CHAPTER 13 – What I have Learned about Life

As I write down these memories, I discovered many things about myself, but maybe most importantly I’ve realized I fulfilled my earliest dream of being a true Renaissance Man.  I wanted to learn something about nearly everything!  My job is not complete.  I am still striving to expand my knowledge base.

My goal was to be able to carry on a conversation with anyone from any background on almost any subject.  I think I may have achieved this, but in the process I learned a far greater lesson.  It is far more important to be a good listener rather than being a good talker.  I learned if you are genuinely interested in the other person, they will eventually have an interest in you! 

A true Renaissance Man must be a considerate listener, and then when called on, have meaningful things to say thereby demonstrating you understand what others are saying.  It is all about choosing your words carefully because a word uttered can never be retracted.  I learned it is often better not to match story-for-story, but let the person talking feel a sense of being special.

I had the privilege of teaching a huge variety of subjects over my fifty-three year teaching career:

Sciences:  Physics, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Archaeoastronomy, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Oceanography, Geology, Paleontology, and Forensic Sciences. 

I had the privilege of organizing and running a Living Materials Center for 34 different species.  [The Winston School]

Social Sciences:  Federal Government, Texas Government, and Political Philosophy.

[St. Edward’s University, Texas State University, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas County Community College District]

Law:  Legislative Law, Constitutional Law, Family Law.  Founded a graduate Level Paralegal Program at Texas State University]

[Assisted teaching Legislative Law at University of Texas Law School; taught at Texas Wesleyan Law School; taught at the LBJ School of Public Affairs]  

Engineering:  Mini-courses in mechanical and electrical engineering, battery technology, materials technology, aerodynamics, and power management.

[Solar Car Challenge Education Program]

Jobs Held:  Educator, Teacher, Lawyer, Law Professor, College Professor, Managing Law Firm Partner, Writer, Journalist, News Reporter, Legislative Researcher, National Lobbyist, Executive Director Texas State Agency, Assistant to the Texas Secretary of State, Assistant Attorney General of Texas, Texas Senate Official, Meteorologist at KDFW-TV (Dallas/Fort Worth), Legislative Assistant to the Chancellor (Dallas County Community College District), Founder & President of the Solar Car Challenge Foundation, Film Producer, TV & Radio Reporter, Tour Guide, Solar Car Builder, Race Director, Special Events Coordinator/Security, Event Planner, Dance Instructor.

Amateur Jobs: Astronomer, Geologist, Archaeologist, Paleontologist, Entomologist, Body Builder.

After seventy-seven years, I have truly learned the value and beauty of life because of the many times I escaped death: 

  • Almost killed in a flash flood at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on a geology field trip
  • Almost killed when my sleeping quarters were burned down by young communist students in Morelia, Mexico
  • Almost died from liver failure during active military service, U.S. Air Force

Then there were the near misses too:

  • Crash in a T-38 at Keesler Air Force Base
  • Pulling the rip cord too soon during a parachuting adventure

In all of these experiences, I learned the frailty of life.  I learned to understand the absolute importance of anticipating dangers and avoiding them.  Ricky taught me at the age of five the value of anticipating an opponent, and taking appropriate action. 

I was able to follow Ricky’s lesson through most of my life, except for the one truly bad person who caught me off guard.  Little did I know I would have my feet cut out from under me in an academic environment where I had given so much to make this school a success.

Having said this, the pain I experienced helped me learn a valuable life lesson: if you work at it long enough, you can conquer disappointment and hate.  I know I am a better person now because I learned how to get beyond these bitter events.  I bear no ill will, and admire and respect the Winston School and the wonderful people working there.

I have been required to live my life with great care so that injury would not destabilize an ongoing project.  For instance, I would never undertake hiking and mountain climbing adventures for fear I would be injured and thereby delay or interrupt an upcoming Winston Science or Winston Solar Car Team activity.  This pushed my frontal lobe development to the “max,” but it was worth it.  I’ve used these skills every day to lay the foundation for upcoming events.

Chaunacy Naiobi

I learned the true value of life when I encountered Chaunacy Naiobi, a Navajo living in Canyon de Chelly, Apache County, Arizona.  One of my summer Archaeology Trips took a group of eight students to this National Monument as a part of their studies at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.

I learned upon arrival at the National Monument that we would only be allowed access to the park if we had a Navajo escort.  A cooperative Park Ranger put me in-touch with Chaunacy Naiobi, an 80-year old Navajo who had been one of the original “Wind Talkers” during World War II.

Chaunacy stood five feet tall, and had the energy of a teenager!  He collected our group at the Park Ranger Station and proceeded to direct us to the edge of the Canyon.  He instructed us to follow him as he spryly clamored down the Canyon’s rock face to the floor of the canyon.  We followed him as he walked along a dry, sandy river bed hoping to see an ancient cliff dwelling. 

We were all amazed at the difficulty walking in six inches of sand that made up the dry river bed.  Every step would find us bogging down in the sand requiring the expenditure of a great deal of energy to just make another step.  The heat at the bottom of the canyon was exhausting; the flies were ubiquitous. 

One of the students, overwhelmed by the heat, did a mock rain dance to create a little humor and express everyone’s heat distress.  Chaunacy saw the silly rain dance and let out a low laugh.  He asked me if I really wanted to see a real rain dance!  I immediately agreed. 

Chaunacy took off his shirt, and proceeded to render a series of circular dance steps first invoking the Great Spirit and then glancing down at the ground.  This “rain dance” continued for several minutes.  The students and I looked at each trying to keep a straight face while at the same time being fascinated by Chaunacy’s serious incantations.

We resumed our walk turning back to our starting point along the cliff face.  As we approached the bottom of the cliff, I noticed the clouds were gathering above us . . . . . . . . . dark, ominous clouds.  Chaunacy exhorted us to make the climb quickly.  He led the way followed by the students with me bringing up the rear of the group.

Once we began the climb up the cliff, the clouds just seemed to rip open with the coldest rain I have ever encountered.  The winds and rain made our climb both treacherous and amazing!  The excitement was palpable as lightning struck so near us it made the hair on our arms stand up straight!  We all had fear about the outcome of this climb.

As Chaunacy reached the top of the cliff face, a blast of wind hit him driving him backward.  The student climbing behind Chaunacy saw the danger and quickly put up his hand supporting Chaunacy’s back.  I am absolutely certain this student’s action kept Chaunacy from falling backwards into the canyon.  My heart was in my throat.

Arriving at the top of the cliff, I found a happy group of students and one very amazed Navajo.  He realized the student had saved him from this dangerous fall, and expressed his gratitude over and over to us! 

After we returned to the Park Ranger Station, Chaunacy pulled me aside and told me two things.  First, he told me he and his family would always welcome me back to Canyon de Chelly.  The second thing he said had a huge impact on my life.  He told me when that student saved his life, it may have also saved my life.  I didn’t understand what he meant and asked him to explain.  He told me he could see how the students respected me and followed my instruction.  He reminded me this respect must always be coupled with a strong sense of responsibility and “care” I owed the students.  He was proud to see how much I cared about them. 

I have always tried to follow this directive.  Everything I have ever done, whether taking students on archaeology trips, organizing Winston Science competitions, planning solar car racing events, or racing across Australia . . . . . in every activity my top priority is the care and safety of the student. 

I would return three more times to Canyon de Chelly bringing more students to this marvelous National Monument.  Each visit charmed the students with the personal attention from Chaunacy and his family, along with his marvelous stories about the history of the Canyon and his years as a World War II Code Talker.  He told us about how his forefathers were pushed over the edge of the canyon rim by Spanish explorers, and about the earlier pueblo people who built the cliff dwelling on the walls of the canyon.    

Chaunacy made history come to life.  His well-worn face just oozed credibility; his well-chosen words were filled with an unquenchable passion for the Navajo land.  His genuine demeanor so reminded me of the words spoken by my old Hopi friend during my Grand Canyon adventure.  It was as if Chaunacy truly understood the meaning of life, and the purpose of humans on this earth.    

Arriving years later, we were guided by Chaunacy’s grandson.  I inquired about my old friend’s health because he was 80 years old when we first met.  The grandson was quick to tell me his grandfather was doing well, and was moving a herd of sheep from the top of the cliff to the floor of the canyon. 

I learned many years later that Chaunacy had passed away.  He will always be a major influence in my life.  This small man had the biggest heart, the most profound smile, and the truest words.    

Remembering my Parents

Through all of my life experiences, I find my Dad had a much bigger role in making me the person I am.  Unfortunately, Dad passed away when I was only thirty-two years old.  I so greatly missed his having the opportunity to watch my daughters grow up.  He would have loved seeing his family “grow up.”   

Yes, Mom was always the person pushing me forward for success, but often this was before I was ready to make those big steps.   She would enroll me in first grade a year before I should have entered school.  I would succeed, but I would also find myself in situations where I was academically competitive but socially unprepared. 

I actually turned 17 during my first year of college.  I remember the despair encountered during freshman orientation when I realized it wasn’t “cool” to go to the Freshman Dance.   I was enjoying being a “wall flower” when this lovely girl walked up to me and said:  “You are going to be mine.”  I turned to the boy next to me and asked:  “What does that mean?”  I was socially unprepared.

I have to credit Mom for being my Number One Cheerleader!  She always pushed me to reach success, and told me the word “mediocre” was not a part of our family vocabulary.  

I learned so very much from the people who passed briefly through my life:

Sandra Day O’Connor (Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court) – I had the privilege of taking Justice O’Connor to coffee during my studies at the University of Texas Law School.  We spent over an hour discussing legal career pathways, but I came away with a better understanding of the importance of being a good listener, and the value of sharing your thoughts. 

Barbara Jordan (Texas State Senator and Congresswoman) – I remember the apprehension that filled my mind as I entered her office.  I had witnessed her first opening speech on the floor of the Texas Senate when she rocked the senators back on their heels with her brilliant arguments and her unparalleled oratory.  Now, I had a few minutes to ask her to buy my legislative research service.  I presented my case, but she said nothing.  She just glowered at me with her wonderfully piercing eyes.  Then she uttered:  “You have a challenging job ahead.  You are going to step on some toes, but I like what you are doing.”  She didn’t subscribe, but she was always there to cast a smile when we passed in the halls of the State Capitol.

Bill Clinton (Arkansas Attorney General and U.S. President) – I learned the importance of making every person you visit feel like they are the only person in the world, and that you are giving them your undivided attention.  I learned the value of standing up for what you think is right even in the face of personal injury.  I liked this man for his ability to speak from the heart. 

George H.W. Bush (Congressman and U.S. President) – I was working in the Lloyd Bentsen U.S. Senate campaign.  I was asked to attend a rally Bush was hosting at the University of Texas in Austin.  My task was to ask questions that would “shine a poor light” on Congressman Bush.  I approached the microphone with great confidence and asked my question, sat down, and waited for his reply.  The words he uttered were the kindest, most considerate explanation to my question.  It immediately struck me that if my same question had been submitted to Bentsen, he would not have handled it nearly as well.  I never went back to the Bentsen campaign and ultimately voted for Bush.  He lost the election, but again I learned the value of being considerate when placed in a difficult situation. 

Greer Garson (Movie Star) – I happened to walk up to the first floor coffee counter in Dallas’ downtown Nieman Marcus store.  A lovely lady edged up to the counter and inquired what I was drinking.  I responded:  “A cappuccino.”  I bought her the same and we shared a few moments talking about some of her movie experiences.  I particularly loved her role in “Mrs. Miniver.”  I turned to pay for the coffee.  She seemed to vanish only to reappear in a few moments with a small box of Godiva Chocolates as a present for my kindness.  Greer Garson was the epitome of grace and good manners.

Ray Charles (Musician) – In my role as assistant to the Tulane Director of Cultural Activities, I had the opportunity to meet and introduce many special guests.  It was indeed exciting to introduce Ray Charles to a screaming audience of admirers.  This was the early 1960’s and the world was fascinated with his new music.  After his performance, I nervously walked up to him and thanked him for coming to Tulane. 

I remember being a bit awkward because I didn’t know how to talk to a musician of his stature.  He immediately set me at ease by commenting I must be one nervous white kid because he could smell my sweat!  We both laughed setting me at ease for a pleasant fifteen minutes of conversation.  He was curious about Tulane students and college life.  I learned the importance of making a person feel at ease, and the value of being yourself in a conversation.

John F. Kennedy (President) – Kennedy made a Presidential visit to New Orleans including a drive down St. Charles Avenue to meet the public.  I was there to greet him.  The very slow moving motorcade (2-3 mph) gave me the opportunity to run up to the limousine convertible and shake hands with him.  It was a personal contact for only a few seconds, but I will always cherish this opportunity to say a few words.  I told him I was in Houston when he gave his “We choose to go to the Moon” speech, and how much it inspired me.  He grinned, nodded, and said that he was expecting big things from us (college students).  This made it even harder when I heard the news he had been cut down by an assassin’s bullets.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (President) – I would have the opportunity to meet LBJ on several occasions, both working for his campaign in New Orleans in 1964, and then later in my own office in Austin after he had left the presidency.  In both instances, I was hugely impressed by his ability to get his way by just sauntering up to a person, putting his arm around them, and using his 6’4” body frame to persuade a person to agree with him.  LBJ also taught me how to shake hands so that people could not brutalize you with their overzealous nature. 

Bill Bates (Texas State Senator) – I was a struggling “upstart” in Austin trying to get my legislative research and reporting non-profit off the ground.  Each day seemed to overwhelm me with a new set of problems, or someone wanting to squash my efforts.  Jim Bates could see my consternation, and pulled me aside for a few words of advice. He said: “Remember son, everyone here puts on his pants one leg at a time.”  In other words, no one was better than me, and that I had every right to be providing this revolutionary legislative research and reporting.  Jim was a staunch supporter who helped me find my first job after returning from military service.           

Dr. Robert Bakker (Paleontologist) – I had the opportunity to bring outstanding scientists to the Winston School for our Winston Science Lecture Series.  A New York City Foundation provided the funding for us to bring this world-class paleontologist to our small campus. 

As with most Winston Sciences, the huge number of events and participants created a certain amount of chaos.  This resulted in my dispatching a driver a little late to DFW Airport to pick up Dr. Bakker.  The driver couldn’t find him, so I hastened out to the airport.  We didn’t realize he had taken refuge in the airport bar and was feeling quite good by the time we arrived.

He was a marvelous presenter and dedicated every minute of free time to working individually with students!  Many a student was inspired that day.  As for me, I relished the wonderful “dig stories” he told into the wee hours of the evening. 

Alan Alda (Actor) – I first became aware of Alan Alda as he gained fame in the TV Series MASH, but my real interest was perked by his taking on the host role in a new TV Science Series:  “Scientific American Frontiers.”  He brought charm and a bit of humor to great science stories.  Again, I asked the New York City Foundation to fund his visit to a Winston Science.  Alan spent three glorious days sharing his science experiences as well as reminiscing about his days as Hawkeye on MASH.  I learned that fame does not have to taint your sense of humor, or dull your willingness to work with others.

Carl Sagan (Astronomer) – I made sure that I would be attending the special luncheon honoring Carl Sagan at the National Science Teachers Association annual conference.  I slipped a few bucks to the person making seating arrangements so I could sit at Sagan’s table.  As was my good fortune, I actually had the opportunity to sit next to him!  After his speech, he returned to the table for desert and conversation.  I was amazed that he would sit with me for over 90 minutes talking about telescopes, both great scopes being developed, as well as helping me make a decision about my own personal telescope.  Before my astronomy career was over, I was to own nine telescopes and proudly pass along five of those scopes to new up-and-coming astronomy students. 

Dr. Mark Varien (Archaeologist) – I had the privilege of joining Mark at numerous “digs” at the Crow Canyon Archaeology Center.  I loved taking students to share these wonderful learning opportunities.  I must have brought students to Crow Canyon almost twenty times, and every trip was a new experience. 

I learned if at all possible, NEVER share a large bunk room with 12 high school students.  They just don’t want to go to sleep.  On one instance, I was up and down for 20 minutes turning on the lights, making threatening statements, turning off the lights and crawling back into my bunk.  Then, the scurrying around would start-up again.  I flipped on the lights again and announced I was getting my camera, and if there was any more “messing around” when I turned off the lights, I was going to take a photo and the guilty parties would be punished! 

I turned off the lights, crawled back into bed, and the scurrying around started up again.  As promised, I jumped up taking a flash photo.  The film was developed when I got back to Dallas and to my surprise, I found that I was being mooned. 

Dan Rather (Reporter, CBS Anchorman) – I first knew Dan when he was a “cub” reporter for the CBS affiliate in Houston (KHOU-TV).  I was a summer intern supplying this bright young man hundreds of cups of coffee over the summer.  I was to run into Dan next in Austin as we were both watched Waggoner Car give a concession speech following his run for U.S. Senator from Texas.

I was saddened that Dan took so much heat following his investigative reporting about George Bush’s Air Force Career.  Dan was correct in everything he said.     

Maya Angelou (Poet, Civil Rights Activist) – I had the privilege of meeting Maya Angelou in the early 1980’s and escorting her on campus at Brookhaven College.  It was indeed such a pleasure to have this wonderful inspiring person address the students and faculty.   I was particularly impressed with her ability to make people feel at-ease.  As I escorted her through the college halls taking her to the auditorium, she told me:  “Let’s not walk so fast.  It doesn’t give me a chance to get to know you.”  Although we only had about ten minutes to visit one-on-one, she wanted to know all about me, and my life in Dallas.  Her kind eyes told me this was genuine.

Itzhak Perlman (Violinist) – I met Itzhak Perlman when he visited Tulane University in the early 1960’s.  He had just made his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and was beginning to tour throughout the country.  Though his mobility was limited due to his encounter with polio as a child, he never let this interfere with his performance or meeting students.  I distinctly remember how his eyes gleamed with excitement when he visited with admirers.  His music and the man were an inspiration to everyone.

Bob Hope (Movie Star and Comedian) – I already mentioned Bob Hope in Chapter 2. 

Carlos Montoya (Flamenco Guitarist) – I enjoyed meeting Carlos Montoya and his lovely wife when I hosted them on the Tulane Campus.  He was touring the world showcasing his brilliant flamenco classics with world-class symphony orchestras.

I asked him to share his life story while we enjoyed a small dinner in the New Orleans French Quarter.  Born into a gypsy family in Spain, Carlos’ had a steep road to climb becoming one of the best recognized flamenco artists in the world.  I was amazed with his heart-warming life story, and his expressions of gratitude to all the people who helped him along the way.  I was to learn humility from this man who saw eye-to-eye with me in height!     

Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek) – Leonard Nimoy’s Star Trek character, Spock, had a great impact on my life.  I always valued a life filled with logic, incontrovertible facts, and profound arguments.  “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.”  I had the opportunity to discuss his personal philosophy at a casual late night meeting in a Denny’s Restaurant in the late 1970’s.  This was after his performance at St. Edward’s University in Austin.  The time I spent with him was magical.  An autographed message from Leonard sits above my desk. 

Ann Richards (Governor of Texas) – I had the privilege of spending an hour with Governor Ann Richards as a precursor to a series of TV Shows I was producing for the Dallas County Community College District.  I selected four outstanding students to interview top Texas Officials during a regular session of the Texas Legislature.  My meeting with Ann laid the foundation for the students’ interview with her later that day.

I was immediately struck by Governor Richards’ plain-talk that just seemed to spell out the underlying truth about Texas Politics.  She had a way of making you feel at ease that I just rarely find in politicians.  She never talked “down” to you, but made you feel like you were a good friend.  That’s why everything she said seemed so level-headed and true!  Someone said:  “Ann always spoke truth to God’s ear!” 

Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, and Barry Manilow – visited with each of these artists while providing security for them at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center, University of Texas, Austin.  These conversations were less than 30 minutes.  I think I liked Bruce Springsteen the best because of his willingness to chat.

The Importance of Body Building in My Life

My early high school days found me less focused on organized sports.  I just wasn’t good at catching a ball!  I would not discover until the 12th grade that I had a depth perception problem that could easily have been remedied with eye glasses!  I never understood why they didn’t require mandatory eye examinations in those days!

Once my sight was corrected, I had no problem catching a ball, but by that time, I had already discovered other athletic venues.  I loved track events in college and developed some fairly good skills on gym rings.  I would find my real athletic “love” when I began lifting weights.  Of course, this would come naturally to me since I was always better at individual activities.

I enjoyed body building for twenty-eight years of my life finding great relaxation and relief from life’s pressures.  It was a confidence builder, and always provided avenues to share friendships and good stories with fellow weight lifters.  It always seemed to help if you could talk about your weight lifting injuries with people who endured the same kind of injuries!  I guess the old adage that “misery loves company” applies here.

I broke bones, tore ligaments, sprained muscles, and tortured my body . . . . but it was well worth it!  I remember doing the “snatch-and-jerk” with too heavy of a barbell.  I rocked back and forth trying to stabilize my position, but I just couldn’t hold the lift.  The barbell came crashing down to the floor pinning me under the weight.  My leg was folded up under me, tearing a hamstring muscle. 

I was pinned helpless on the floor for at least fifteen minutes until a gym coach came over to help.  Unfortunately, my injury kept me from removing the barbell, so he remarked I looked like a rat caught in a trap.  I never lifted heavy weights again without a designated spotter . . . . a lesson I learned through pain and embarrassment.

My extensive weight lifting experience, along with my love of running, kept me in good shape most of my life, but I finally reached a point where I just didn’t want to endure the pain any more.  As I reached my late fifties, it just took longer and longer to recover from workouts.  I decided it was time to put up my weights and take on the weight of my college students.  I now face lifting their understanding of the world, and this continues as I reach seventy-eight years of age.

Final Words

I am proud to say I’ve reached my goal of being a Renaissance Man, but it is never quite complete.  There is still so much left to do and learn.  I am launching into Mineralogy, Advanced Music History, Ancient Roman History, and of course solar car technology.  Every day is a new challenge with fresh things to learn, and old things to remember.       

Just yesterday I refreshed my memory about the fragility of the human body.  My 17-year old grandson broke his wrist riding a bicycle requiring the insertion of pins in his wrist.  This reminded me of the time when a man tried to “stick-me-up” at a gas station in Waco.  I was driving from Austin to Plano, and made my usual stop at a Texaco station in Waco. 

I realized a man was coming up behind me while I was pumping gas.  I turned to see a young man in his late 20’s with his hand in his pocket menacing some kind of weapon.  He asked me for my money.  I turned back to the pump placing the pump handle back in the rocker.  When I turned back, I came out swinging and proceeded to knock the young man to the ground.  He knocked himself out when his head struck the pavement. Unfortunately, my hand ricocheted off his head and smashed into the top of my car.  I realized I had broken my right hand.

The Gas Station attendant was watching the whole thing from the comfort of his glassed-in room.  He did nothing to help!  I yelled for him to call the Police.  I got back in my car and headed for the first convenient hospital. 

I ended up driving all the way from Waco to Dallas before finding that convenient hospital.  X-rays confirmed I had broken several bones and would require surgery.  And yes, they inserted pins into my hand too!  I wanted to share this with my grandson so he didn’t think he was the only one to get pins!

My students were always popping up in my life.  When I was about to go under from the anesthesia for the hand operation, a nurse pulled down her mask and said:  “Hello Dr. Marks!  Do you remember me?”  Of course, I was only wearing my birthday suit and was totally embarrassed.

Following back surgery, I awoke to find a nurse inserting a catheter.  After completing the procedure, the nurse pulled down her mask and introduced herself as the mother of one of my long-time students.  Again . . . . total embarrassment.

My desire to always defend myself reared its ugly head years later when I was teaching at Richland College.  I had finished classes for the day and wandered out to my car.  While I was unlocking the car door, a kid came up from behind me and grabbed the keys out of my hand.  This was going to be a car- jacking!

As the kid jumped into my truck, I also jumped up and struck his left knee with the full force of both of my feet.  (I had learned that the knees can be an attacker’s most vulnerable area.)  Unfortunately, my kicking-out caused me to rotate back onto my head giving me a concussion, but the thief was now also on the ground in agony. 

I am not sure who was slower to move . . . . me or the thief, but I was able to get my keys and slowly drag myself up into the truck.  My head was pounding with a dizzying headache, but I had my truck.  I never knew what happened to the young thief.

I never recommend using force.  It is far more important to find peaceful ways to resolve issues, or avoid confrontations, but I am proud I learned the value of standing up for myself.  I am even prouder that I learned how to anticipate “bad” situations, and how to diffuse or circumvent the problem.  Maybe this is some small level of wisdom through experience.   

My Advice to Students of the World

I encourage every student to reach out beyond their comfort zone and explore every adventure that comes your way.  On numerous occasions, the Good Lord dropped opportunities in my lap.  It would have been easier to take the safer road, but I learned you have to cherish moments of serendipity and see where they take you!  Rarely was I disappointed. 

That does not mean you should be frivolous with your decisions, nor thoughtless or careless.  I am just suggesting you grab every opportunity with both hands, and marvel at where that decision takes you.  Remember, life is a banquet, and so many people are starving to death.  Live your life to the fullest.  This is what David Vinson and I pledged to do sixty years ago.  I hope I have stayed true to our goal.  

Will There Be Another Book?

Yes . . . . there will be more books exploring the details of many of my adventures, and a History of the Winston Solar Car Team 1990-2010.  I will also add a photo album.