting their own families, buying homes, or starting their own careers. They were doing everything I was working so hard to get. I felt like I accidentally hit a reset button which took me back to high school graduation and everything I did for the last 5 years meant nothing.

I sat in my apartment looking over second semester plans and I couldn't control my emotions. I wasn't just teary eyed, I was right out bawling. Here sits a 25-year old man who hasn't cried since his high school sweetheart broke up with him. I had no one to comfort me, and no one physically to turn to at that moment. It was time to pack up and quit. Then I looked at that Hallmark card which was still on my desk.

My parents raised me well. Dad was strong and assertive, mom was kind and generous. Two different dynamics that made me what I am today. I call it the "perfect parent combo." I looked at the handwritten note mom left in the card. "We are so proud of you. Love Mom and Dad." Damn. That really meant a lot. Then I started thinking about my brother, my friends back home and everyone else I deserted to achieve this dream. They must be proud of me too. I can't let them down.

Before I started at Westerm, I met someone very successful in the I.T. field. I remember him telling me that it doesn't really matter what degree you receive in univeristy, just do well, get a diploma or degree and then prove yourself as capable in any field you want to go into. I switched my path from Computer Science to English. I went from studying binary code, C+ and assembly language to Shakespeare, Drama and creative writing. I passed every course from that semester on. I graduated in 2010 with a major in English and minor in Comp. Sci. Today, I am currently an Apple / Mobile Technologist for our local school board.

I often think back to that night I was crying at my desk. Would I have quit school and quit chasing my goals if I didn't see that card? It's hard to come up with an answer. I wanted a degree more than anything. That card however, was a reminder that everyone at home was cheering for me. The two most important people in my life were proud of me, and I couldn't let them down. That thought, that card, it all trickled down to everyone close to me. I couldn't let them down.

This applies to running as well. Whenever I hit a "wall" to pun the marathon, whether it's an injury or I'm in the middle of long, hard training session or tough race, I think back to the people at the finish line waiting for me and cheering me on. Even when you are not physically in attendance I know you are somehow still engaged in this journey with me. And for that I want to thank all of you for your encouragement. Especially my mom and dad. Don't ever stop sending me cards.