Having a College Degree in a Small Town
Lately, I’m reminded of the words to a certain sitcom theme song.
“So no one told you life was gonna be this way / Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s DOA / It’s like you’re alway stuck in second gear / When it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year.”
I used to think it hit me hard in college, but now that I’m back in the small town I grew up in — the one I couldn’t wait to get out of four years ago — I’m finding that the words resonate deeper than I ever could have imagined.
In 2020, I couldn’t wait to get away from this cramped little town. I’d had my fair share of bad experiences here, and I was eager to make a name for myself that didn’t involve negative connotations.
Luckily, I think I was able to do that where it counted. In my last year and a half at university, I discovered my identity and had the opportunity to be part of some incredible things. I’ve won two writing contests held by the Creative Writing department, published articles with the Student Media magazine, connected with my fellow students through events in our dining hall, and made some amazing friends whom I love and cherish and miss dearly.
Coming home was different. Changes had been made and they were all for the better. I began seeking work, things my Communications degree might be useful for. Unfortunately, after a few weeks of rejected and ignored applications, I decided to apply somewhere else, just temporarily. I’ve been working minimum wage for two months and I can barely afford to help pay bills. On top of that, we’re in the process of packing up to find a new place to live in order to accommodate our re-assembled family.
It’s been a rough few months. The frustration of having a college degree and being rejected by so many places where I could put it to use is overwhelming sometimes. But I know I’ll get through this because my track record for getting through tough times is 100%. I have a wonderful support system through my friends and family, and I know all of the struggles are temporary.
So if you’re going through a period of time with roadblocks and bumps, just remember that you’re not alone. Everything is going to work out in the end, because it always does. Everything happens for a reason, and the challenges we face are just tests of our faith, strength, and patience. We can do this!
“I’ll be there for you / When the rain starts to fall / I’ll be there for you / Like I’ve been there before / I’ll be there for you / ‘Cause you’re there for me too.”
Tiva Frushour is a senior student at the University of Evansville in the Communications program. She enjoys writing and providing a voice for communities and small businesses.