<p>I think one of the greatest misconceptions of a college education is that once one has completed a college education, or if one is the best in their class, that they are entitled to a certain lifestyle, job, career, etc. You see this all the time on CC with students(and remember most of these students are statistically “smart”) who assume that if they major in X major, they will have X career, and X paycheck after finishing undergrad. Life only works like that for a very very small minority, and event then one can’t assume or guess the reasons why they appear to be so “lucky” or “preferred”. Comparing oneself to those others doesn’t help you in the now. One can blame it on any number of factors, but in the long run, pointing fingers, doesn’t change anything. Sometimes the type of education that is really needed(as opposed to solely relying on a college education/degree) is how to get from point A to point B, what it takes to get there, how to get there, and what the best course of action is for whatever desired goal. Think about it, I’m not sure if you did it on your own, but it arguably took you some planning to get into college. If it didn’t, or if you relied heavily on other people, then you really can’t complain for not doing the “career” research to get where you want to be or would like to be.</p>
<p>There are some high school/college slackers, who upon studying a trade/new skills or starting a job where there is training provided, happen to just be at the right time and at the right place which leads them to high salaries, or promotions. Regardless of assumed “fate”, everything really is in your control. You just need to be more realistic.</p>
<p>A college education/degree and being smart/intellectual/what have you, sometimes just needs to be viewed as what it really is in retrospect to your life. You have a piece of paper that CAN show others that you have some skills/knowledge about something. The assumed connection that you are entitled to something because you possess a piece of paper or some skills doesn’t follow, you have to make it follow, you can’t expect others to do it for you.</p>
<p>I will say that if you really think race is an issue, change your way of thinking about the situation, or remind yourself that if it REALLY REALLY is an issue, then it’s “them, not you”. They’re the ones with the problem about your race, not you. Don’t let their problem affect you in trying and going for what you want. If you do nothing or let “their problem” get in the way, you’ll never get anywhere by staying idle.</p>