Incredible, life-changing events happen to people at age 22.

“No other age contains more risks, more big decisions, more random strokes of fate,” wrote Brad Dunn in his book, “When They Were 22: 100 Famous People at the Turning Point in Their Lives,” released this spring.

The book is a series of short stories about the lives of celebrities, politicians and even a porn star. It takes a look at the life-changing events, decisions and moments that occurred among the famous at a common age.

“I wanted to take a snapshot of their lives,” Dunn said in a telephone interview. “It’s no 600-page biography on Abe Lincoln, but it’s really short and says ‘here’s where they were.'”

Harrison Ford got his first movie role while he was in the men’s room on a bathroom break. Howard Stern turned down his first professional radio job offer, so he could pursue a more “profitable” career in advertising. At 22, B.F. Skinner was a failed novelist and poet, so he decided to study psychology.

Dunn also had a fated event at this age.

“When I was 22, I packed up and moved to New York where I met my wife, had kids and the career move was big for me,” Dunn said.

Life-altering events happen to 22-year-old Sacramento State students as well.

Chelsey Oda, a senior digital media major, celebrated her birthday by giving herself an internal makeover. Suffering from depression due to family and friend problems, Oda knew she needed to change her attitude to strengthen her emotional well-being.

Evaluating her life, she came to the realization that she wasn’t being honest with herself. She didn’t like the negative woman she had become and decided to redefine who she was as a woman.

“It was time to move on, to grow up,” Oda said. “I made changes. I’ve never been happier.”

Not all life-changing events are positive, however.

Hustler magazine founder Larry Flynt, at age 22, decided he would never remain faithful to another woman again after his wife had become pregnant with another man’s child.

Musician Billy Joel was so depressed with his band’s failure, he sank into depression and tried to kill himself by drinking a bottle of furniture polish.

Jennifer Garner was told to give up on acting and become a paralegal. Monica Lewinski trusted Linda Tripp with some very confidential information, which led to the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton.

Students at Sac State have their share of tragic stories in their 22nd year of existence as well.Senior design major Tiffany Dreyer said the age of 22 has been the worst year of her life.

Not only was she abandoned by her boyfriend of four years, she lost her dog to infection, has no where to live and will lose her job in the University Union when she graduates.

Worst of all, she lost her relationship with her father. Dreyer’s father suffers from a brain tumor approximately the size of a cue ball. It was wrapped around a main vessel in his brain, which can cause stroke and mental retardation. After his first three surgeries, things changed between Dreyer and her father.

“He doesn’t talk to me anymore,” Dreyer said. “He was my best friend.”

Her parents are also going through an ugly divorce. Dreyer’s year has been full of health problems, anxiety and panic attacks due to her high level of stress.

“I’ve realized stress only makes you regret more,” Dreyer said. “Just don’t give up any opportunities to have a good time.”

Lauren King can be reached at [email protected]