Teachers

Many have heard about the bill that the government is trying to pass effecting public employees (teachers, police officers, fireman, etc) Many are worried about losing money on retirement and I can't blame them. They have put in years upon years only to get money taken from them right at the end of their careers. I, on the other hand, am far from retirement. (33 years-at least right now) I cannot even fathom how this is effecting me in this aspect of things. I also know that there is way more to it and retirement is only one thing on the bill. I am not writing this to go against the union and I am not saying this isn't effecting me. However, I was taught, by two brilliant people, to deal with things a bit differently.

Here is my reality: I am 24 years old and started my career a year ago this past August. I was a VERY lucky person. My first interview was my first job. Does that ever happen in this economy? NO! So I have definitely counted my lucky stars. Anyways, I love Wooster and all of the things it has brought me, mostly a career and great people. Now, the important part. Our economy is worse than it has been in awhile and everyone is going through such tough times. Ya, ya, I hear it. What some people do not realize is this is my reality and to be honest, it really isn't that bad to me. I don't know any different. My generation is learning to survive and make ends meet in a time where our country is struggling. I do not truly know what it is like to work a full time job when the economy is "good". In a way I feel lucky that I am learning to survive in the tough times so when it gets better (because I am confident and hopeful it will) I will be overly prepared and better off than most. But most importantly, my parents taught me that it is not OK to just survive off of what other people give me. They have always taught me that even if my teaching job falls through (because of budget cuts) I will and have to find a way to make it work. I don't have the "you owe me" attitude. I am an extremely hard worker and I believe in being the best I can possibly be at my job. In some way, shape, or form that should pay off for me. In the meantime, I pray that things work out and know that God will put me where I am supposed to be. Since these changes are coming, I am preparing for it. It is early in my career and I can still do something about it. I am going to buckle down and change my attitude so if collective bargaining and all the things included in the state senate bill 5 is voted in, I am ready. This is my reality and I have been told by people far wiser than myself to prepare. That is exactly what I am doing.

So, am I curious to see what happens? Absolutely. But whatever happens, I will be prepared!