Why I Will Be Poor

The other day i was discussing college stuff with a new friend over a toasty cup of coffee. We were talking about how ready we both are to be done with school (which would be "EXTREMELY READY", in case you were wondering), and he asked me the fated question that every Philosophy major dreads:


"What are you gonna do with THAT degree?"


I immediately threw the rest of my scalding hot coffee in his eyes and used the mug to beat him senseless, then stood over him in the midst of the alarmed coffee connoisseurs screaming "I will rule the world with my philosophy degree you stupid windbag!!!!".


Not really. But I did have a Scrubs-esque vision of that kind of thing.


Once I snapped out of my violent fantasy daydream, I took a a thoughtful sip, leaned in close, and replied, "I don't know. Whatever I want to do I suppose".


He gave the typical response, which is usually something like "cool" or " well, there ya go!". Which is a polite way of saying "don't ask ME for change when you live under a bridge buddy!"


I confess that this situation annoyed me more than a little bit; perhaps because it happens so often. I've spent the last four years of my life closely examining some things that are really hard to closely examine. And it's been difficult as hell.


But there's a reason for all of this, and it was said best by a professor I met last summer named Scott Carol. One day Scott said "College isn't about what you're going to do. College is about who you're going to become."


I couldn't agree more. And the statement doesn't just apply to college; it applies to everything.


But we forget that all the time. We live in a country where people have learned how to be great bankers and plumbers and programmers, but have forgotten how to be great...well, people.


And yes, I realize it sounds like I'm going on a little elitist rant here. Just bear with me.


You see, I'm tired of people asking me what I'm going to do with my degree and then smirking smugly when I say "I'm not sure yet". Because the truth is, I don't know yet. Maybe nothing. 


But the sweat, conflict, and grueling hours I put into this thing have made me a better man. Examining and constantly challenging my beliefs have both made me a stronger person. I'm proud of that.


"What are you gonna do with your life, man?"


I'm going to live it, and live it well.


Now, I'm not trying to advocate recklessly doing whatever you might feel like doing at the moment under the banner of "living your life". That's irresponsible and childish. But on the other hand, ask yourself why you are doing the things you do. Is it because you're being yourself? Or is it because you're trying to be someone else? Be you.


I know that sounds like Hallmark channel advice, and I know there are people who know me who will read this and second whether or not I live like this.


That's fine. But hear me out.


I mean, I get weary of the way our culture encourages its youth to paint themselves into a lifelong corner by having a three-tiered, 401k-ified, rustproof career plan by the time they're twelve (and please know that I hate casting wide nets with this kind of argument. But let's face it...)


So, good Lord, let's all do something original and contribute to the global community by not being worthless.


My friends, fellow pursuers of worthless college degrees: cheer up! You may never make a million dollars, and you may just make a billion. It doesn't really matter. What matters is that you do something hard; in fact, something so hard that you don't think you can hack it. Why? Because you can. And when you have stared down a demon that ominous while unsure of victory, you always walk away better. Always.