#StudentLoanDebt or #StudentLoanDumb?

I admit, I have it good...

I have my BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology, and my MBA...

And it didn't cost me a dime! 

Nope, not one red cent.

In fact, if you want me to fan the flames of those zealots who feel they should have their student debt forgiven, get a free ride, and earn a $15/hr minimum wage, please indulge me!

I actually got paid to earn both of my degrees!

How do you like them apples?!?

(are you kidding me #MillionStudentMarch? Your life is sooo hard!)

Actually, along with about 1 Million other individuals, I got paid to learn and earn my degree.

So, for those of you complaining about getting your student loans forgiven and getting a free education, there absolutely is a way to do that! Would you like to learn how? It's actually quite simple...

But it isn't easy.

Simple because all you have to do is take an oath.

Not easy because you take that same oath everyday you wake up for a few years, and honestly, the rest of your life.

Yes, there really is a commitment you must make.

Actually, didn't you make a commitment when you went to school in the first place? Didn't you commit to better yourself, earn a degree, and become a fully functioning member of society?

When you took out that student loan, didn't you commit to making enough money to pay back that obligation? Or did you really think that you could get the best education in the world and let everyone else pay for it? (by the way...if your plan works out to get a good job, become a functioning member of society, and get it all for free, then guess what? you'll end up paying way more in the long run than that loan would have cost you...it's called taxes!)

Now, back to my story.

I signed an oath back on July 6, 2000 that allowed me to get free education, health care, a minimum wage with guaranteed payment, and a great career to boot.

The oath goes a little something like this:

I, Jeff Barnes, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

Yes, I joined the military.

I couldn't afford college.

I had no scholarships. 

My family had very little money.

Yet I got the career and education I wanted for free...

Well, sort of.

I spent the next six years learning about working with people, leadership, technology, responsibility, camaraderie, and discipline.

I studied as much as I could, initially attending classes for 80 hours per week in the beginning.

Then, onboard the submarine I would work 8-10 hours straight, study for another 2-3, then sleep for about 4 hours, rinse, and repeat.

 I cleaned toilets, showers, and some of the most disgusting shit you can imagine. I took orders from people who were inept at times, but I did my job.

I learned how to be a functioning member of society, contribute, and get rewarded in turn. 

The rewards start out small in any endeavor. In fact, there are no rewards in the beginning...only struggling.

So, for those of you concerned about your #studentloandebt and your future...STOP!

Stop bitching and moaning about the cost of your education. Stop asking for someone else to float your bill. Stop acting like children...

Children get toys and TV to shut them up and appease them so parents don't go stark-mad! 

Adults take responsibility and figure shit out.

Stop acting like children!

If you want a great career, then you need to pay the price, just like everyone else before you!

Think of your idols in life and take a look at their early days. 

I can damn-well guarantee you they put in a lot of hard work and effort to get where they were, and they put that work in because they knew their was a cost to getting what they want!

Your cost is a loan...with a little interest.

No one is asking you to put your life on the line day in and day out. 

No one is asking you to clean sewers, or sweep up gutters. 

No one is asking you to give up your freedom for what you want.

We just ask that you shut the f*#k up, put your nose in your books, learn how to contribute back to society, and start acting like a responsible adult!

Because believe me...if you put in the work now, and actually commit to a better life for yourself, you won't want to hear the next generation talk about how they should get everything handed over to them!

Signed,
Everyone who ever had to work for their success!

PS- Oh, and for those who say that college costs too much, debts are too high, and wages too low, then don't go to college. Gain a great skill by (again) putting in the time and effort, and make yourself valuable!

And again, stop bitching!