The Real World

There's been a little commentary percolating in my head for awhile, and a post by Jim has inspired me to try to type it out.

This statement will no doubt annoy a good percentage of my regular readers, and one in particular will think this is directed at him/her, but it's not.

The bulk of college students are full of crap.

I have been a college student myself and I was full of crap too. Young, sure that my generation would fix the world the old folks had loused up, and proud that I was so non-judgmental regarding race, sexual orientations, etc.

The problem was, I was judgmental. People who were working at "meaningless" jobs (anything that wasn't making the world a better place in my eyes) obviously just hadn't tried hard enough. They were either lazy or selfish. I had made it to college--anyone who wanted to get an education could get one.

Well, then the money became a problem. I left college. I started working full-time. Without a degree, I couldn't teach, so I had to find something else to do. I had worked in a hotel in high school, so I went back to that. After a few months I became an assistant manager. A little while later I went to a different hotel and started working in their accounting department. From there I was able to get a job in accounting and that's where I am now. Different company, but accounting. I have a nice office with a window. I am not changing the world at this desk, but the pay is decent and the benefits good.

It's also 40 hours a week. So I have time to volunteer...blog...do things with my niece and nephew...read.

I'm not changing the world by protesting anything. I'm changing the world by participating in it. It's not revolutionary, but I'm comfortable with it.

I've learned I can teach people without being a teacher. I've learned that explaining things in simple terms is the best way to communicate. A conversation is not about Scrabble points. It's about getting your point across clearly.

I've learned money does matter. And it doesn't grow on trees or out of mom and dad's wallet. It comes from a paycheck that I sit at this desk to earn.

And finally, I've learned that life doesn't turn out the way you expect it to. And that isn't such a bad thing. The peaks and valleys of life are what make you grow. Growing is what makes you interesting. No one travels to Nebraska for the scenery.

And everyone feels sorry for the guy who peaked in high school or college.

Posted by Jennifer at May 27, 2004 08:59 AM