An Authentic Life 1.1 for pdf - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

tion for my knowledge of American history. In high
school, I was on the wrestling and cross country
teams as well as a member of the National Honor Society.
I was a rocker who smoked cigarettes, drank,
danced, and partied. I worked in the school cafeteria,
then a deli, and caddied the summer after graduation.
I wanted to be an artist. I pictured myself living
in a Paris garret painting. My mother and guidance
counsellor persuaded me to become a computer
engineer. I am good at math and science, and the missile
race was on then. Dad preferred I get a job and
help support the family. He accused me of being too
smart for my own good and lacking common sense.
I saw college as
a way to leave home
and get away from my
father who was bitter
and often put me
down. Mike was his
favorite, and the two of
them enjoyed picking
on me. Mom supported
me and taught
me to do what I want
as long as I stayed out
of trouble and my father
didn’t find out.
I got congressional
appointments to the Air Force and Coast Guard
Academies plus an NROTC scholarship. The Air
Force Academy wouldn’t take me because I couldn’t
12