Max Howell was an international rugby player for Australia (the Wallabies) who played 32 times for Australia and retired at 20 years of age. He was from a very poor home and concluded that he had to go to University if he wished to get ahead. This autobiography is the struggle of an impoverished lad in search of a purpose in life. He became the first Australian to get a doctorate degree in physical education/ sport science/ human movement studies. He was adjudged at Berkeley to be the most outstanding athlete in all the so-called minor sports, despite some having medals from the Olympics and others being national champions. Dr Howell was hired at the University of British Columbia, began the first master's students in his field in the British Commonwealth and then went to the University of Alberta where he started the first doctoral program. During this time he was instrumental in increasing the image of his discipline. He attained positions of great prominence, then became a Dean at San Diego State University, Director of the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa before returning to Australia as Foundation Chair and first Professor of Human Movement Studies at The University of Queensland. The story is of an athlete who makes it in academia, or a poor boy who achieves high honours. Professor Howell is a perfect example in how to achieve, by a combination of a high degree of motivation and perseverance. His story is told of his experiences during and after his career. The tragedies are described as well as his observations. His main message is that anybody can achieve with determination, enthusiasm and commitment.