I graduated from VMI in 1998. I was always told how the (now defunct) VMI experience was preparation for the real world that was unparalleled. I had no idea.

The lack of respect that some clients give to me and to their counterparts in a transaction is truly unbelievable sometimes. When one party is out solely for themselves, the ability to achieve a win-win resolution is minimized. Being treated as a Rat certainly didn’t seem like good preparation for anything. The good aspect of the Rat Line was that I knew what to expect. Real life does not provide that luxury. It is best to always be prepared.