This is the second post in a series of documenting and telling my life story. In my most recent post, I described the first half of my college life through living in Europe and studying abroad for a year. What happened when I returned?

When I got back from my study-abroad year, it was late May and time to return to work in that summer job that I enjoyed. Being selected for that job was competitive. One had to have great interpersonal skill as well as the ability to work with people from all over the world. (The job was with an international agency).

There I was, traveling the world again for that job. First stop, Japan–set up a meeting; next stop, Rome–close down a meeting; next stop, Jakarta–usher diplomats around; next stop–home for two days, and so forth. All summer long. Hundreds of thousands of air miles and hundreds of airports. This job and my recent “study abroad” experience got me to thinking about the major I had declared as a Freshman, and I realized that I didn’t want to do that.

What? Three years of hard sciences, biological sciences, really tough math, physics, biochemistry… and you don’t want to do that any more?

Nope. I was not going to apply for medical school yet all of my classmates were. Their competitiveness and “do-anything” cutthroat behavior made me realize that a career in that field was not the best fit for me.

Throughout my college days, I always arranged classes such that I had Friday afternoons free. Instead of fooling around, I volunteered at my local elementary school. I enjoyed teaching and encouraging learning in children.

Before the Fall semester started, I went to a professor in the College of Education to talk with him about my concerns. This professor had arranged upper-level college credit courses for me to earn credit for my voluntary activities. He explained what I needed to do to earn a degree in education. So then-and-there, I declared a second degree. Not a second major, but a full second degree. I was so close to earning my first degree that I didn’t want to abandon it. With just three more semesters of undergraduate school, I could earn a second degree in education.

Again, I made it happen. I negotiated with the Dean of Education to be admitted to classes that required prerequisites that I had not taken (exactly). I signed another year’s lease on my basement apartment in my home neighborhood and remained a commuter student.

I never regretted the decision to pursue a second degree. Actually, best one of my life because it turned me on to the path on which I built my future career.

Then another thing happened. I was very active on campus, and was President of both my college social fraternity that Fall, as well as President of a student group that worked with alumni. Serving in those student leadership positions gave me access to rather influential people at the University, including Vice Chancellors, the Chancellor, and even the University President. I was learning careful arts of negotiation, persistence, goal-setting, communication, and leadership.

Early that fall, campaigning began for elections for Student Government. I really, really, REALLY didn’t like the sole candidate who was running for President. He had been Vice President and thought he was entitled to be elected President. Everyone thought he was a shoo-in. But he was bad news in a number of ways.

My friends, fraternity brothers, and campus administrators encouraged me to run for office. I could not believe it, but in three weeks, I pulled out a stunning upset. In this case, I made it happen but it only happened due to the tremendous support I had from my many connections on campus. First time a commuting student won the Presidency of student government.

That autumn and spring, I was a really busy man. Taking a 150% credit load to catch up on required classes for my new degree. Serving as SGA President. Completing my service as my fraternity President and other student group President. Working two part-time jobs.

Some have asked if I had a social life — with that kind of schedule, how could I? Sure, I drank some beers with my buddies and went out with groups, but I didn’t date anyone (female or male.) I didn’t have time.

The last three semesters of my college life flew by quickly. I was nominated for and appointed to two rather prestigious honor societies (one for academic honors, and one for student leadership.) But by the time my last Fall semester rolled around, I was ready to finish my studies and graduate. That Fall, I served as a student teacher, then graduated in December.

The Chancellor asked me to “say a few words” at my commencement, which I did, and kept them few.

As I look back on my life here at the University, I one thing got me through 71 grueling classes and 211 credits — make grounded goals, stick to them, keep the vision, have faith, ask for and accept support from friends and family, and tell the nattering nabobs of negativism to go away. Make it happen.

That was it — my entire college commencement speech. Very few words indeed, but earned a standing ovation. (My Mom cried, sniffle sniffle).

Then the Chancellor and the University President presented my diplomas to me. I was honored that instead of pre-printed signatures from the top University officials on my diplomas, I had real “wet” signatures from all of the deans, Vice Chancellors, and Chancellor on them. And I was given a life membership in the alumni association.

Two degrees. No job. What’s next? Tune in for Part 3 of “Don’t Live Regrets: Make It Happen.”

Life is short: making “it” happen is hard, but is well worth it.