Chapter X: How Do I Know if I Have What It Takes?
“Don’t make promises, make commitments” (Dr. Mark Whitman, Alfred State College)
The place that one finds themself today does not necessarily represent who they are. However, from where they have come is a fair representation of whom they may become. Let’s begin with the following snippet and let’s see if collectively we can figure out what is the author’s meaning.
I was born and raised for the majority of my youthful existence in Hornell, NY. A small city nestled in the foot hills of the Allegany Mountain region in the southern tier of New York State. Located approximately sixty miles south of Rochester, NY, and equidistant between Binghamton, NY, to the east and Jamestown, NY, to the west. A city of families that pretty much knew each other, one high school and junior high school, and several neighborhood elementary schools. The city less than five square miles had ten wards and a city council member to represent each one. I had to leave my city and move to Florida at the age of ten because mothers and fathers do not always stay together.
The city, in my youth had a handful of small light industries. The major employer was the Erie–Lackawanna Railroad. The locomotive shops were located in Hornell as the city was considered the mid-point between New York City and Chicago on the line. A strong substantial line not encumbered with tunnels that would inhibit high loads and major metropolitan areas to slow the trains down. During Hornell’s heyday the Eire had most of its operation located within the City. City pride was enthusiastically displayed in most walks of life and school sporting events to be sure.
Hornell, NY, served as the shopping and recreation hub for a three hundred mile radius, a strong medical support and at the time, two hospitals. Hornell had its share of churches and saloons per capita as noted in a publication of an Almanac (As rumor has it, but will take it as face value for purposes of this discussion). The residents practiced many traditions commonly associated with small town America. Needless to say, the City was active and for a small kid growing up, pretty exciting. However, not overly accessible to the outside world during the 50s outside of radio, television, and news print.
I grew up in Hornell, NY, and learned the meaning of family, friends, and relationships. I loved family and learned how differences can even divide a strong unit like a family. I grew up in my city during a time when you earned what you received. This was true in school, family, part-time work outside of expected chores, and the neighborhood took care of every child within its boundaries. When someone new moved in, they were accepted, not belittled or considered an outsider. But if they had an accent or different twang to their speech, maybe they received some ridicule.
I grew up in Hornell, NY learning a devotion to God and to Country. You learned how to be loyal, but not blind. A tradition practiced