A High School Experience

Down The Hill and Across the Road

A High School experience!

I left High School after my freshman year. I was a country kid with an inferiority complex. I got on the bus and rode to the High School and got off the bus and went to my classes, got back on the bus and went home. I even worked out a system for my bus ride. I would sit about ¾ of the way to the back on the right side next to a window. This positioned me where I could look out the window and did not have to make eye contact with the other students. I also had a system for between classes.  I would stick my head in my locker and act as through I was looking for something. As soon as the halls would be almost clear I would dash to my class. I went out for football which didn’t work out because I wasn’t able to make practice before or after school.  I had work to do at home and no transportation to and from the football practice. Couldn’t play in the band had no money for an instrument and again would not have transportation to and from practice. So, socially I was a misfit.

Academics were not a challenge. Much of the curriculum was a repeat of my eighth grade in the country school. I decided my need for money was greater than my need for more education. So, I decided to leave school.  People have been so good to me all my life! Two of my High School teachers came to my house to encourage me to return to school. But I had made up my mind!

How to make the transition was something I had to work out. I tried getting a job.  I came up with a few temporary jobs and that was it.  While filling out a job application one of the questions was “have you met your military obligation”? There was the answer to both my problems. I could join the Army! Now I had to wait until I was seventeen before I could join. My Dad would have to sign for me because of my age. When I asked him to sign he said, “are you sure this is what you want to do”?  My reply was “I am tired of being told what to do”. That was over sixty years ago that I joined the army. I did well in the Army. My value system changed. I suppose I am rare person academically as one who didn’t finish high school but attended four colleges plus seminary. I am still learning. Not often but once in a while I am told what to do.

In 2007 I retired from the ministry after having bypass surgery. God has been so good to me! I have had a great life!

Jim Gray

Peculiar Mo