Back of the House

Currently, one of my part-time jobs is working in a restaurant as a busboy.  I have learned a lot through this experience. It surprises me how some people decide, and yes most of these individuals conscientiously made the decision, to live there life. Many conversations that take place in the back of the house while I roll silverware revolve around drug experiences or getting arrested. It sort of stinks because I can't really bring much to the table in such conversations, never having used drugs recreationally nor having been arrested for anything.

I get the feeling that some of the other workers feel that I am a spoiled rich girl who doesn't know anything about the "real world." Being me, I try to involve myself in these seemingly endless conversations by asking questions. I guess they take this as complete ignorance about the workings of the world. But, to be clear, I don't consider myself rich, let's be honest if I was I don't think I would deign to work as a busboy. I know that my family is well off, however, I am not trying to suck my parents dry either. I want to move out of the house and pay my own way without any help, and, I think, most people in the United States would wish for the same thing from life: to be financially sufficient and, dream big, successful. Of course everyone has a different definition of what is successful. I just want to be able to give a child the same life experience my parent's gave me, if I ever choose to become a parent. 

 As far as being spoiled goes, I definitely am. I have the world's greatest parents, who undeniably saved me from the time of my birth and gave me all the love, plus much more, that anyone could ask for. Sorry coworkers, my parent's have done right by me and I am not satisfied to sit on my laurels until I have done right by them by getting a job worthy of the time, money, education, and everything else they put into my upbringing. 

The knowledge of the "real world" I find to be quite objective anyway. I mean, I don't find that everyone should be arrested at some point in there life or that everyone uses drugs, or at least smokes cigarettes. If people want to indulge in illicit substances, I believe they should be able to as long as it doesn't negatively affect those surrounding them. Frankly, in my experience and the experiences of those close to me, many times these actions do negatively affect those close to you (second hand smoke anyone?). 

I hope I don't come off as sanctimonious and overly judgmental, many of my co-workers can be very nice, funny and knowledgeable people, I just wouldn't choose the same lifestyle. Although, I do tend to advertise the fact that I graduated from university even though none of my co-workers have, I feel slightly embarrassed mentioning this to them. But, I shouldn't have to be uncomfortable, just like they shouldn't be apologetic about their way of life. 

With possibly wanting to go into public health as a career option, I might be in trouble if people find me to be too out of the know or overly pretentious. I hope that I am just paranoid, but I think this job is helping me see how to comport myself, and how to be culturally sensitive, when talking to someone from a different background than myself.