One day at work a handful of
co-workers and I got into a conversation that soon turned humorous when one
co-worker asked, “So, what’d you do for money in college?” There was instant
giggling because the question
sounded scandalous. Suddenly, we all started sharing different stories about
our experiences working at part-time jobs before getting into full-time
positions. A handful of us had done internships, one person had an interesting
story about dressing up in a costume for kids’ parties, another worked at an
amusement park, and I started thinking about my time as a childcare provider, office
intern for a local magazine, and finally my position as an office temp. The
grind through college wasn’t an easy one. But now I can really appreciate that
time in my life of juggling multiple jobs, and working through school. Each
position helped me grow, taught me a lot about myself, and how to work with
other people. When I was a freshman in college my parents didn’t want me to
work because they wanted me to focus on school, and I remember my father
saying, “Don’t get desperate for money and start doing something like hitting
the strip club.” I wasn’t insulted because I know he was joking, but there are
women and perhaps some men, that may be stripping to pay their way through
college. While I wouldn’t recommend that option, I judge no one. College is
expensive and if you can find a way to pay for it that isn’t illegal or putting
yourself or anyone else in danger, do what you have to do, I guess.
As you embark on your career, I want you to know some things and stay woke about what you’ll be up against. Please understand that no matter what, you have value, and you matter. Always remember that. As progressive as this world and different workplaces may seem, every workplace has a culture. You’ll be in different places where a lot of people who don’t look like you will be in the room. But know that you belong in those rooms too. Spend some time observing and studying those spaces and learn as much as you can. There will be people you work with who will make presumptions about your competence, education, and ability to fulfill your job duties. There will be more who will think less of you because of the color of your skin and try to disqualify you the moment you make an error, mistake, or ask questions about things you may not understand. This will all feel uncomfortable and you may get insecure, feel like you’re all by yourself, and think you don’t belong there, but ride it out...