I had just entered Grad School at UF the first year of the lottery. I had a student deferment throughout my undergrad studies but learned that enrollment in Grad School didn’t provide a deferment. I really didn’t know what I was going to do but was afraid to be drafted and go to Vietnam. I had heard horror stories about the conditions there and the injuries to those fighting there. Although I didn’t really understand the whole lottery thing I watched the lottery unfold on TV in my Gainesville apartment. When my birthday was finally picked at No. 325 I was elated. I wouldn’t have to leave school and flee to Canada thus changing my future forever. I completed school and was hired by the State of California in my chosen field. I’m now retired and back in Gainesville rooting for the Gators and thankful I never had to make the decision to flee or stay.
