This is a story of a boy from an inland state who became enamored with the sea. His proclivity for maritime history and technology made him excited to learn, to listen, and apply persistence. I tried to be alert, to take advantage of opportunities. This led to appointments to two federal academies. Diligence and persistence at the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy led to a love of learning, and to many opportunities. I am grateful to my family, and to all of those who helped me along the way, through companionship, and encouraging advice. Trying to encapsulate that advice, the best I can come up with is:
- Availability. Be approachable and avoid negativity.
- Reliability. Do what you say, take responsibility, and set goals.
- Adaptability. Be creative and accommodate others.
- Respectfulness. Be polite and considerate.
- Clarity. Know what you want and seek measurable results.
- Fairness. Look for win-wins in every situation.