Role: Graduate Student, M.A. in Applied Anthropology
School: Cal Poly Humboldt
Year graduated from Humboldt: 2024
Please tell us about yourself.
I’m a California native who lived in Texas, Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina between second and eighth grade. I went to high school in Lemoore, California, with the goal of moving to San Luis Obispo as fast as I could. I spent about ten years as a part-time student at Cuesta College and Cal Poly SLO. In 1991 I was accepted to Sci-Arc (Architecture school) and left San Luis for Los Angeles. I ran out of money promptly, but I met my wife, Lori, and we moved back to San Luis Obispo. I left Cal Poly for the next to last time in 1993 to pursue a career in the motorcycle business.
I retired in December 2019 from motorcycle dealership leadership, with plans to travel extensively in Europe with Lori. Q1 2020 events dashed our travel plans, and we got busy working on a couple of 1890s buildings we have. I was helping a friend who had purchased the architecture firm where she worked with the business side and got the idea to return to school. I did a semester at University of Arizona and a quarter at Cal Poly SLO when I discovered the Leadership Studies program at Cal Poly Humboldt. It looked like a good fit. It was, and I’m happy and grateful for the opportunity to realize my dreams with support from Cal Poly Humboldt.
What motivated you to enroll in the Leadership Studies program?
This question should be, “In addition to Betsy, what motivated you to enroll in the Leadership Studies program?” While it was intriguing, I had my doubts about the program. Betsy was accessible, patient, direct, and caring, and she helped me make the correct decision. I wanted a remote, asynchronous, accelerated gateway to grad school. The Leadership Studies program and my outstanding professors delivered that -- and much more.
How has the Leadership Program positively impacted your personal and/or professional life?
Leadership Studies reminded me of things desired in the past that were lost in pursuing other opportunities. Despite an enjoyable and rewarding career, I knew I wanted more. Leadership Studies helped me identify and prioritize personal goals I’d forgotten and showed me more options for achieving them.
What are your goals after completing the Leadership Studies degree program?
I want to earn an MA in anthropology and teach and support student success at the university level -- a PhD related to sustainability policy that takes advantage of skills gained in Leadership Studies and anthropology.
What do you think people who are considering this program should know before they start?
This program requires time and commitment, but it is doable. You will only fail if you choose not to move forward. Sacrificing a few pleasures now will result in more options later. Go to the optional live sessions; if you can’t, watch the recordings. You aren’t alone; take advantage of the resources available to you.
Any advice for prospective students?
Do it, then immerse yourself in the lessons and readings, even if they conflict with your beliefs and past experiences. This is the place to explore and experiment with new ideas safely. Be genuinely accountable for your effort and results. “My bad” is a deflection -- not a solution.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I graduated in Spring 2024 and am starting the M.A. in Applied Anthropology at Cal Poly Humboldt in Fall 2024, and I am a student assistant in LDRS 311. Things are working out so far!
