Taking the Scenic Route

Sometimes it takes a trip down the road less traveled—figuratively and literally—to discover what the world needs from you.

The adjustment from high school classes to college coursework was more difficult than Michael Palmieri ’73 anticipated. So much so that he proposed an alternative to the traditional undergraduate experience at Boston College: an independent study along U.S. highways and in the backcountry.

With his camera and a knapsack stuffed with clothes and camping supplies strapped to his back, Palmieri and fellow Eagle and collaborator Bill Poutray ’73 captured hundreds of images of men, women, and children from all corners of their journey, which Palmieri presented to faculty upon his return.

Those months on the road changed his perspective—and his life. After returning to campus, Palmieri’s grades and his relationship with the University improved. He found a purpose and direction in photography and in secondary education, which led to a career in teaching language arts and English and directing high school theater.

Now retired after 30 years in Denver Public Schools, Palmieri reflects on his time at the Heights. He’s especially grateful for the safety net BC provided at such a transitional time in his youth.

“The one word that comes to mind is patience,” Palmieri says. “The BC administration and faculty demonstrated some patience for me to come around. It’s shown me that sometimes the so-called bad behavior you see in a person might not be all there is. If you can step back a little bit and think, ‘Well, I’ve been through some stuff and this person has obviously been through some stuff, so maybe if I let him find his way, being there to support him when he needs it,’ he’ll come around.”

“Going to BC was the best thing that could have happened to me,” he adds. “Not only because of the group of friends I met and stayed in touch with for more than 50 years, but because of the Jesuits’ kindness and love. They are why I graduated.”