The Unplanned Elective That Became a Life Lesson

If college life teaches us one thing, it’s that the unexpected often comes packed with the most significant lessons. And sometimes, it’s the ‘wild card’ choices—the electives or unplanned experiences—that truly change our lives.

College is often depicted as a formative experience—a four-year journey filled with opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. But few experiences were as transformative for me as my decision to enroll in a "Principles of Personal Finance" class during my first semester. It wasn't a requirement; it wasn't even related to my major. It was a wild card, an elective I took on a whim. And it changed everything for me.

Finance 101: More Than Just Numbers

Before this course, my financial literacy was in its infancy. I knew the basics: save a little, spend a little, hope for the best. But as the semester unfolded, the class delved into complex topics like investment portfolios, compound interest, and retirement planning. My professor brought these topics to life with real-world examples, and I found myself not just learning but applying these lessons to my own life.

A Teacher's Vulnerability Becomes A Lesson

Our instructor had a career story that was, frankly, startling. A former banker, he was fired from his high-profile job for a significant oversight—he forgot to invest the bank's funds, costing them millions.

First thought: Now he teaches us!

But then: Now, most people would tuck such a damaging episode deep into the hidden corners of their resume, but not him. He wore it as a badge of courage, a cautionary tale he generously shared to teach us about the very real, high-stake responsibilities that come with handling finances—be it a corporation's or your own. It was my first real encounter with the philosophy that even failures can be stepping stones (or side-stepping stones) if we learn from them and grow.

And he had us listening!

But the course did more than just teach me how to budget or invest. It changed how I approached my career and even how I viewed the trajectory of my life. Suddenly, jobs weren't just about long-term financial growth, benefits, and retirement plans, but about lessons learned and lives lived, about getting something from the experience of jobs and applying it to business. I began to look at life through the lens of financial leverage and jobs as stepping stones. It was as if a whole new world of possibilities.

The Friend Who Made Finance (and Pool) Cool

The guy next to me and I started talking about his admission, at first spouting that old expression about he who can't do.

Mike and I carried the conversation to the student union for a few games of pool (man, he was an expert). Mike was not your typical college student. He was a bit older and quickly became a good friend and thought partner. He and his father had partnered to open a pool hall in Phoenix (hence the near hustler level massés), and Mike was keen on applying every financial principle we learned to his business. After class, we'd often meet up to discuss the psychology of money—all over a game of pool.

Life Lessons Over a Pool Table

At first glance, pool and finance seem worlds apart. But as we delved deeper into the nuances of investments, assets, and financial planning in class, Mike began drawing parallels between the subject matter and the real-world choices he made in running the pool hall.

The art of pool, he would say, was a lot like life. It's about angles, strategy, and sometimes taking a shot in the dark. "See, the key to a good game of pool isn't just skill, it's also strategy," Mike would explain as he effortlessly sunk another ball. "Just like in finance, you need a game plan. You need to think three steps ahead."

Embracing the ThriveU Philosophy: Always Make Room for a Wild Card

Mike's approach to pool and business embodied the ThriveU philosophy: Make the most out of every opportunity, and always leave room for unexpected growth and learning. The idea of adding a "wild card" elective or experience into your life might seem insignificant, but as I've learned, these unplanned choices can lead to the most profound life changes.

Whether it's an unexpected friendship that broadens your perspective or a random course that becomes a lifelong interest, always make room for a wild card.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Thriving

I got a lot better at pool that semester and developed a new philosophy around finances and business that would color my university experience and future in the business world.

As I reflect on my college years and beyond, that first semester stands out as a defining moment, a point where I transitioned from merely surviving to genuinely thriving—financially, intellectually, and personally. And all it took was an unplanned elective and a friendship born over discussions of finance and games of pool.

So, here's my piece of advice for anyone looking to make the most of their life journey: as you navigate your way through life’s choices—academic, professional, or personal—always make room for a wild card. You never know what lessons you'll learn, what friendships you'll form, what new passions you might discover, or how you'll thrive in the most unexpected ways.

After all, isn't that what the ThriveU philosophy is all about?

Until Next Time,
Peter N Liptak