The Truth About Magic Wands

Those of us who are familiar with the Harry Potter series remember how excited Harry was when he got his new magic wand before starting his first year at The Hogwarts School. For those who are less familiar with the series, the magic wand is a big deal. It makes life a lot easier for young wizards.

Well, back in reality, we are awarded our magic wands at the end of school. Here, in the land of muggles (mortal human beings), the wands are referred to as college degrees. I got mine in English Lit. One friend of mine got hers in Criminal Justice. A couple of others went on to earn Master's degrees, one an MBA. My big sister got hers in fashion merchandising. All her life, she's known she wanted to buy clothes for a living. She got recruited during her senior year, has worked her way up for the same company since graduation, and is now a buyer in New York. Two sorority sisters majored in pre-med. One is now a surgeon, the other an OB/GYN in Atlanta.

With my degree, I worked part-time at a local newspaper, making 10 cents per word to write no less than 3 articles, with photos, per issue. Later, I worked shipping boxes, and then at my local police department, both part-time. Now I work full-time, though not in my degreed field, and I'm back in school full-time. My girlfriend with the Criminal Justice degree worked as a social worker, an aerobics instructor, a personal trainer, and is now an unemployed housewife. Master's degree number one teaches English as a second language in Korea. MBA, if I remember correctly, works at the post office. My sister, the buyer, and my friends, the doctors, are rare, but no less real. And they deserve it.

I've found that reality can be a difficult road with rude twists and harsh turns, if a degree is all we arm ourselves with to prepare for the trip. We would do well to consider ourselves better equipped for the rest of the journey if we have the resolve to drive on. Resolve to pay a few dues in the form of an hourly wage if necessary. Resolve not to give up when you're passed over for someone obviously less qualified. Resolve to concede to the possibility that you may not be the best qualified. Resolve not to settle. But only if you think you deserve it.

As for the magic wand, it's really nice to show off when company comes, but don't expect it to replace hard work, good timing and plain old-fashioned luck. The perfect job is not likely to jump off the shelves with a little pointing and waving.