By Rick Garcia
Sometimes people refer me as the “wooden statue” in public places – particularly at coffee houses where I get my own reality TV shows in one sitting. Whether it’s the retiree coffee clatters, the stay- home mom’s club or the independent professional “techie” the conversations flow like a river.
Across from my table a young man in his early twenties was having a heated discussion with his friends.
I don’t normally eavesdrop but his frustration spilled onto my table as I heard “Hate College” “no good jobs available” and “four years of hard work and they expect me to go entry level?” There were other
side conversations where the young man boasted he was getting help from his parents who gave him a car, an allowance and even a trip to help him “soul search.”
At the other end of the spectrum, a young gentleman who works at a car wash next door comes in the store to buy a coffee. I’ve seen him before as he acknowledged me with a pleasant smile and commented how thrilled he was that they had a record number of customers today as he flashed his wad of tips. He told me how happy he’s working at the car wash and hope more customers will come the next day. Indeed they will because I’ve had my car washed at his establishment and have seen his professional courtesy, focus to detail and hard work on days you wouldn’t want to be outside.
This young man did graduate high school but didn’t have the grades nor could he afford college. Instead he decided to make enough money to set aside his dream while living with his parents. What really broke my heart was the fact that he also wanted to help his younger brother who was accepted to Michigan State University MSU in the fall.
As I mentally spin the numbered dial from the game of “Life” (That famous childhood board game from Milton Bradley) I can’t help but think how those drawn numbers impact the lives of these two young fellas. One rightfully, takes the higher learning route to establish a long-term future career while the other takes whatever is dealt to him to his best ability. What the game rules do not take into consideration is their upbringing by the parents.
I’ve seen some parents, who unconditionally love and support their children, provide whatever means financially to help their kids succeed – Rightfully so, but to what extent? In this day in age, parents and especially the grandparents are living in a precarious society where the entire economy and social system is volatile and are faced with the financial burden of supporting their offspring. What’s worse is that the younger generation has developed the “entitlement” attitude, further bleeding their elder’s livelihood.
It’s imperative that financial literacy is taught to our youth in order for them to understand that money is finite and do not magically dispense at ATM’s with mom or dad’s card. Many financial institutions and nonprofits in the area have long introduced these best practices in schools and community centers, but are not effective unless the parents follow through.
There’s still time and hope for our next generation to become financially responsible. Many parents do a good job instilling those values. Many parents also cave in with that “blind love.”
Perhaps these two young men may cross paths someday. Whatever their future endeavors hold, I can assure you that the young man from the car wash is already light years ahead knowing his appreciation of hard work and that lack of “entitlement” attitude. Be sure to give him a good tip!
Rick Garcia, a nonprofit executive, a civil rights advocate, blogger and a contributing writer for The New Citizens Press can be reached at rrgarcianrg@gmail.com
This was printed in the February 10, 2013 – February 23, 2013 Edition
