Loose Strings in the Tapestry

You know reading Kranki's post tonight really made me think. It made me think and appreciate the turns that life takes. See, I took some detours in life. Take college for example. I switched my major 2x. I started as a Pharmacy major, switched to Engineering, and then ended up with a mathematics degree. As a result, it extended my 4 year program to 10 years. I went to my first college (yes I said first college) for 5 years, then took a year off and then finished my Bachelor's degree 4 years later working full time as a QC person at a juice plant and going to school part time. I credit my extended education to a maturity issue. Actually a lack of maturity issue. Yes, as childish as JP is now, he was even more immature when he was younger. I'd ditch class, skip exams (yes I said skip exams), skip finals (yes I said skip finals) and did lots, and lots, and lots of really stupid things.

My year break from school accomplished a few things. It made me think about the decisions I had made and how I was reaping what I had sowed. I learned responsibility. I learned humility. I learned how to talk to any person regardless of education, race, or gender. I learned that when you make any decision, you also have to be willing to accept the results or consequences of those actions. I learned when you start something, you must finish it. I learned life was about following through, keeping your word and integrity no matter what. I grew up. Now I do not recommend the route I took to anyone. It is not for everyone. But that being said, it was the right path for me. Because of my personality and how I grew up and basically because how I'm wired, there would have been no other way for me to learn those valuable lessons. It made me the JP I am today. And if one of those uncomfortable, uncertain stings in my life's tapestry were removed, things would have turned out way different.

So because I took my extended route, some really good things happened. I graduated from college summa cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics. I picked up golf from my father and I was able to spend more time with him and really got to know him for who he was. I still think of him when I golf today. But most importantly, because of my path, I accepted a job on the Main Line in PA and someone by the name of Sharkey walked into my office one day. So the 10 years of college and all the times of uncertainty were well worth it for her if nothing else.