More Changes in the Making, 1990-1991
In which Teófilo speaks about "transformative", life-changing decisions, and about the tribe who helped him attain them.
In Memory of MSgt. William “Bill” Scaramell USAF (Ret.), 1960-2011. Leader, mentor, friend.
Attaining another transformative event…
Yes, it is becoming trite. With full hindsight vision it's easy to point out this or that decision as transformative. In fact, the word "transformative" is so popular nowadays that it risks losing its meaning. One decides something or something big happens and it becomes transformative. One changes, and (hopefully) the change becomes good and long-lasting.
As my expertise at reading, understanding, and writing theology increased, I asked myself if I should pursue it as an academic major. It meant abandoning physics and mathematics as my core interests. It also meant subordinating my interest in computer science to theology.
Theology. The "science of God" as treasured, taught, and transmitted by the Catholic Church. I began to love the field because I loved God first. I also loved the Church - though that love would get tested later.
I asked Mercie what she thought. She suggested I go to St. Mary's University of San Antonio and find out how I could bring all of my disparate school credits together. I found out that if would complete a couple of night classes, I could complete the senior year in two semesters. At the end of those two semesters, I would have completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA). It promised to be an eclectic one. I was relieved when I ascertain my theology degree would encompass most of my math and sciences credits.
Moreover, by completing my senior year's first semester's classes I would complete yet another degree: my Associate's Degree with the Air Force's Community College. That meant that by the end of 1991 I would have my first college degree, and by the end of the spring semester of 1992, my BA.
...required me to run. A lot.
I then decided to apply for the Air Force's Bootstrap Program. This program consisted of a two-semester temporary duty assignment to college to finish my degree. I retained my rank, pay, and benefits, while I went to school. I did had to pay for my credit load, but a loan would take care of that.
Now, to get the Bootstrap I had to be in top physical shape and do my physical fitness test within standards. Sit-ups and pushups were things I could do, but running killed at speed had always killed me. I seemed to drag to the very end, always passing but barely. I had to do better.
This is where my supervisor came to help. Bill Scaramell invested himself in my success. He took upon himself to coach me. He pushed me to the limit, screamed into my ears, did what it took to make me excel. My work team also chipped in with encouragement and advice. Without Bill and my team I wouldn't have made it.
I made it, thanks to God's grace, Bill's support, and my team's encouragement. I started my senior year of college in the fall of 1991. Four years after I should’ve graduated from the UPRM had I stayed put, yet I had no regrets. I was a husband to a wonderful woman, father to a handsome little boy, a baby coming, and owner to a happy dog. I had lived a lot by age 25. It had all been worth it.
Our future held lots of surprises
I had no way to see what the BA would bring. If someone would've told me that by 1994 I would be working for the US Department of Justice, I would've said it was a lie. At that moment I was thinking how to push my fledgeling family forward. One baby was growing up inside Mercie, while another was growing up outside. I had the faith in God and enough self-confidence to make sure they would never lack for anything. I also had the right circle of friends who pushed me to excel.
Yes, all those decisions and choices proved transformative. They changed our destiny, as you’ll see.