Non-Academic Experience & LIfe Long Influence
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After graduating from high school, I was unable to attend college
because of financial reasons therefore I investigated various jobs.
Fortunately, I located a position at Robbins&Myers Inc., which is
an electrical engineering firm, as a laboratory technician. Two
reasons why this position intrigued me, one was that R&M would
train me as an engineering laboratory technician. Also, R&M
would reimburse me for college courses related to my position at
a local institution Wittenberg University. So for 5 years I trained
as a technician and acquired a few college credits. The best
of these two experiences was the hands-on training and the
one to one interaction with
other technicians and engineers.
A specific electrician Arnold Rubens impacted
my knowledge and
technical skills in regard
to electrical devices for all sorts of uses.
I am indebted to Mr. Arnold Rubens
for all that he helped me learn.
Finally as most young men, at this time, realized military service
became a focal point in my near future. Again I investigated various
options to fulfill my military obligation and benefit myself as much as
possible. I decided upon the local Air National Guard, who agreed
to send me to Kessler Air Force Base for one year of training as a
Radio Equipment Repairman. Well, I survived "basic training" and
an outstanding and no-nonsense training program in electronic
equipment. Later, to my surprise, I was awarded 8 hours of college
credit in Physics for this training, of course, this was after a 3 hour
oral exam with the department chairperson of Physics at BGSU.
After my year at Kessler, I returned to my position as technician
at R&M and attended monthly weekend meetings at the local
Air Force Base as well as two week extensive hands-on training
each summer. Much to my surprise, I functioned well at Guard
sessions and quickly became a instructor for other guardmans.
It did not take long after returning from KAFB and continuing
at R&M that I realized college had to was to have an influence in
my future. The career or profession most appealed to my was
teaching. I enrolled at BGSU bringing along with my part-time
credits from Wittenberg University and again to my surprise my
soon to be credits from USAF. With hard work and determination
as well as creative financial arrangements, I graduated form BGSU
with a major in a Mathematics and minor in Physics. Oh by the way,
I was marred to a beautiful young woman after college and settled
in Canton, Ohio and started teaching for Canton City Schools.
During those early days, I realized teaching does not pay well.
So I started looking for part-time work to supplement my income
and start saving for a rainy or sunny day which ever came first.
I was very fortunate to obtain a part-time position at a large and
local retail store, selling household appliances and electronic
equipment. It was an a truly rewarding experience. My fellow
workers explained and taught me "ins and outs" of household
appliances, electronic equipment:TVs, VCRs, etc…, as well as,
all types of furniture. This sales position not only allowed me to
gain invaluable knowledge and experience but allowed me to
acquire an unique look at how to finance goods as well as other
large ""ticket" items which is major part of everyone's life.
These non-academic experiences have had just as much an impact
on who I am and how I teach as any academic experiences I have
encountered over the years, thus I felt, I must include them in this vita.
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