This is my response to a question from a friend regarding getting started on a new career path:
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Hmmm...
That's a good question, and sometimes I wonder which career I'm in. From being a helicopter pilot (serendipity, in a fine moment indeed) to meeting a journalist on a flight from Washington to Rome via Paris, I'm still not sure how to answer that.
The easy way out is that I'm outgoing, and stood up on a plane in Paris (with a transfer to Rome) and went "Holy Shit! We're late, I don't speak a word of French, I'm going to Rome and have no idea what to do now!"
Two women who had been sitting next to me said "Don't worry, we're probably on the same flight." They both were also fluent in French. Along with 5 other passengers, we were escorted off the side entrance of the plane, down a jetway, to a waiting bus that took us on a winding path underneath the airport in Paris. A woman with a walkie-talkie waved us through several security gates to an awaiting plane. After we boarded, they let everyone else on the plane. It just so happened that 4 out of the 8 of us were assigned to the same or adjacent rows. We got to know each other, I still have the notes that I had them sign (I'm a writer, and usually carry a pad and a pen).
We still don't know who was the real culprit that they delayed a plane for the group of us. But during that encounter, I met someone who introduced me to someone who hired me for a job I never thought about - international TV, radio and web-caster for the State Department. I don't work for them any longer, but it surely expanded my knowledge base and skill level.
As for your question of how I did it? I don't know. It's a combination of serendipity and WTF, let me try this and see how it goes.
I flew upside down in a helicopter once (you're not supposed to do that...), and that was cool also.
My feeling is to be yourself, try not to lose your innocence, aim high, and be in the moment - as you never know what's gonna happen. Flexibility is the key to thought.
Hope that helps,
John
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