During my life, I’ve seen and done things the average college student has yet to experience.

I’ve interned at tropical resorts, worked in the travel industry, worked in restaurants and cleaned nasty buildings. The list goes on.

One thing I learned before experiencing this was my parents advice on how working hard has the best benefits.

I used to complain all the time about how I hated to work and never had the time to spend with my friends.

When all was said and done, the ability to provide for myself without asking anyone for anything was bittersweet.

My love for working often expanded into helping others and devoting my time to ensure others would have equal opportunities.

Never once was I acknowledged for my hard work from any of my former bosses. I did what I needed to do to have job security.

The funny thing about it all was the recent college graduates touting their various levels of degrees and their snooty attitudes following.

I never buy into the hype most people try to sell with their degrees because you can think you have all the knowledge in the world but not have an ounce of common sense.

My former co-workers would brag about how their parents paid for their education and how they were expected to live a certain lifestyle because of their achievement.

Hearing some of their rants and raves would fill my eyes green with envy, but I never let myself lose focus of what I needed to do.

The arrogance of some of them was unreal.

Most would say how working low-paying jobs were beneath them and never an option.

Sometimes I would sit and shake my head in disgust.

Going after what you desire is one thing, but belittling stops along the way doesn’t sit well with me.

The words of one of my former mentors, the late Gerald White, always popped up whenever someone made those snide comments.

“It’s not about the job you have. It’s about how well you do the job.”

Whatever opportunity came in my direction, I learned to take it in stride and move on to the next stop when the time called.

I didn’t get why the very people who I worked with didn’t realize that.

If there’s something you truly desire, you gain as much experience as you can so you can apply it elsewhere.

Lately, I’ve seen the trend of arrogance of those who have beyond a bachelor’s degree on the rise.

Sometimes, you have to give these people a little honey right before the sting.

I had someone ask me about why I devoted so much time and receive so little in return.

I informed this individual that it’s not about what you give or receive — it’s about the impact you make.

Some of the very people who are in these so called “undesired positions” are the ones who make lasting impressions.

They are the cafeteria workers, the landscapers, the maintenance crew or any person who gets up and works hard to make an honest living.

Those persons who have the audacity to belittle these very people need to remember one thing — just because you live better than someone doesn’t make you anymore better than they are.

The reality of it all is when the economy is in turmoil and the companies start trimming the fat from their budgets, the ones with their “status” are the ones who are let go first.

No matter how powerful you think you are when reality sets in, it sets in.

Ask the very people who are losing their nice homes and cars because they can no longer afford the lifestyle.

If you’re so educated, try thinking before speaking.

The people you belittle may be the ones you need in the end.

By C.J. DANIELS

Editor

chdaniel@umail.iu.edu