As a child growing up, the idea of not pursuing higher education was never a thought of mine. After all, my grandparents were transplants from the Deep South, and my mother was the first in my family to graduate from college. My sister followed in her footsteps, becoming Valedictorian, presidential scholar, Harvard grad, UCLA alumnae and Duke medical resident. It was indeed my duty to carry on the legacy of higher education. For as long as I could remember I was taught that education is the great equalizer. “They can take everything from you but they can’t deny that paper,” my grandfather would tell me. I would hear those words echo time after time as I went in pursuit first of my associates degree and then of my bachelors. It was my belief that these sheets of paper with the raised university seal would ensure not only my ascension to a higher income bracket, but that they would give me a greater level of satisfaction with life. After all, I deserved it, often taking 18 credits and working full time all the way through both degrees. Unfortunately for me, the dream of prestige came crashing down with the first of many denials from potential employers. I found out very quickly that having those degrees with no “relevant” job experience was just like having a GED. Good enough to apply but not to be chosen. I admit that I became disheartened, if not jaded in the process. I mean, didn’t I do all that was required of me to achieve the dream my grandparents had for me? I not only attended the classes, but excelled - graduating with honors and winning an award. If anyone deserved to be transported to the good life it was me, right? Wrong! A degree symbolizes that you have been cordially invited to participate in the game. The degree itself is not a promise of anything. I have learned that you can be highly qualified and never get a chance to make a first impression, but you must remember; “They can take everything from you but they can’t deny that paper.” So this fall I’m going to get another one… my masters’ degree and I will continue to persevere until the legacy of my family’s success is continued through me. I urge you to do the same.
Peace,
Brandon “Prolyphek” Greene
Editor/Publisher www.vividnurban.com
