Hi, my name is Rayon J. Dixon. I graduated high school in June of 2004, promptly started college in August of the same year and graduated with a double major in Psychology and Pre Occupational therapy in December of 2008. To say that I enjoyed my undergraduate years in an isolated, private institution out in Tennessee would be a bit of a stretch. As a matter of fact, it would be a flat out lie. Especially considering that I grew up in New York City, one of the more notoriously lively, metropolitan land masses in the world.
I could further elaborate on what made my undergraduate years borderline intolerable, but that would take quite a few blog entries... and furthermore, it isn't my focus for this article. Instead, I'd like to focus on the perception that I once had of what college would do for me, and the grim reality of things.
Former president, George W. Bush declared a "War on Terror" on September 20, 2001, shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Long story short, his efforts were pointless, costly and futile. No weapons of mass destruction were found, nothing was resolved, other countries' disdain for America intensified and a lot of casualties transpired. Also, this "War on Terror" has had lasting, detrimental effects on the American economy... and now I, like millions of other individuals living in America who attended and completed college in an effort to increase our chances of prosperity are feeling it.
To make matters worse, the young people of today are under tremendous pressure from elder individuals. We are often criticized and balked at for not living up to their lofty expectations. Realistically speaking, some of us are in fact lazy and have no ambition, but not all of us. All my life, I was taught that success and happiness went hand in hand with education. In my 23 years of living, I've discovered that this is not necessarily true for everyone, especially in this economic climate. In years past, people were able to work and support a family off a simple, high school education. An Associates or Bachelors degree would net you a great paying, salary job. A Masters or Doctorate degree meant that you were on some sort of a mission to save the world. These days, an Associates degree is equivalent to a certificate and a Bachelors is the new high school diploma. I know quite a few individuals who have Masters and yes, even Doctorate degrees but are absolutely, positively UNEMPLOYED. Can you believe that? Times are hard indeed.
In closing, I'd like to address a few people. Firstly, I'm sending a very special "thank you" out to Mr. George W. Bush for brainlessly emptying all of the countries resources into a silly, prideful war... which by the way, accomplished zilch. If it were up to me, the phrase "War on Terror" would either be abolished or renamed the "War on our Economy." Secondly, I'd like to tell older, judgmental individuals who condescendingly look down upon the youth of today in disgust to "FUCK OFF." This was the hand that we were dealt. The economy was perfectly fine years ago, when you were in your prime. Gas was being sold for CENTS, not 3+ dollars per gallon. Your educational accolades translated into currency, not debt and unemployment. So please, either cut us some slack or offer us more support. Any other course of action will result in the further deterioration of this country's foundation.
I didn't write this to blame others for my lack of success in life. I'm actually quite blessed to be working as a teacher as of current. Also, I'm not knocking education or dismissing the benefits that one can reap from receiving one. I'm actually pro-education but I wanted to make clear some of the obstacles that our generation has to overcome. I began college during a time when the economy was seemingly okay. I had the mindset that I was going to work hard in school, attain my many degrees, earn my thousands of dollars and live happily ever after... only to graduate into this economic turmoil where unemployment, foreclosure and repossession are at an all time high. I have no answers, explanation or words of comfort. All I can say to everyone is... keep your head up.
