We continue chapter 2 of my blog-to-book project, Life After High School: Secrets To A Successful Life By Those Who Have Had Twenty Years To Think About It (or) What They Didn’t Teach Us Gen Xers In High School, with the second of three interviews. If you missed the last post, click here, otherwise, you can start at the beginning here.
William H. Mosley
Anacortes, WA
My Life In High School
Who were you in High School and how did you feel about it?
Just me. I never cared much about popularity or about fitting into many different clicks in school. I would say for the most part I tried to treat people how I wanted to be treated.
What did you think your life would become when you graduated?
I thought I would be a family man who was willing to work hard for the things I get.
My Life After High School
What happened in your life to you, for you, and by you in the last twenty years (how have you used your time and who have you become)?
I would not say life has gone the way I thought it would. At the age of 18 I would start a long trek full of drugs, drinking, and (?) women. I almost would marry 3 times but just never seal the deal. I still, despite drug use and over drinking, would continue on as the core person I was—someone with far too much heart, and with far too many dreams. Someone who despite hardship would still strive to treat others as I would like to be treated: with respect, hope, and a little love. I am doing much better now and maintain the hope that life can get better if you strive to better yourself and others. If today was a dark day, tomorrow can be a brighter one. The dream I am currently working on is to find a woman to spend my life with, and to find a career I can at least semi-enjoy and retire in.
My Life Lessons
What were the major life lessons and wisdom that you gained during your journey over the last 20 years?
Life is what you make of it. You have to strive to achieve what hopes and dreams you have. If you fail, keep trying. It is only when we give up that we fail.
Letter To My High School Self
If you could write your 18-year-old self (or however old you were when you graduated) a letter, and send it back in time, what would you say? What lessons, wisdom, encouragement, or warnings would you give yourself?
Do not give up and never back down.
I hope you enjoyed this interview with William. Next time, I am finishing chapter 2 with the last of the three interviews with my old chum, Scott McKinstry.
Are you from Generation X? I want to hear what you think! Please comment below and participate in the conversation about What They Didn’t Teach Us Gen Xers In High School. What do you wish someone told you when you were eighteen?
