1️⃣ In 1976 I first began chiropractic school when I was 20 years old. But after one semester, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to explore other paths—everything from electrical construction, pre-dentistry to marine biology. Marine biology was fascinating; but hosted limited career opportunities, not unless I pursued a PhD so I pivoted. Instead, I earned my B.S. in biology and made my way back to chiropractic school. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

2️⃣ During my final years at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I found a creative way to subsidize tuition costs—I worked and lived at a mortuary. As an apprentice embalmer, I assisted with first-calls and autopsies in exchange for free rent, utilities, a $300 monthly stipend, and $10 for each first-call—along with the teamwork of three other roommates. We each rotated night shifts, weekends, and holidays. We still joke about the "stiff competition" digging up that job—because everyone was dying to get it!" Thanks to the generosity of the owners, Gene and Irene Reese, I managed to graduate debt-free, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

3️⃣ One summer during college, I worked as the skipper of a 40-foot wooden vessel, called the Foxy-Boy III—moored at an isolated summer camp on Catalina Island. My job was to ferry supplies for 300 guests twice weekly from San Pedro and Avalon to Long Point. That boat was dodgy but dependable, and looking back, it should have been boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard for inspection—but never was. I can still taste the salt spray on those 6-hour solo crossings of the Catalina Channel—sometimes in thick fog or navigating six to eight foot wind swells. That summer wasn’t just a job—it was an adventure that shaped my resilience and determination.