One of the toughest classes I took in Engineering School was Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves. I know what you’re thinking, “That sounds hard?!” Yes. You’re absolutely correct.
The first test in the class was worth a hefty percentage of our grade. I believe it was somewhere between 30-40%. I scored a 38/100, failing… big time. It was a huge blow to my confidence. This class was a notorious breaking point for many students who decided to declare Electrical Engineering as a major. It was a ‘weed out class’. I don’t care how high your IQ is, Electrical Engineering is a hard college major. I met several people who were brilliant intellectually, but just couldn’t endure the grind and the associated sacrifices related to it. In college, I had no social life. Work – Study – Workout – Repeat. I don’t recommend it, but, I do believe that level of output in college is in large part what has given me the mental stamina to see this business through for the last 7 years.
We had to pick up our tests in person from the professor. When he saw my grade he looked at me with sincere concern and told me that I should drop the class and take it again the next semester. Why lose the money and damage my GPA? He felt that my chances of recovery to make a passing grade were extremely low at best. I listened respectfully to what he said and nodded in what may have seemed like agreement. I walked out of his office and the only thing on my mind was, “He has no clue who he’s dealing with.”
I wasn’t angry. It was a fact. I had lost 100 pounds after enduring years of teasing. I was well accustomed to beating odds. Accustomed to imposing my will on a problem.
In my experience, the change we desire is most often about will. All the strategies in the world won’t help someone who has not decided that change is a must. Conversely, all the statistical unlikelihood’s and unforeseen barriers in the world can’t stop someone who is doggedly determined to achieve what they desire.
I studied harder than I ever had and I ended up passing the class with a high B. When I went to get my final assignment from that same professor, he took a moment to look through my grades before giving me my final grade. The look on his face was priceless. He said, “Wow! You had to make up a huge deficit to do as well as you’ve done! Good Work!”
I said, “Thank You.” I nodded in agreement. In my head I thought, “Damn Right!”
-Travis
Listen to the latest Podcast to go deeper into this story. If you’ve got teenagers or 20 somethings, this might be a good one for you both to listen to.
Is there something you would like me to write/podcast about? Questions, comments, or feedback? Email me at TravisDaigleCDC@gmail.com .
