April 25th, 2010
Saved by the dimensions
of a piece of paper
and possibly its perception?
These are the dimensions of a Colorado State University Wildlife Biology degree,
8.5” x 11” x 0.0095”
Not having this piece of paper in hand may have saved my life.
Think what you may, however, it is difficult for me not to think, what if…
Please, read on.
Last fall (2009) I came across a job posting for a Science Aide position with the California Department of Fish & Game in Fresno, CA. The posting read,
The duties appeared challenging yet not out of the ordinary for similar positions I’ve held. And being 20-miles away from a great college friend could lead too potential wild-life experiences outside the field. So I applied, hoped for the best, and 12-days later, I was having one of the best interviews I’ve had in my life. It appeared I had the skill set the biologist was looking for. He just needed to contact my references. Hanging up the phone, I thought to myself, I would make the next round of cuts if not a job offer.
A few days later I received an email requesting I contact the biologist. We talked for 15 minutes and I find out I am one of two candidates for the position—great I thought. However, the biologist could not offer me the job due to the other candidate having a degree. The biologist continued to express how difficult the decision was for him to make and how impressed he was with my field experience and references—alas. Nonetheless, he wanted permission to pass my resume to other biologists who may be hiring in the near future. Chapter closed, right—so I thought.
March 23, 2010, I received a response from an email I sent 4-days prior asking the same biologist if he new of anyone hiring for the 2010 field season. A week later I received this sobering response,
If I did have a degree, I would have been in that helicopter with a shit-eating grin from ear-to-ear, enjoying the view, and counting deer while living my dream.
Not having a degree may have helped me in the bigger picture of life. How? I really don’t know other than I am still above ground and hopefully somehow enriching someone’s life.
Tom Stolberg was the applicant to receive the Scientific Aid position (Click).
Cause of the helicopter crash (Click).
TV Coverage of the accident (Click).
Again, think what you may, however, it is difficult for me not to think, what if…
and
What is God’s purpose for me? All I can do is wonder…
“Peace, blessing, and heart warm smiles”
May 7th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
AJ all i can said is F**** lucky. i dont even know what to say…i cant find the words..
May 7th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
I was bomb out you did not get the job back then, i really was looking foward to hang out with you but now i am glad you did not,,