Bill Meyn:  

t purported to shape character, but more revealed it than shaped it. It is unfortunate that the closet sadists were sometimes more successful than the closet pacifists. At the University of Illinois I was finally exposed to "real" college life. I did ok, but not great, although I did meet my future wife there (at a Toastmasters meeting). The University of Phoenix I would describe as the McDonalds of MBA programs. But for this time in my life and for a Federal career it still provides ample opportunity to gain necessary knowledge and skills. I have often thought of writing a UofP fight song, despite the fact that UofP has no teams and no real campuses to speak of. At the ripening age of 48 I can say that I always hope to be learning something new - at least until the ripe age of 98. Workplace I entered USCGA right out of high school, graduated in 1978 and was on active duty until Dec 2001. Since Dec 2001 I have been a civilian federal employee working for the USCG as a facility and resource planner. I have enjoyed my time with the USCG (obviously) although some times were better than others. For most of us, life usually consists of long intervals of routine, punctuated by brief moments of excitement. The exciting moments of my career inlcude very brief stops in London, Paris, Lisbon, Malaga, Funchal, Wellington, McMurdo Station, Ushuai, Valparaiso, Pelican and Adak. I've been to nearly every Lighthouse on the west coast of the US. I've been to the top of 700 foot towers in the western deserts of the US to change light bulbs, I've been to the Bering Straits in a sea of Walrus, and I've been to the to the Antarctic research station in McMurdo to trade movies with a fellow movie officer. I've earned a BS in Ocean Engineering from USCGA, a BS in Civil Engineering from U of Illinois, and an MBA from the U of Phoenix. For some, this might be a good decade, or even a good year. For me it has been a good life. The rest of the time has been filled with productive work, if not always the most exciting work. Success requires people like me (and maybe you) who can doggedly pursue the more routine development of an idea into reality ... by creating the right plans and paperwork. This is not as glamorous as standing nose to nose with a penguin, or leaning out cantilever style on a 700 foot tower - but the results are often more profound and lasting. I'll never be in the history books as having made a difference, but I know for myself that in some small way I did. For every George Washington there are a million lesser lights, whose collective contributions made George's leadership meaningful. That is the best that most of us will achieve, and it is worthy in itself. Whether you spent your life raising good kids, selling real estate, or leading a fortune 500 company as CEO, I hope your life has been as fulfilling as mine. Military Lots of experience, lots of education, lots of travel - no need to repeat here.