Daily Speculations

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Department of Continuing Education

A prosperous Boston fund manager recounts his own 'Education of a Speculator': As a graduate of Horace Mann School (1991), I can state without hyperbole that I would not be the person I am now without that experience in my life. Horace Mann offered me the ability to play three varsity sports a year, to learn about music and musicianship, and more importantly, Horace Mann offered me the ability to make FRIENDS, something sorely lacking in my life pre-HM.

I would also point out that the education was tremendous as well. My AP calculus class placed me into a sophomore-level math course in my freshman year; my AP chemistry class placed me right into organic chemistry. These placements allowed me the flexibility to try a number of different paths at college until I found my match.

Probably the greatest thing Horace Mann taught me is the value of HARD WORK--continued effort and thinking. That has served me well in my initial foray into speculation. Still so so much to learn and do though.

Trading is not a thrill a minute, nor is it unemotional. To be the best, you must take satisfaction in your work. No one could make the effort required to excel otherwise. Good pride is I worked hard and did well, now I must work more. Bad pride is I am great and don't need to work anymore. My father worked as a freelance television stage manager in NYC for 30 years on every show produced there from all the soap operas to 60 Minutes and NFL Today. Always getting calls, all hours - "come work on my show, Billy, you're the best." He strove for perfection and enjoyed his job; a good wrap is pleasant. But the exciting days were the worst. Bad if you toss SOB off the set with knuckle sandwich, even though he asked for it. Worse when the audio was down or the star looks like Godzilla because of a poor make-up job, or the idiot scriptwriter has George Washington crossing the Delaware in the wrong direction. Everything is the stage manager's problem. Always remember - every show is a new show, and the calls stop the day you screw up. -- Bill Egan