I was an average 10th grade student, who nothing to put on my application to college, when my father told me that he could not afford to pay for me to go to college. I had to make a major change in my life
because I definitely wanted to go to college and, further, the best law school that I could. I needed to get much better grades, participate in activities to fill out my resume, oh, and, at the same time, earn enough money to go to college.
How has your life been changed as a result of your ordeal?
I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusett’s School of Business in 4 years and received my juris doctorate from Cornell Law School.
What would you advise another facing similar circumstances based on what you have learned?
Discipline, discipline, discipline. Determine your “Daily Action Steps.” Then give yourself no choice. Like getting out of bed in the morning. You don’t think about it, you just do it. I did my homework before class, showed up for every class, paid attention, participated in class, was elected Student Council President, played Varsity Soccer and Tennis, was in the class play, while working 40 hours per week at IHOP: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday day.
Thank you – if you would, please tell us a bit about yourself.
I was a successful attorney for 25 years passing the bar in Texas, Louisiana, and New Jersey along the way. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at 41 years old and practiced law ten more years. Since then, I have been on the faculty of the University of Louisville, written a book (Decide Success), and become an internationally-recognized inspirational speaker.
