Abstract
In this memoir-style essay, I have narrated the evolution of my scientific career, as deeply influenced by my PhD training and the mentorship of Professor Eli Sercarz. Starting in his lab, and continuing to my own laboratory, many of the questions we have pursued link in some way to Eli's ideas. In this essay, I have summarized the path that I followed after graduating from his lab and highlight findings along the way. I apologize to my colleagues whose work was not discussed here due to the nature of this review and space limitations.