Poet Robert Frost once wrote about happening upon one of life's crossroads and how he chose to take the one less traveled.

That poem could easily serve as Greenville resident Gary Jones' life testimony.

Jones is a multi-tasker by design; even as he sits at a table sipping on a mug half full of creamy coffee, it's obvious the man has plenty on his mind.

Now one may expect this married father of two to admit that he's thinking about at least one of the eight classes he's taking at Pennsylvania State University's Shenango campus in Sharon this semester, or that he's pondering what challenges he'll be faced with on his job as a computer tutor on campus.

But his revelation is most refreshing.

This collegian is listening to Johnny Cash -- his hero -- singing through the restaurant's overhead speakers and taking in President Bush's address to Ohioans on the television behind him -- all while talking about his life and everything that has brought him here today.

It is that focus that is evident in Jones' eyes. They manifest his intense determination and act as windows to his persistent soul as he tells of his journey.

In December 1999, Jones was overseeing mobile operations at Trinity Industries. It was his 21st year with the company; he'd been with Trinity since the company had been Greenville Steel Car.

But just 12 months later, in December 2000, Jones would be loading trucks with equipment and supplies as he watched his job, and the Greenville factory to which he'd given so many years of his life, head south to Mexico.

That road in Jones' life had come to an end, but he says he knew he had to choose another route quickly.

He says he was determined not to fail. That's when he decided to take advantage of a provision in the North American Free Trade Agreement that enabled him the opportunity to attend college.

Jones said he was fearful, but he signed the contract and began his classes. That was May 2001.

"I was scared to death," Jones says. "I was starting an era that would change the rest of my life."

Jones says he handled his course load like it was an occupation.

"I was focused. If I wouldn't have focused on college as if it was a job I don't think I could've done half as well as I did."

In five semesters, Jones graduated with an associate's degree in business administration. He says he made the dean's list each semester.

"College was always something that I'd wanted to do but never thought I could do," he says.

Jones admits that he wanted to pursue his musical aspirations after high school and head off to college to study music because he wished to become a music teacher, but his circumstances didn't allow for that at the time.

Even after his NAFTA assistance ran out, Jones had learned so much that he decided to stay in school and work toward his bachelor's degree.

Since deciding to stay enrolled, Jones says he has carried at least 20 credit hours each semester while working as a professional technical support advisor for the university.

He's also active in a variety of extracurricular activities, including the school's drama club, student government association and the Future Executive Society Club.

His grade point average is 3.74. Not bad for a man who says he used to loathe algebra and English.

Jones is leaving such an impression on so many people, that the majority of the student body at the university chose him to lead the student government for the upcoming school year. Jones will be sworn in Monday.

Luke Oskin, a 21-year-old junior and fellow business major at the campus, is one who has been personally impacted by Jones.

"He's a good friend of mine and he's got a lot of good plans for the future of student government," Oskin says. "He brings an adult background and a lot of experience."

Oskin adds that he's impressed by Jones' drive and his ability to keep a positive attitude.

"I don't know how he does it with work and family," Oskin says, laughing. "He's always available to talk and he talks with anyone. It's amazing. He's always willing to reach out a helping hand."

With such a dizzying schedule that would make most twentysomethings want to give it all up, this 45-year-old college senior says he makes it work because of his desire to serve as an example to others.

"Failure wasn't in my vocabulary because I'm always trying to encourage somebody," Jones says. "I figure that if I set my goals pretty high, maybe that will be an example for my kids."

And family is what helps to keep him grounded, Jones says.

His wife, Ann Marie, says she knew her husband would be successful because of his strong Christian values and his faith in God.

"I was overwhelmed by his decision at first, but I knew that since he always put God first, he'd be able to do anything," she says. "I'm behind Gary in every way."

Mrs. Jones adds that she's able to live vicariously through her husband's college experiences.

"To see him pursue it is like me pursuing it," she says.

But her husband says Mrs. Jones is way more than merely an observer. Because of her, he was able to learn the lines for the Nittany Players' St. Patrick's Day play that he was in, Jones says.

He played the part of a leprechaun and says that the lines were long, but his wife helped him memorize the part during a three-hour drive to Columbus, Ohio.

"She'd read me my lines and I'd repeat them back to her," he says, smiling.

Not only is Jones working on his scholastic endeavors, he's also getting set to cut a record this summer.

Jones says the album will be a Christian music album that will showcase his guitar talents.

The mention of the upcoming project causes Jones to beam with pride; he says he considers himself a "guitar instrumentalist."

"There's always been music in my family," he says, adding that he enjoys playing guitar in his church in Clark.

When he does graduate, Jones says he plans to stay in the area because this is where his roots are.

"This is home," he says with a warm smile. "I plan on continuing to call it home. I'll wait for the next corner in the road of life."

Even staying on for a master's degree isn't out of the question.

"I think about it because I like tutoring and teaching these people here on campus," he says.

Jones says he's applied for scholarships and is waiting to hear whether he is among a group of students to win The Eric A. and Josephine Walker Award, which honors students who demonstrate outstanding character, scholarship and leadership, among other qualities.

He credits the faculty and staff at the university with helping him to realize his goals.

"You're not just a number here ... you have a name," he says. "They've made the relearning process a pleasant experience."

While he is doing very well in his studies, Jones says he still thinks about the past, especially when he hears of other businesses that have terminated operations in the area.

But as for his time at Trinity, he says he's not bitter about the plant closing. He just wants others to know that they can make it.

"I know there are people who are in that boat and may lose their jobs," he begins, "and I'd encourage them to find a goal and stay focused on it. I'd say go after more education. Just because the job market appears to be in a slump doesn't mean (you have to).

"It's easy to say, but not always easy to do, but you have to step out on a limb and rely on faith. You have to press toward a mark. Otherwise you have no direction. You have nowhere to go but up."