David grew up poor. He started working in the 7th grade and by high school he was only going to school half days, leaving at 11 a.m. to go to work. Lack of money meant lack of educational opportunities, but he had a hunger to learn. He devoured books on human development and motivation, mental and spiritual tomes, vocabulary builders and other educational and motivational resource materials.
He was a hard worker and rose above his lack of formal education and skills to provide decently for his family, but the factory life was taking it's toll on him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It was, in his mind, killing him.
Three years ago he bought his first computer. He worked 48 or more hours a week in the factory and worked another 40 or more hours a week teaching himself computer skills. He worked harder than he ever had in his life, logging over 100 hours a week on many, many occasions. He taught himself everything he could to find a place on the professional side of the internet. He saw it as his best bet out of the factory and lack of education that had him boxed in for so long.
David has been applying for jobs in the internet and computer fields. His lack of 'formal' education has shot him down many times but he never gave up. He had a goal and kept after it even when he didn't feel like it. That kind of drive and perseverance almost always pays off.
I'm happy to say David has finally left the factory and taken a job in the computing field. He beat out college educated applicants with 4 year degrees with his 3 years of self-taught skills.
This is a true story about determination. It's a story about believing in yourself. It's a story about finding what you love to do and following your dreams, and I've only told one lie while relating it to you. You see, David isn't a real person…
…this story is about me. All the hard work has indeed landed me a job at Mom's Computers here where I live. My official title is Internet Specialist, and I'm being paid more to do work I love, and I work from home now. It doesn't get much better than that.
I guess I'm an official nerd now, and I'm feeling pretty darn good as I write this. I hope if you have a dream you'll be inspired enough to see it through. Don't think it can't happen because I'm proof it can, but it's up to you to make it so. To get to Somewhere, you must start Here, right where you are. Even the farthest journey always starts with the first step.
"Your future depends on many things, but mostly on you." – Frank Tyger
"A break in the established order is never the work of chance. It is the outcome of a man's resolve to turn life to account." – Andre Malraux
Never give up!
~ 23 publishers rejected Dr. Seuss's first book.
~ Michael Jordan's high school basketball team cut him.
~ 21 publishers rejected M*A*S*H
~ Henry Ford went broke five times before succeeding.
article © 1999 by Boogie Jack
Reprinted with permission from Almost A Newsletter. To subscribe send a blank email to almost-a-newsletter-subscribe@egroups.com.
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