“So I had a very interesting ‘educational’ conversation with a woman and her daughter today. As I entered the store before I got home, a little girl kept staring at me. Which is fine. I know that kids are curious when they see someone, especially as dirty as I was. They ended up in front of me as I was checking out. Little girl still staring, her mother told her to stop staring. As they finished and headed towards the door, I hear her mom say quietly to the little girl ‘that is why you need to stay in school.’ I figured this was a great time to educate this mother and her 7-8 year old daughter. The following is our conversation:
First, I happen to be a very educated dirty man. I not only have a high school diploma, I also have a college degree and many medical certifications. So assuming I am uneducated because of my appearance is actually quite ignorant in itself.
Secondly, if you are telling your daughter to stay in school because I have tattoos up and down my arms, that will actually suppress her creativity and potentially hinder her imagination as she develops. Again, contradictory to your point ma’am. I am proud of my tattoos and artwork that Forrest Bateman put on my body. It’s a representation of my pride in my country and my service over multiple combat tours as a special operations medic.
Third, if you’re referring that statement to the hat (not featured) I’m wearing because it features an elk, you might not understand it. I happen to co-own Evergreen State Outdoors and am proud to own an outdoors company and support my rights to hunt and responsibly be a gun owner.
Finally, I chose to work in a construction industry. I am proud to say that I am a part of building America and I enjoy my job everyday. I tried working a desk job when I got out of the service and it wasn’t for me. I enjoy working with my hands and being outdoors. Subsequently, it comes with being dirty some days. I make good money, have benefits, and am able to provide for my family without issue. So my appearance reflects nothing to do with my level of intelligence or pursuing a higher level of education.
I left the two with a simple final statement of, ‘Have a good day and try not to judge people before you know anything about them. Good luck with your little girl.’
Today’s lesson for the day:
1- Don’t judge people at first glance.
2- Do what you love and enjoy and it’s never work.
3- Blue collar jobs are the best jobs. They can pay great and it doesn’t always come with a price tag.
4- Education is important, but college doesn’t guarantee you anything.
5- Experience, hard work, and dedication allow you to be successful in your career path.
6- Don’t be an as*hole parent who raises their kids to be an as*hole.
7- When attempting to insult someone’s intelligence and education level, don’t allow yourself to be out educated by said dirty man.
8- I need a shower.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Andy Ross. Submit your story here, and be sure to subscribe to our best love stories here.
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