2008. The year that President Obama was elected. I had just graduated from college earlier that year and I was in the midst of trying to find a job. One of my lifelong dreams was to work at a bookstore and, previous to this pursuit, I had applied to at least 2 different bookstores: BOOKSTOP on W. Alabama (which is no longer there) and my favorite bookstore, Walden Books (upstairs in the Park Shops Mall Downtown Houston, which is also no longer there).
Then, I thought about the BIG 2: Barnes & Noble & BORDERS. One was inside the Galleria Mall and the other was across the street from the Galleria Mall. Two households, both alike in dignity... I decided to go to both and apply; however, the BORDERS memory stands out more because that is where I ended up. When I went into the store, I asked for a paper application, and I was told to fill it out on the computer, provided by the entrance. After about 35-45 minutes, I hit the submit button and read a sign on the door: IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS THIS TUESDAY! COME WITH RESUME! I was ecstatic! Not only can I apply, but I will have an immediate interview and not have to wait to hear back if I got an interview! I walked over to someone who I presumed to be a manager and I asked how would I sign up for an interview. They asked if I did the application and I responded in the affirmative. A few days later, the day arrives. Upon completing the interview, I was told that I would be called later in the week with a response. I got a call the next day: David Landry, report for work on Thursday! And so I did... Fast forward through Hurricane Ike and now, we are in the store for a few months.
One of my co-workers, Mr. Howard, a senior gentleman, who was scholarly in all of his words and pursuits, asked me a few questions and we began to talk about education and what was the future of the youth. He then asked me if I had read a certain book, They Came Before Columbus, by Dr. Ivan Van Sertima. I said no. Upon finding it on our self, I bought it and took it home with me that night. It only took me about a week to read. A whole new world was opened and I was on a path for the pursuit of a new kind of knowledge: the Knowledge of Self.
This book is special and I hope that, as you read this blog entry, that you see what I see: a whole new world opening up for you, as you pursuit that Knowledge of Self.
Make It Happen,
David Landry
Luminary Engineer (Lightbulb Changer)
CLASS Bookstore