I spent seven years at Purdue. The first five were for a BS in Industrial Engineering (in 1977), including 5 semesters of co-op work with Miles Laboratories. My last two years were in Krannert School of Business for an MS in Management (in 1979), specializing in financial management. During my first year, I even participated in the Purdue band, playing trumpet.
I paid my way through school, primarily with my salary on the co-op program with Miles Laboratories. I also worked in the Purdue library, worked on a proposition for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (on which computers they should by for their research sites), taught a course for beginning engineers called "Enough Fortran", and was a counselor in the Fowler Courts dormitory.
Going to Purdue exposed me to people from outside southern Indiana. That was an eye-opener! I also gained my independence, since Dad decided early-on to stop paying for my studies. It's probably the best thing he ever did for me. And I gained confidence in myself.
I also started my travel bug during this epoque. In the summer of 1977, five of us who were counselors at Fowler together took at 5-week "Eurorail" trip to Europe. It was a blast, although looking back, I'm ashamed at how "American" I was. (Why isn't it like at home? Why do they think they are so good? Why can't they all be like us?)
I alsso ALMOST began my humanitairian work at that time. I interviewed with the Peace Corps, and they wanted me! But Hewlett-Packard made me an offer that I couldn't refuse, and I'm glad that I didn't.
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