It all started....in Mexico City

I started learning to paper-push in military school in Mexico City, taught by a lieutenant who had risen in the ranks because of his administrative skills.  

Then I worked at the Mexican Automobile Association with another admin wizard, Memo Cárdenas,  whose philosophy was "don't sweat the small stuff, there is only  small stuff..." 

The last  3 years of grad school I worked for room and board, and $300.00 a month, at a half-way house for developmentally disabled adults, which taught me patience and love. 

The... one morning in 1978, I was offered a three year contract.lecturer job in the Romance Languages Department at The Ohio State University. 

A year later the department chair let me know that all the lecturers with more seniority had gotten a  tenure track job, and being the most senior, I was now to have administrative tasks... The journey began.

It was the largest Spanish language program in one campus the US at the time. The language requirement was 2 years (6 quarters); the first year had a four track traditional program; the second year 2 tracks--a traditional four skills; and a reading track. 

There was also an Individualized Learning Program developed with an NEH grant.  Of the many languages involved Spanish, was the largest one, "surprise, surprise, surprise" in the words of the great American philosopher Gomer Pyle, USMC!  Through the buffets of life, I became its assistant director.

My luck was that the director was an amazing man, patient, wise, friendly, and helpful, who taught me many things I had never learned before.  Gracias, Mario Iglesias!

The first and second year program instructors included GTA's, lecturers, and Professors at all ranks, including full professors.  Scheduling everyone was part of the job--"can you say nightmare?  I think you can" In the words of the great American philosopher Mr. Rogers. 

Through a Professor of Italian at OSU I was offered a one semester sabbatical replacement job at Vandy,  teaching Italian and Spanish. Ready to move to Nashville, I had even bought boots, I am offered a one year, sabbatical replacement job at UF in 1981. The rest is, well, more  history.