POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam will host Daniel Seddiqui, author of the bestselling autobiographical book, "Fifty Jobs in Fifty States: One Man's Journey of Discovery Across America," for a presentation Nov. 20 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The event will be held in the Barrington Student Union Multi-Purpose Room with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Seddiqui will discuss how he turned rejection into opportunity to make his dreams a reality during his journey across the country.

"I had a mission to get out of my comfort zone, learn about my country and prove that we still live in the land of opportunity. I took a big risk that embarked me on a wild journey of discovery," Seddiqui said.

After graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in economics, Seddiqui found it impossible to find even an entry-level job.

After three years of volunteering and odd jobs, 40 unsuccessful job interviews, and after sending out 18,000 emails looking for volunteer positions, he adopted a new goal of wanting to work a job in every state.

He worked as a corn farmer in Nebraska, a real estate agent in Idaho, a wedding coordinator in Vegas, a logger in Oregon, a bartender in New Orleans, a cheese maker in Wisconsin, a racing pit crew member in Indianapolis, a peanut sheller in Georgia, a theme park employee in Orlando, a lobsterman in Maine, a surfing instructor in Hawaii and a model in North Carolina.

It all culminated in a book, "Fifty Jobs in Fifty States: One Man's Journey of Discovery Across America."

"I worked a quintessential job in each state -- from building furniture with Pennsylvania's Amish to marrying couples in a Las Vegas wedding chapel -- I've experienced how much there is out there to learn and explore."

In the spirit of Seddiqui's journey, one SUNY Potsdam student who attends the talk will win a one-week paid job shadowing Dining Services executive chef Steve Maiocco.

The prize is sponsored by Potsdam Auxiliary College and Educational Services.