Making Your Own Path

I would add my vote for living in a small community/making your own path:

Grew up in a farm community in the Hudson Valley. Worked on my uncle’s (Cornell) farm all the way from high school through grad school — Wharton (MBA ’78). See if you can find a “farm kid” now. The best thing (there were many) about Philly was that I met my future wife. First job was as a high-end national insurance broker up in Westchester, New York. After two years in white collar jobs, we moved west (Pacific Northwest/Canada) where we spent over 20 years moving around building and renovating golf courses, many of them in smaller rural communities. Went back to Cornell and Penn State for ag/turf education. Became an expert heavy equipment operator. Settled near Spokane, in the early 1990s after we built a course here. Bought an original homestead property — the Funny Farm. Totally restored it. Added on, rehabbed the barn, built a shop, added more acreage, and out buildings. Moved into working with 3D modeling, GIS, and data visualization — all from home. Rewarding work with nonprofits/educators on wide variety of public awareness projects.

Fifty years after PU, I’m still willing and able to do farm chores. Make it a good day.