This is not your Father's Palo Alto

/ The (Old) Old Pro/

My time in high school

Attended high school in the
1980s

Overall high school experience
8/10. We had a blast!

Grades in high school
B's and C's. If I liked a subject it was A or B if I did not it was C or D

 

Best subjects
Math, Physical Education, Sports

Struggled with...
History, Science, English. I survived but I'm pretty sure that I have an undiagnosed condition like ADD.

Favorite extracurricular
Sports / Recreation

Life since high school

“[My greatest accomplishment is] being able to support my dad in his senior years and helping my children as they battle through school in Palo Alto. I am learning every step of the journey. The biggest lesson I have learned is that life is far from perfect and that every family has challenges. ”

Attended college / university at
Menlo College for Freshman year...majored in football, beer and girls. CSU Stanislaus for the rest majored in Business and baseball.

Places lived in US
California

Current occupations / past occupations
Sales (technology). I spent a decade in hospitality in my teens and twenties and 5 years in retail automotive.

Industries I've worked in
- Retail Trade
- Finance and Insurance
- Management of Companies and Enterprises
- Accommodation and Food Services

Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
Not specifically but it did help me learn how to "do work".

Has your education or career/occupation trajectory ever changed? How?
Absolutely, I am all over the board and always have been with school or work.

A little introspection...

To me, being successful means...
Health and being a good friend, a good husband, a good father and a good son. providing a safe environment for my family is my top priority.

My definition of success has changed over time. 
It used to be financially based. Money is still critical or a source of stress but a happy and healthy family trumps all else.

My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
Being able to support my dad in his senior years and helping my children as they battle through school in Palo Alto. I am learning every step of the journey. The biggest lesson I have learned is that life is far from perfect and that every family has challenges. The lesson learned is that its ok and "normal" and life is what you make of it!

My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
I certainly regret many of the choices I made when I was young. Too much partying which was really selfish and not taking advantage of some of the educational and career opportunities that I had.  

An unexpected event that changed my life and how it impacted me
My mom died unexpectadely and my Dad had no idea how to cook or pay a bill or do much of anything on his own. He is mostly disabled so it has been quite a journey the past ten years helping him.

This alumni is open to your questions and follow-ups.
In order to protect anonymity, we will pass along your message and they can choose whether to respond.

My favorite spot in or around Palo Alto

The (Old) Old Pro (on El Camino) was and now its Freds Place which is actually in Mt View but you can see it from Palo Alto!