Global Traveler Publisher Fran Gallagher has written a little about his daughter’s college selection process on the blog.  Over the last few years, my nephew and nieces have also entered college.  Despite me joking that I wanted top sports programs, I am proud of their choices, and I encourage them to get as much out of their college experience as possible.

I recently caught up with high school friend Tony Furjanic, who was in a unique position as he made his collegiate choice.  Despite being a highly recruited football star at Mt. Carmel, football wasn’t the overriding factor in his college selection process.  Having a large close-knit family, Tony wanted to stay in the Midwest and ultimately chose No,tre Dame for academics, location and opportunities (with a little urging from his grandmother added to the mix).

Notre Dame offered an excellent education as well as other opportunities, including travel.  In addition to playing for the Fighting Irish in California, New York, Florida and Hawaii, Tony went with the team to Japan, where he took the opportunity to really experience the country, not just see it from the football field.

The exposure from playing and the experiences off the field benefited him immediately and continue to do so.  He recently joined former ND teammate Ron Plantz at Authorized Acquisitions.  The seeds for this reunion were planted years ago in South Bend.

Similarly, this discussion between Tony and me really started at Mt. Carmel.  Thirty years later, there we sat, discussing education, travel and business, especially how we could help each other in business.

Several years back, Fran talked to me about coordinating the distribution for Global Traveler.  Fran and I originally met in 1984, when Fran was a salesman and I worked part time while at DePaul University.  I got that job because the vice president was a graduate of Mt. Carmel.  It was another education connection paying off.

There is more to school than just GPAs (and parties).  There are opportunities presented and connections made in school and through the school.  For me, these things are the most valuable assets I gained from my schooling.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist