Press
Finger Lakes Times - Geneva, NY
www.fltimes.comSunday, September 17, 2006
Former fraternity member to speak at HWS: Talk will focus on finding passion in life
By BRIAN LOTHRIDGE
Finger Lakes Times
GENEVA - Former fraternity member Andrew Harrison will speak at Hobart and William Smith Colleges Monday about the positives effects of being a fraternity brother.
Harrison, a 31-year-old Rochester native, has spent the past few months talking at colleges about the value of fraternities and about finding passion in life. Harrison has been part of fraternity life since he attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1994.
Kim Kochin, assistant director of campus life and fraternities, said Harrison contacted the colleges and offered his services. He will speak to potential fraternity members at 8 p.m. Monday as part of rush week.
In 2004, Harrison resigned from his lucrative sales job in South Carolina, cashed in his life savings, packed his belongings into his Hyundai Sonata and drove around in search of people who were passionate about their jobs.
In the ensuing two years he has interviewed more than 100 people about their zest for work - including a NASA astronaut; first female Chief Justice of Arkansas Betty Dickey; and a group of firefighters who responded to the 9/11 attacks.
"When people really enjoy what they do, it's intoxicating," he said.
After spending much of the last two years on the road, Harrison said he has found inspiration. His goal now is to pay it forward.
"It wouldn't be fair to keep it all to myself," he said.
Harrison has shared his experiences at colleges around the nation and is working on getting a book published. Many of the people he's interviewed or places he's stayed have come through fraternity connections. The interviews will continue until he stops feeling the same inspiration he feels now, he said.
Although he is working harder and making significantly less money than his previous vocation, Harrison said he is quite satisfied with where his life is now.
Further down the road, Harrison has considered working as either an adjunct college professor or a career counselor for a college. After talking at colleges, Harrison said he found that he really enjoys working with college students.
For now, he will continue his journey of interviewing people about their passions and sharing what he learns with those who need it. The most gratifying part is the feedback he receives.
"When you know you have touched people, you know it's worth it," Harrison said.
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blothridge@fltimes.com