High School Graduation:
Finally the day came for my high school graduation. It was May 25, 1996. I was at the age of 18. That day was the happiest day of my life. As well as the saddest. It was also a day to remember forever. There were many tears and cheers among my graduation class of 850 students. We all were dressed in a blue cap and gown. With a blue and gold colored tassel. Those were our school colors.
I remember when my name got called. It was the most incredible feeling that ran through my body. That I actually wanted to cry. I thought to myself, as I made the long walk up to the stage. About the past and how I lived. I also felt good about myself for finishing school. As I reached out to receive my diploma and to shake the hand of the principal. I then knew from that point on. That I was finally on my own and in the real world. It was time to move unto the next step in life.
For my accomplishment for finishing school. The 1979 Ford Thunderbird that I was remodeling for my brother. My brother turned around and gave me the car in return for my hard work and accomplishments. At that point in my time. I now was the happy owner of two vehicles. As for my parents they took me out to eat lunch. For what else can they give me? They had already given me all that I needed to stay in school and finish. In addition, my dad was now retired and no longer working. Therefore, we were money tight in everything.
My Ex. Girlfriend Strikes One Last Time:
As soon as I graduated from school. I thought for sure that I will no longer have another bad encounter with my ex girlfriend again. Boy was I wrong! One week passed after graduation. And when the weekend approached. When I went outside to get the mail. I noticed that my 1989 Ford Tempo, had been egged on and all four of my brand new tires were slashed. I was very upset when I saw what was done to my car. The whole back trunk area where the car had been egged on was a mess. The paint was eaten away and pealing off.
After thoroughly looking over my car. I found a small amount of hair that was caught by my front fender. I then recognized the color of the hair and then knew who it was. But since I had no actual proof as to who did it. Since no one saw anything. I had no way of getting her to pay me the damages to my car. After that, I never heard from her or saw her again. And the last that I heard from someone. Was that she ran off with her 30 something year old boyfriend and supposedly got married?
College Years: (Part 1 of 3)
It was June 17, 1996 when I started my first day in college. I just had my 19th birthday the following day. I was at a new age and a new school. It was so weird. It was just like if I was starting all over again. Which I was.
I remember walking into college that first day. With the feeling of nervousness and fear. But in no time those feelings passed. I was in a class of 53 total students. We were all packed into one big class. And for that first day. Not one person talked to the other. For we were all strangers to each other.
That first day of college was the busiest of them all as I can remember. Paper work was being done and filed. And books were being assigned. I took home that day, 20 books and a small drafting board. Which I still have with me.
I started out very slow, but quickly got the hang of what I was doing. And I began to like what I was doing. Not bad for someone who didn't like computers and didn't like to draw. During the First Quarter. I was taught the basics of computer drafting. And learning how to operate the drafting program while learning how to draw small simple objects. Then the First Quarter ended. And by the start of the Second Quarter. The class size had dramatically reduced by over half of the size it originally was. Most of the students that left. Dropped out or failed out.
Second Quarter started, as I got even better into my studies. We were then now learning all about Mechanical Drafting. Mechanical being anything that deals with moving parts. As I got more familiar with the drafting program. I learned how to do things from the hard way to the easy way in no time at all. As Second Quarter came to an end. The class size had reduced by another half. There were now 16 total people in my class. By the end of the Second Quarter.
Second Quarter ended as Third Quarter started. We were not learning Architectural Drafting. Architectural being the design of houses. I learned what it took into designing a home. That's where I designed my dream home. Which I hope to have it built, and live in it in the future. By the end of the Third Quarter. What was left of us 16 students remained, as the Third Quarter ended. And summer break began.
My First Job:
While I was in college. My big brother got me a warehouse job where he works. I was so happy and yet I was nervous. Cause never in my whole life had I worked before. I got hired on the spot and took it as a part time job. Cause I went to college in the morning for four hours. And then worked after college for four hours. It was December 4, 1996 when I first started my job.
I learned how to ship and receive products. As well as how the process of an ordered, worked its way into the warehouse to where I was working at. I dealt with O-rings. Some ranged as small as a pinhead. And others were as large as five feet in diameter and one inch thick.
I worked for that company for eight months and then I quit. Cause I was being harassed by the female boss every day for no apparent reason.
A Change for the Good?
In December of 1996 right after Christmas. I meet this young lady that changed my life. She was a believer and follower of God! She invited me to go to her church. And I decided to go. It was my first time to set foot in a church since I was real small. Though she lived on the other side of town. I didn't go to church with her every weekend. But when I got a chance to go, I went. I found church to be very interesting. There were things I never heard before or saw before.
And yet for some odd reason. I was confused about church, God and everything else that dealt with religion. I was afraid of accepting God into my life for reasons unknown. I don't know why I was afraid. All I know was that I was scared and I didn't want to have nothing to do with God. So I ignored God for as much as I could. I mean why not? I ignored him for the rest of my life.
I went to church with my friends as time went by. Trying to learn really what God was all about. But at the same time, I was still pushing him away from me. I still didn't want to have a relationship with God. Or was I ready to have a relationship with God?
College Years: (Part 2 of 3)
As summer vacation ended. It was time to head back to college. It was the start of the Fourth Quarter. I learned all about Civil/Structural Drafting. Civil being anything dealing with construction and landscaping. While Structural was anything relating to a structure like a building or a custom building. That quarter went by quick and by the time I knew it. It was time to start Fifth Quarter.
The Start of My First Career Job: (Part 1 of 2)
It was August of 1997 when I was starting to look for a job in my field. I didn't want the college to help me in finding a job. Cause I would have to wait in line and it would have probably taken me longer in finding a job.
I looked through the classified ads in the newspaper every weekend, searching for jobs in my field. And boy was I surprised. There were many jobs to choose from! But only one thing kept me from getting a job. Since I had no actual experience in the drafting field whatsoever. It was hard for me to get a job. I sent out many resume's hoping that someone would give a chance. I didn't get not one response back from any of the companies I sent a resume too. So I gave up the newspaper and went online into the world of the Internet to search for a job.
I placed a small classified ad on the Internet. And it didn't cost me anything. In less than a week I had 10 E-mails from companies wanting to hire me. The first E-mail I received was a real desperate need of a computer draftsman. I answered the first E-mail and in no time at all, they were already asking me to start. I set up an interview date with the boss. I headed on out to my first big interview. I was so nervous that I was shaking uncontrollably.
I manage to calm down before I headed into the boss's office. The conversation was short, sweet and simple. He just said, "welcome aboard and when can you start?" I was shocked and I told him I could start tomorrow. So I did. I was as happy as can be. My career had started. I started out doing electrical work for switchboards and operating control panels. It was a lot of fun and I learned many things.
College Years: (Part 3 of 3)
Fourth Quarter had ended and it was time for the Fifth Quarter to start. This time I was learning Electrical Drafting. Electrical being anything that dealt with electricity or electrical powered components. This was a field that I had some knowledge of. Since my job consisted of electrical drafting. I had nothing to lose in both my class and my job. As the quarter came to an end. It was already starting to get more stressful, as you were in a race to make the best grades you possibly can. To maintain a high Grade Point Average (GPA).
Finally Sixth Quarter had reached us. It was the last and final quarter before graduation. And the last thing there was to learn was Pipeline Drafting. Piping as we drafters call it, dealt with offshore oil equipment. As well as water, gas and sewer lines. In my last quarter I went all out and constructed a full-blown 3-D drawing of a natural gas factory. The drawing was so huge in size that it would take 10 minutes to fully load into a 100-megahertz Intel pentium processor.
I finished my project and came on top with a high score. And I even entered my drawing into a Tech Fest Contest. And I won first place receiving a $300 instruction manual for AutoCAD R13. I was glad that I won. Cause I was planning on buying myself that manual. Sixth Quarter finally ended and it was a time of happiness and sadness all over again.
College Graduation:
Graduation night was another night to remember. It was December 4, 1997. Since they were only 16 of us that finished college and graduated. The night went by fast. As my name was being called to receive my degree. I felt so happy for myself once more. I had completed college and I struggled to go to college cause of money reason. But that didn't keep me from quitting. Cause all of my life I have been raised poor and I know what it is to live and struggle without money.
And if it wasn't for me and my parents to struggle together and get me to college. I still would not be in college today. It felt really good to finally receive my degree in my field of study, which was Computer Aided Drafting and Design. Hard schoolwork and studies finally paid off. And I was proud of myself for doing such a wonderful job well done.
College After Party:
After graduation, there was a big party. In that party I saw many things that I was told over and over again by my parents. For the first time I saw people that I knew smoking marihuana and getting all hi over it. Beer of all kinds was floating around the room. I hate to admit it but I did one beer that night. I didn't get wasted and drunk like some others I knew. Cause I made a vow to myself. That I was never going to get to the point of being drunk. I've seen what drunkenness can do to someone. And it can kill you and others as well.
As for the drugs. I didn't experiment with them at all. That's something that I will never do for the rest of my life. I don't smoke so why should I smoke? I hate smoking and I hate being around smoking people. And I'm sorry if it offends some of you. But that's the way I am.
As for the party it lasted all night long till the beer and drugs ran out. I went home knowing that I wouldn't ever see what was left of my college friends that night. For we each had our own lives to live now.
The Start of My First Career Job: (Part 2 of 2)
When I finally graduated from college. I started working my full time hours. It took me awhile to adjust to the long day at work. Since I was only doing part time hours. I got use to working the eight-hour shift and it started going by pretty fast. After all when your busy times does fly. I loved my job and I was happy. I was also receiving a very good size paycheck, when I finally started my full time hours.
Months passed and I saved up money. I was looking into buying a new vehicle. Finally when March of 1998 came around. I bought myself a brand new 1998 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. I had saved enough money to make a down payment on my new truck. It took me two full months of working. To earn the money to make my down payment.
I had trouble buying my new truck. Since I was a first time buyer and had no credit. The dealer didn't want to sell me the truck. But my parents helped me out with co-signing. I now was the proud owner of three vehicles. I then turned around and gave my parents my 1989 Ford Tempo for them to drive. And I have my 1979 Ford Thunderbird parked. I don't drive it as much. I mainly drive it for show and tell and that's all.
Since I got my new truck. I drive it every day now. I love my truck. Thanks to my hard studies and accomplishments I can now afford something on my own. As I stayed with my job when June approached. My boss came to me and asked me if I would like to go on a trip at sea. I said sure why not? I've never been out of the country before. And this was my chance to see another country. Though I had to work on the ship with this other guy that was going with me. This was no pleasure trip.
My First Overseas Journey:
The day finally came for my co-worker and me to head on out to sea. We both were driven down to Lake Charles, Louisiana where the ship was docked. We both unloaded out luggage from the truck and then carried our luggage up five stories of stairs and then across the connecting narrow bridge to the ship.
The ship I was going in was a Korean Oil Tanker. And this thing was huge! While we loaded the rest of our baggage. The ship was loading up with millions of barrels of oil. At about 10:00 a.m. that morning the engines got started and we were finally on the move. It took me awhile to adjust to the motion of the ship. But in less than an hour I got use to it.
We were now heading down the river toward sea. It took us one hour to travel the narrow river as we approached the jetty that leads us out to sea. Late that day we were probably 50 miles out from the coastline. There was no land in site for miles. Night came among us at sea. And it was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen. The night sky was so clear and full of stars. And the cool night breeze was incredible.
As it darkened more. There were small spots of light that covered the ocean. The lights were from Oil Rig Platforms. And they were hundreds of them everywhere as far as you could see.
Then it was time to retire for the night. I slept well for not being in my own bed. I guess with all the excitement I wore myself out. But what I really dreaded. Was the getting up at 5:00 a.m. sharp. So that I can get ready and be on time when breakfast was served at 6:00 a.m. sharp.
Breakfast always consisted of ham or eggs with bacon. Or cereal with only a choice of one can of orange juice to drink. The eggs were watery and the ham and bacon were half cooked. I didn't eat too well that first morning. Then it was time to head out on deck for work at 7:00 a.m. sharp.
That first day was so hot, as well as the whole two weeks at sea. There was not one cloud in the sky. It was so hot that the sole of my shoes would stick to the deck of the ship, if you stood long enough in one spot. And your shoes would leave their mark behind, where you once stood.
Lunch was served at 12:00 noon sharp. With only have a glass of water and one can of coke to drink and a wide variety of Korean Food to choose from. And I tell you what. I was so hungry that I didn't care as to what the food tasted like. And believe me you'll eat it too. Cause you either eat what they got or you can starve to death.
As for dinner. It was served at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Again you only had one glass of water and a can of coke to drink. With a wide variety of food to choose from.
The Koreans kept that ship pretty clean. On deck and off deck. Anytime food was served you would have to clean yourself up and get out of your work clothes. You were not allowed into the kitchen and eating area at all with any shoes or slippers. Having socks on or just going bare foot was your ticket in. The Koreans still carry their traditional ways on a ship. I had to learn how to eat with chopsticks. Never in my whole entire life have I eaten with chopsticks.
The days were long. As I worked 10 to 12 hours and even 15 hours. And the nights were short. When night would come, I would walk out on deck and enjoy the view and to relax. Having the cool breeze hit me and listening to the water crash into the side of the ship.
God was this really you?
While I was at sea. Enjoying one of the most beautiful nights ever. That was a time for me to be at peace with myself. That night was so special compared to the other nights. I felt so relaxed, like if my state of mind took a vacation from itself. My mind was as clear as anything without a worry in the world. I then found myself talking to God that night? I felt so warm and good inside of me. I than began to cry with tears of happiness. I never felt the way that I did that night in my entire life. I didn't want the night to end. The moon was out glistening on the water and it looked absolutely beautiful.
I finally felt tired and went to bed. I woke up feeling really good about myself. I even had a good night sleep. It was from that point on that I wondered if there was a God? I never felt so warm and good about myself till that night. And I thank God for giving me that chance, if it really was him? And yet somehow I knew it was Him.
Time to Head Back Home:
My two-week journey at sea came to a stop at Aruba. It was my first time setting foot in another country. Aruba was 6 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Aruba is a really expensive place to live even though there is no tax to pay. Like there, is here in the States. I only stayed in Aruba for three hours. And it was time to catch a plane back home. The plane trip was only four hours long compared to a two-week trip by sea. But all in all, I enjoyed my overseas experience.
Back to Work, but Not for Long:
I finally returned to the States and was happy to be home. I was badly sun burnt and very tired from my long trip back home. But then it was back to work at the office the following day.
I turned in my over time hours that I worked while I was at sea. Which was 36 hours of over time. Within one week I received my paycheck along with my over time check. Just to find out that I got $108 dollars for my over time! I was quite shocked to see the amount that I received for 36 hours of over time. I approached my boss and all he did was push me to the side. I then went to him a week later and again he just pushed me out to the side.
This went on for two weeks. And at the end of the second week. I got called into the office. The boss told me to sit down and he told me that he was letting me go cause he can't afford to keep me around. And you know what? That really hurt. Cause here's a company that's pulling in thousands and thousands of dollars every day. And they can't afford to keep me around? At that point I told him about my over time check. He said what I got was right. And I said I don't think so. He then said that I didn't have to worry about it no more and he handed me my last paycheck for the day. I packed up my belongings and left.
Loosing Hope:
When I lost my job. I filed for unemployment. But I wasn't going to give up there. I filled a report stating about my over time hours. Turns out, I was cheated on. And the company knew it. Two weeks had already passed. And I was starting to get desperate in search of a job. I had sent out many resumes and I didn't hear from anyone. Turns out I got caught in a bad time too loose my job and to look for a job.
That report that I filed about my over time hours finally went through the system. And I was scheduled for a court hearing in two more weeks. But in one week I got a call from one of my college friends. Just wanting to know how I was doing and everything. I told him about my situation. I didn't know it but my friend passed the word around. And in the next day I got another call from this lady friend of mine. Telling me that she knew someone that was looking to hire.
I called her up and got the information and called up the company. Sure enough they were hiring. The boss wanted to see me that day. So I got ready and headed on out for the interview. He talked about the job and what they had to offer for its employee's and showed me around. And something told me that this was it. Sure enough I got the job. And I was ready to start the following week. It took me three weeks to find a job. But the only thing was. I had to drop my court case. Cause once I got hired, I would have to provide a lawyer for myself to continue the case. But since I didn't have any money with me. I dropped my case.
The other company that I worked for might have gotten away with it this time. But next time they might not be so lucky.
The Start of my New Job:
I started my new job on July 15, 1998. My new job now consisted of Civil Drafting. Since I didn't have any experience in Civil Drafting. I was on a 30-day probation period. Things went smooth and I now know the tricks of the trade. I am pretty much a designer now. I design subdivisions for housing projects, shopping centers, landscaping and parking lots. I love what I am doing and I hope that I can grow old with this company.
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More To Come.....
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