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What makes a person successful? Robert C. Birks tells the story of two boys who were high achievers. What made them this way? Did it matter that their father had a 4th grade education and their mother had a 10th grade education? These parents gave their sons a better life teaching them how to save money, spend it and be a friend. Every part of Carl and Robert’s lives-grooming, dressing, or performing in school–was accompanied by their parents’ support.
Carl and Robert were committed to success. Robert recalls adventures on a family friend’s farm, working for the Detroit Free Press competing to sell the most subscriptions, and resourcefully getting through a tricky lab at Meharry. He talks of cutting back on food to save enough to pay a bill. There would be setbacks and obstacles, but they were steadfast in their commitment to succeed.
Robert remembers incidents that tried his commitment. Medical schools did not accept Black students. Resisting anger, he opted for showing his ability to learn medicine, treat patients, perform surgery, teach interns, and manage a busy city ER. He did these while joining the army, getting married, and having three children.
Success cannot happen without integrity. Success is not about cheating or taking shortcuts. Memories of Robert’s feelings for his dogs, students, coworkers, parents, aunts and uncles, big brother, friends, and wife build a legacy based on integrity and grit.
