Episode 04: Allan Rowe
Sometimes the path you’re on has a destination you’re unaware of. Perhaps it’s the length of the path? Perhaps it’s the pathway itself? The journeys we take in life aren’t always a pre-determined route—insofar as we determine them. I could have never imagined that after graduating high school in May of 2007 I would end up joining the air force. Then, I had no idea I would end up working on aircraft. My father told me to be loadmaster. Loadmasters fly around on cargo aircraft and ensure the aircraft is loaded safely.
I told my dad, “Two things I don’t want to do is fly around the world or work on aircraft.” This was my attempt at disrupting the cosmic powers of a prophetic end I had no idea of. Little did I know I was playing the role of Laius, from the Greek tragedy, Oedipus.
Next, I ended up flying as a mechanic on aircraft—the best job I’ve ever had. The prophecy was fulfilled.
My guest today is sort of in the same boat. Allan Rowe began his collegiate studies at Mississippi State University with a goal of achieving credentials to teach high school. Yet, during his teaching internships he found a fondness of middle school education. When he tried high school internships, he found a dislike for that age group.
Yet that path still did not lead to a career in education.
Today Allan is a talented Licensed Master Social Worker. He counsels people to cope and overcome challenges in their lives. One might wonder why. After this podcast I conclude Allan is doing exactly what he set out to. To teach. He teaches people to transcend themselves. In many ways this is exactly what education professionals do.
The path he’s taken into the mysteries of the mental health profession is admirable. In the United States, society is taking mental health more seriously. So seriously, many are finding that perhaps the next area to leverage mental health professionals will likely be in our police force. Seeking mental health is becoming less stigmatized as well. In the Special Operations community, US Special Operations Command is embedding mental health professionals into units. Look up the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF). I’m very proud to know someone as intelligent, committed, and good-natured is giving part of himself to people in need.
We also talk about politics in this episode. It was a wonderful time. We differ on things, but we do so with a sense of a genuine desire to understand and a mutual respect of one another. This conversation is exactly what I set out to accomplish with this podcast.
I do hope you enjoy this episode. It was an absolute blast. Allan is a great dude. I hope you all enjoy. Everyone, please welcome, Allan Rowe.
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