I began my studies as a violinist at the Eastman School of Music. Several years into my degree program, my teacher took me aside and told me that while I was a good violinist, I would never get into a major symphony orchestra. With his encouragement, I auditioned for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and won the audition. There were more than 100 applicants and auditions were held behind a screen. At the same time I decided to work toward my Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. Several years into the program, my advisor took me aside and told me that while I was a good student, I would never complete the doctoral program. With his encouragement, I did pass all the exams and completed my dissertation and attained my doctorate degree.
Several years after that I decided to get my private pilot certificate. The basic requirement was 40 hours, although most students take about 60 hours. I was up to 67 hours and had not yet soloed. My instructor took me aside and told me that while I was a good student, I would never get my pilot certificate. Having heard this before, I smiled a little to myself and with his encouragement, I did get my certificate, as well as instrument rating, commercial certificate, and flight instructor certificate. I should mention that the oral and practical exam for the CFI was more difficult that the oral and written exams at the University of Michigan for my doctorate degree. I have 2,000 hours of flying time over 20 years and I own a Cessna 210 (high performance, retractable, constant speed) with a partner.
The lesson here is if you want something and you want it badly, do not look left or right but drive straight ahead until you reach your goal. And above all, don’t listen to anyone.
Bruce Smith
Farmington Hills, Michigan
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