Early in life, I wanted to be a veterinarian.  I volunteered at a veterinary clinic on Saturdays while I was in high school.  I studied pre-veterinary medicine at Ohio State (for a year).  I got discouraged when I earned a “D” in College Algebra and College Chemistry.  I thought that was the end of the line for me.  I began searching for other paths in life.

Years later, I realized I could have used Ohio State’s forgiveness rule and retaken those classes.  That first year was hard for me.  I’d never had to learn how to study before, but at Ohio State, by the end of that first year, I knew how to study.  Too bad I dropped out.  The path I eventually took worked out fine, but for years I wondered how things would have been if I’d stuck with it — even if I’d changed my major.  I missed having the “traditional” college experience for the entire time.

Instead, I worked at a minimum wage job making toy drums for nine months.  Then I enlisted in the Air Force, where eventually earned three associates’ degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree.  I completed significant post-Master’s work but did not finish an Educational Specialist degree.  I had a 28-year career, with a little more than half of it as a commissioned officer.  When I retired, I was able to retire.  At age 48.  Something I never in a million years I would have dreamed possible when I enlisted.

So, I don’t regret the path my life took.  Any stories you care to share about unexpected paths to where you are today?