Getting Undressed

An apropos title for a high school classmate’s autobiography. An appropriate analogy to the overcoming of the internal challenges we all face in making the changes necessary to achieve one’s purpose and to bring success. Success, in this man’s case, not only for himself but for others.

“Getting Undressed –From Paralysis To Purpose-“ is a must read for any young professional. It is not simply about finding hope in what many would find a hopeless situation, or in keeping faith and a sense of purpose when an uncertain future lay before you, but it is a story that highlights the necessity to foster the ability to change and adapt to ever changing life situations; whether from getting through college to maneuvering through ever changing work environments. Particularly hard in a wheelchair back in the day.

Understanding what drives people is essential to writing a good story. Conciseness makes a story all that more enjoyable and powerful. This tale of a life being lived well excels in its ability to be concise, written with the purpose of uplifting the reader through personal testimony. I have read a few autobiographies, and while I found all fascinating, some lingered in minutia and took me forever to finish (between naps).

This book is a lean 200 pages with, most importantly, pictures. A good picture book is hard to find and always a joy when found. I am center top in the track team photo.

I was in a calculus class with David Cooks at the Jesuit institution we attended: Marquette University High School. I always admire his glow in the face of such a seemingly devastating turn of events. But it certainly was not easy, as I could see on his face in more trying moments. I am sorry if he felt he received any uncomfortable stares.

I am certain I stared much more at our Jewish underclassman than I did at David Cooks, if that is any consolation, simply because he was not only tall but chubby, …actually fat. I mean our underclassman, not David Cooks. I am sure I could provide some sound dieting advice for him.

I never knew that he was not Catholic. I mean David Cooks, not our Jewish underclassman.

Not sure what that Chinese guy was.

For an all boys school it was and is a very diverse supportive environment. A great place to attend high school. I am wondering if they need a new diversity director; a position David Cooks held for some time, as well as the position of head coach of the varsity basketball team. Perhaps I should throw my hat into the ring, for diversity director, not basketball coach. I am a white male after all, which should make me a shoo-in don’t you know.

Or would it help if I said I was female?

There was one part of his autobiography that confused me however. After making it into the Fuqua School of Business at Duke, on page 113 David Cooks writes; “I was no longer always the smartest person in the room.”

I am thinking back really really hard and I am pretty sure we were all in the same room when Mr. Lazowski was teaching calculus.

I am scratching my head.

The dog has fleas.

Thanks for reading.

Almost missed posting this month, but I am grateful that I can connect you with something of profound value. I highly recommend the book. And book him as a speaker if you hold such power.

You can order a signed copy from his site.

I had to pay $20 for the book! Lucky ya’ll.

Maybe he is smarter than me.

I am scratching my head.