Reflections on High School: Nurturing Interests and Pursuing Passions
The high school years were a time of profound growth and discovery. For me, the subjects that stood out the most were mathematics and physics. MATH and PHYSICS were not just academic subjects; they were doorways to a deeper understanding of the world around me.
One of my most cherished experiences during high school was participating in a presentation at an international submarine conference on radiation-free nuclear energy. This project underscored the continuing relevance of understanding the physical world, as it plays a crucial role in our efforts to find clean, efficient sources of energy. The journey to comprehend and harness the power of nuclear energy is intricate and ongoing, but the commitment to sustainable and peaceful energy solutions is as vital as ever.
However, my interest in pursuing knowledge went beyond the classroom. During high school, I also enjoyed engaging in extracurricular activities that stoked my curiosity and fueled my creativity. Music, specifically the trumpet, became a significant part of my life. I initiated my musical journey in seventh grade and continued playing throughout my teenage years. The period when I played in a big band after graduating from high school was particularly fulfilling. While I paused for a brief moment to juggle two full-time jobs, my passion for music eventually rekindled, and I rediscovered the joy of playing different kinds of music with various groups.
Physics, in particular, taught me more than just the mechanics of the physical world. It was a tool for asking the right questions and seeking solutions. Physics helped me understand the underlying principles of how things work and how technology can be improved. This subject's deeper implications have stayed with me, influencing my perspectives on innovation and problem-solving.
As a student in the 60s and 70s, my interests mirrored the changing world around me. Growing up during a pivotal period of social and political change, I became increasingly aware of the destructive potential of nuclear technology. In fact, in 1985, the world possessed over 60,000 nuclear bombs, a stark contrast to the current 15,000. This realization pushed me to explore more holistic and peace-oriented fields of study.
Thus, I decided to channel my scientific aptitude and channel it towards the realm of peace studies. My journey led me to create a major in peace studies, which was a pioneer program at Manhattan College. This curriculum blended disciplines, including sociology, political science, psychology, and more, to examine human conflict from multiple angles. Studying peace studies motivated me to understand the various facets of conflict and to seek peaceful resolutions. My graduation from the inaugural class of peace studies in 1973 marked the beginning of a new chapter in my educational journey.
In retrospect, my high school years were marked by a blend of academic rigor and personal growth. The subjects I pursued, such as mathematics, physics, and music, not only provided me with a solid foundation but also instilled in me a lifelong thirst for knowledge and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Whether through scientific inquiry or peaceful pursuits, my journey has been a testament to the enduring power of education and its potential to shape a better future.