Dear undergrad college,
I get it. You exist to equip students with the knowledge and experience they need to be successful in their fields. That's mainly what you're paid for--to guide people into their new lives, to enrich them, to expand their consciousness.
I understand why, then, you would choose to place such emphasis on professionalism. You want your students to enter the workforce with the perspective, skills, and wardrobe required to make a living in this hyper-capitalist culture. You just want what's best for us. Right?
Professionalism. That has been the buzzword of my undergraduate career. And when you said "professionalism," you didn't merely mean a general sense of being good at your profession, whatever that may be. You were painting a very clear picture for us--a vivid picture of offices, charisma, high heels, and 30-minute lunch breaks. You said we needed to learn how to become professionals. How to speak, dress, interact, write, and live professionally.
Like I said, I get it. Money is important, and in this society, it often behooves a person to work a white-collar job. It's easier. It's stable. It's what's expected.
But here's the thing.
Not everybody wants that.
I came to college for just one reason. It wasn't to get a high-paying job. It wasn't because my parents pressured me. And it sure as hell wasn't to let myself be bred for the business-cas life. I came to college to learn. And that's it.
Sure, I also wanted to get an idea of what I wanted to do with my life. But I wasn't thinking about it the way you were. My life goals exist independently of college, not because of college. College was a way to get some intellectual stimulation, to explore regions of the world and universe I might never have considered on my own. In that, college, you certainly succeeded. I am not writing this letter to tell you I regret these past four years.
The reason I am writing this letter is to tell you that there is more than one type of lifestyle. "Professional" jobs, as you define them, are not the only kind of jobs.
Some people don't necessarily want to have a "career."
Some people would rather explore many different paths during their lifetimes.
Some people value happiness over money.
Some people would rather be raw than cordial.
Some people want a life you don't acknowledge is even there.
Some people know they mean more than their salary.
Some people fucking hate pantyhose, pantsuits, lipstick, and conventional haircuts.
Some people want to break the mold.
Some people want to challenge the status quo, to dismantle the dominant culture.
And finally, some people just don't want to deal with the bullshit of the business world.
So, yes, please keep teaching us how to write cover letters and resumes, how to give presentations, and how to communicate effectively and efficiently. I'm serious. Those are valuable skills that everyone can use.
But for the love of Christ, stop grooming your students for the white-collar world. Open yourself up to alternative possibilities. Because when you only teach one definition for success, you limit yourself and your students. You neglect your students. You leave them behind.
I don't regret a single day of my undergraduate career. I love you, college.
But you need to do better.
Best,
A soon-to-be-graduating senior
