So I went to a wedding this past weekend in Austin at a beautiful four star country club for the son of my dad's best friend who was also a childhood friend of mine. It was a great time...I got to see a lot of real love being expressed...you could see it in the bride and groom when they danced, when the groom's father played guitar and sang during the ceremony, etc. Really cool stuff.
During the reception, I saw several people who I hadn't seen since I was a freshman in college and met many of their friends. Here's the part that's getting me...9 out of 10 of these folks were graduating med school or lawyers or working on their MBA. They were all attractive, intelligent and on a clearly defined path to financial and professional success. I kinda came away from the whole thing feeling like I missed some sort of memo somewhere down the line...
Hey,
First of all, acknowledge your feelings - they aren't good or bad, they just ARE. If you were raised in a certain social setting, you've been indoctrinated to believe that certain professions, certain schools, certain country clubs make you a better person or worth more - it's true they do!!
Haha, just kidding. But in all seriousness, have you heard of "being the victim of low expectations"? Well perhaps you are the "victim of high expectations"...
Alot of people don't understand that every living soul in this world is born into some form of lack....
Perhaps the person from a poor background grew up not feeling like he or she was good enough because they didn't have the best cars, clothes, shoes, etc.
What they didn't know is that the person from the well off background also experienced lack. Perhaps not materially, but with regard to the lack of un-conditional love and acceptance.
I'm going to go out on a limb here. Yes, it may feel good for those people at the party who have the prestigious degrees and work for the prestigious companies- BUT THAT'S SUCH A LITTLE PART OF LIFE.
All the money and social status in the world have little to do with matters of the spirit that feed the soul and make you truly feel satisfied.
Hey, if you want to fit into that social circle, then fine - get a degree! But do it for the love of the knowledge and not because you feel less than.
You are an original because god never repeats himself.....
There's something you can do that no one else in the world can do.....
When it comes to being you, you are 1 in 6.6 BILLION.
Seriously dude, you have to say this and believe it. Yes prestige feels good to some people. We are all driven by that vice in some way - we're all insecure.....
For some, getting the car works....
For others, getting the drop dead gorgeous wife (or if you are a woman, husband) works....
For others it's the country club or degree or prestigious firm. The first thing I'd do is acknowledge your feelings and don't lie to yourself about it. If you decide to go for the high flying degree, do it for the right reasons.
Lastly though remember that the "right education" gets your a prestigious job; but, "self education" can get you the life you've always dreamed of....
