Chapter 9

Education is a Tough Love

Being a student here in United States is more challenging than I’ve ever anticipated. I realized how difficult it is for student like me to combine your factory job working 40 hours or more per week in order to sustain yourself and also to maintain your status as a full time student taking more than 16 credits (4 classes) per semester. 

Considering the everyday stress such as sleeplessness, mounting bills and sending money home to your old folks (if you are from a collective culture like me) and sustaining yourself further convinced me that a success ladder is a rigorous step to climb. In order to attain that desired social class you have dreamt of all your life and enjoy all the juicy benefits that comes with it, will require hard work, perseverance, courage, and ambition, otherwise that dream might be unrealizable. I have to come to understand why many students are unable to complete their degree. The financial pressure is just overwhelming especially if you are not eligible for grants and loans as this is becoming an epidemic that requires a drastic measure by the government if America is serious about the education of the future generations.

Though I’ve not graduated but I can notice that the perception of me from my immediate boss at work and some of my colleagues who knew I’m a student has changed from what it was when I first started.  Now that the management are aware that I’m close to graduate, my supervisor has been giving me the opportunity to do lots of administrative activities rather than my regular production work. Recently, I was chosen to be part of a group called ‘think group’. This group consists of supervisors, R&D personnel, and selected few of unskilled operators that have exemplifies themselves through their skills to sit with them in order to share ideas on research and other work related projects.

I believe the prestige of being a Hamline student  clearly sets me apart from the rest of my colleagues at work, the reaction on their faces each time I tell them of my school speaks volume hence my nomination. It feels good when you found yourself in the company of those that are considered the brain of a big organization like the company I work for. This has triggered and convinced me that with a degree I can elevate my status and live a better life. It’s just a matter of time I know have a future in any reputable  company out there, and I’ve determined that no pain or stress will mar my road to success.