Surviving college and more

Greg Forbes Siegman will address the first 30 years of life, Thursday

By Karlotta D. Richardson
The Collegian

While he ranked at the top of his senior class in high school, played three sports and was editorof the school paper, Greg Forbes Siegman couldn’t seem to live up to his father’s high expectations.

Siegman, whose life is the basis for the book, “The First Thirty” will speak about “the college experience and making the most of it,” a free event in the Satellite Student Union Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.

The event, presented by the Fresno State Leadership Program and Associated Students, will include a book signing and a question and answer session.

“The First Thirty” by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson chronicles a man’s obstacle-filled journey through the first 30 years of his life and the 30 lessons he has learned. The main focus of the book is on his senior year of high school, college and the few years after college.

During the event, Siegman wants to focus on the college experience and hopes to bring part of the story to life.

Although people had been approaching Siegman to tell his story, he chose childhood friend Paxson to write the book.

“The premise of the book is that, at midnight on my thirtieth birthday, I sat down with Jillip and told him the story,” Siegman said.

“I was rejected from every college that I wanted to attend,” Siegman said.“Picking up the pieces after that experience, and what happened over the next few years was the real turning point in my life and in the book.”

Instead of giving up, Siegman persevered and eventually went to college and graduated at the top of his class.

Josh Edrington, program adviser from the Fresno State Leadership Program said students can learn by looking at Siegman’s experience and how he overcame obstacles.

Having an appreciation for just how hard it is to get into college; Siegman has since started his own foundation that helps students go to college.

BennettFrost Personnel Services, Inc., a Fresno-based temporary staffing and executive search firm has donated copies of “The First Thirty” to Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to be used by students in a social entrepreneurship course.

Siegman hopes that those who read the book give some thought as to how the lessons in the story can apply to their own life.

When Fresno State extended the invitation to Siegman to come and speak, Siegman said it seemed like a great opportunity to stay in Fresno instead of going right home after the Valley Business Conference since he has never been here before.

During his time in Fresno, Siegman will also speak at the 2006 Valley Business Conference and at Lyles Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

The first 50 students who attend the event will receive an invitation to join Siegman for milk shakes after the event. Part of Siegman’s art collection will also be on display on campus.

Comment on this story in the Features forum >>