I have been spending the past forty years trying to realize my dreams. I achieved many of them; some are still in progress; and the rest do not seem to matter any more.
First and foremost, I wanted to become an astronaut. I never made it. However, after receiving a B.S. in aeronautical engineering from New York University and a Master’s Degree from George Washington University, I did end up working for NASA on projects involving Apollo, Space Station, and Space Shuttle astronauts, and some of the world’s leading space scientists. It was a blast both literally and figuratively!
I always envisioned being happily married with perfect children. I can claim 100% success in the marriage department. My bride’s name is Randi. However, I have only one 25 year old child named Ryan. But since he successfully graduated with a degree in illustration and computer animation, has a full time job in New York in his chosen profession, and doesn’t take any money from his aging parents, I am claiming a 95% success rate in the “perfect child” category.
After leaving Newark, NJ, I also dreamed of traveling the world. My family and I have had the opportunity to leave our foot prints in many parts of Asia, North America, and Europe while traveling for business and pleasure. We’re not done yet. My son, for example, will continue our traveling tradition by going to Peru on a church mission trip to help build a school for the poorest of the poor.
Next on my “Dream” list was to become rich and famous. As of 2004, I am financially secure but not rich, and I am certainly not famous. However, having worked with a number of rich and famous people I can honestly say that being in their shoes is not all that great. So I have modified my “Dream” to becoming financially secure and happy. On this one, I can claim a 95% success rate.
Finally, I always wanted to do something meaningful that would have a lasting impact on society. That’s a big one. The closest I can claim to achieving a mini-version of this dream is through the space and computer technology consulting companies I established over the past twenty-five years. Both companies have provided incomes, full fringe benefits, and supportive work environments to over 500 employees and their families. But did I have any lasting impact on these good members of society? My answer came recently when I received a Thank You note from my staff after our company holiday party stating, “Because of you we were able to have lots of fun, put presents under the tree, and food on the table.”
What’s next? To keep myself busy for the next forty years with new stuff, I would like to author and publish a series of humorous, politically incorrect books about men, women, work, business, government, and popular culture. If anyone in the Class of ’64 can help, please feel free to contact me at chenw@wtchen.com.
