BROOKS MITCHELL

Perspective

This is the story of Ruth Minzel of Newcastle. It exemplifies determination, hope, and the refusal to accept the status quo. It is a tale of pure grit!

Four years ago, Ruth enrolled in my entrepreneurship class at the University of Wyoming. She was 38 years old. As part of her class assignment, Ruth wrote a biographical sketch describing her life to me. This has been a requirement of all of my students and I have read each one carefully. As a result, I have come to know many great stories of success and goal accomplishment, but the story of Ruth Minzel especially touched me and enriched my life considerably.

Here are a few direct quotations from the story she wrote for me.

"At the age of two weeks I was adopted by wonderful parents who brought me to Newcastle, where I grew up. I was sent to church boarding schools until I became pregnant at age 16 and they no longer accepted me. So, I attended Newcastle High School for my junior and half of my senior year. As a result of some personal issues with the school and being a stubborn young lady, I quit about four months before graduation but later got my GED and took a job at the local Pamida store. I worked my way up to office manager and continued to work until my son Kevin graduated high school. In the meantime I got married and had another son, Mychal.

"When both of my boys were old enough to always be gone with their friends, I decided to do something else with my life. I talked it over with my husband who said, 'go for it.' It was at that moment that I signed up for night classes and eventually ended up here at the University of Wyoming. I am now only 2 1/2 years away from making around $100,000 per year. This will be quite a change from my $10 per hour office job I had for the past 15 years. This goes to show you that it is never too late to get an education and do something good with your life."

Ruth went on to tell me more of her dreams and desire to contribute to her hometown of Newcastle. I have always believed in the power of the human spirit, when given the opportunity to overcome almost insurmountable odds. I was impressed that I didn't read about one bit of self-pity, bitterness, or resignation to acceptance of a life less than fully lived. Rather, I read about a confident attitude, determination, and hope that her educational efforts will lead to something better.

I asked to meet with Ruth privately after class. If there was any lingering doubt about her solid character, her personal presence completely evaporated it. I asked her for a favor. "Ruth," I said, "Would you send me a copy of your first paycheck stub as a pharmacist?" She agreed!

I have occasionally thought of Ruth over the past three years, but honestly, I had forgotten about the promise of the paycheck stub. Then, last week my phone rang and it was Ruth. "Dr. Mitchell." she said, "I just got my first paycheck today. I am now a licensed pharmacist making $120,000 per year." I wanted to talk with her for a while, but I was afraid I couldn't speak.

Ruth is my hero. She didn't like the way her life was going and she did something about it. She changed it! I am reminded of the quotation, "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and feed him for a lifetime."

God bless Ruth and other people who take responsibility for their lives, who do not blame others for their circumstances. For me, they are the people who make Wyoming and America great.

Brooks Mitchell of Laramie is Professor Emeritus of the College of Business at the University of Wyoming.