I graduated as a valedictorian from Austintown Fitch in 1994 (along with Mr. Reel). In 1998 I graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I worked as an engineer for Transocean and Alcoa for eight years before changing careers. My jobs as an engineer allowed me to travel to Europe, South America, and Africa. In those places I witnessed the value of education and unfortunately the lack thereof. And those experiences reinforced my gratitude of being born in this great country.