In this memoir, the author, born and raised in a typical midwestern town, reflects on his life experiences from pre-school through college, military service, work, and retirement, the impact of family, friends, and events which have shaped his life. This autobiography also gives a glimpse of this African-American family's survival during the Depression years through the persevering efforts of strong and loving parents who dedicated their life to the educational pursuits and success of their children. The author, L. Shelbert Smith, is Professor Emeritus of Central State University, and has devoted over four decades of his life as an organic chemist in both industry and academe. This book is a journey from a dream of being a scientist, which he had harbored since his high school days, to his days of retirement.