This Is Why You Should Stay In School
Andy Ross was tired and dirty standing in front of the mother and daughter at the grocery store. Andy's dirty workboots made the mother wrinkle her nose in disgust and pull her young daughter closer. No matter how many times the mother warned her, the little girl couldn’t stop staring and her gaze began to make Andy feel embarrassed.
As they walked past him, the mother made the mistake of whispering her thoughts a little too loud. Andy was shocked at what he heard and felt angry at this mother's quick judgment. He made a quick decision to make sure she thought twice before judging a book by its cover again!
Stopping For Groceries After Work
Everyone enjoys going to the grocery store. Walking the aisles and picking out fresh produce or the last ingredient you need for a special dinner. One construction worker, Andy Ross went to his local grocery store after work and quickly began to realize how many people were staring as he entered.
As Andy walked around the grocery store he couldn’t help noticing one little girl eyes intently following him. He felt uncomfortable but kept trying to ignore her. Andy knew he was dirty but his hands were clean and he had an honest job. Would this little girl's mother see Andy as hard-working or just another dirty construction worker? He was shocked overhearing this mother's advice to her daughter.
His Whole Body Tensed And He Felt Under Attack
Andy was covered from head to toe in dirt and dust from a long day outdoors. He knew what it must look like on the outside but he wondered why people were so quick to judge.
He had come into this grocery store several times and never had problems. Today he couldn’t let these comments slide and approached the mother and daughter. Would the mother even listen to what Andy had to say? Judging by the look on the mother's face she was ready to run the other way as fast as possible!
A Jack Of All Trades
Andy Ross had to stop for groceries after a long day that started early and he was exhausted. All Andy wanted was to get in and out of the grocery store as fast as possible. Andy got out of his truck, trying his best to brush the dirt off his boots but knew he would already leave marks as he walked.
It was a hot summer day and he knew he was a little sweaty. He hoped he wouldn’t make too much of a mess for employees and tried to wash his hands quickly with some bottled water. Andy had spent the day organizing his crew, and the last thing he wanted was problems. He decided to make this as fast as possible and get home to relax.
Instantly He Felt Judged
Walking into the grocery store Andy already felt like he was getting looks from shoppers. Andy felt self-conscious and frustrated. What difference did it make if he wore a suit to work or jeans? He still earned good money and was a decent human being.
He thought back to other times in the grocery store and realized he should have expected this. Andy let out a big sigh and began shopping quickly. As Andy was grabbing vegetables one little girl wouldn’t stop staring. Andy gave her a small smile and hoped she wasn’t afraid, but his smile disappeared as he heard her mother’s advice.
He Couldn’t Help But Overhear
The mother clutched her daughter close and pulled her away. As they walked away from Andy, the mother assumed he couldn't hear what she would say. She whispered to her daughter, “That’s why you have to stay at school.” The mother didn't realize Andy could hear every word she was saying. Andy’s back stiffened and he stopped shopping. He couldn’t believe this woman’s audacity!
Andy didn’t think anything about his appearance made him look uneducated but obviously, the mother wasn’t looking very closely. He stood for a minute and then quickly made a decision. He wouldn’t let this woman make these judgemental comments after today.
A Grocery Store Confrontation
Andy decided to approach the woman with her daughter and politely asked for a minute of her time. Immediately Andy could tell the mother was suspicious of him and held her daughter closer.
The daughter was still staring at Andy, obviously choosing to not listen to her mother’s advice. Andy took a deep breath and told the mother he had overheard what she said to her daughter. Her cheeks went bright red but she didn’t apologize. After what Andy was about to tell her, she would never say something so shallow again.
Let’s Have A Conversation
Andy smiled and said, "I know I look dirty and sweaty but I overheard your advice to your daughter and wanted you to know I did go to school. There’s nothing wrong with a job in the trades but I am so much more than that."
Andy was about to tell this woman so much about his life. This woman was a total stranger and Andy hoped this conversation would leave her with a bigger insight. Andy didn't know if the woman would change her opinion but he knew it was worth a shot!
Would She Listen Or Run Away?
Andy tried to make his body language non-threatening and keep his arms relaxed at his side. Andy started by saying he appreciated the woman stopping to listen to his story because he thought she would find it surprising.
Andy was highly educated, in fact, he had several degrees. Not only did Andy have a college degree, but he also had medical certifications. That wasn’t all he was going to share with the mother and daughter today. At any moment the mother looked like she wanted to call for security! Who was this dirty man speaking to her family?
How Many Other People Have Been Judged?
Andy knew he wasn’t the first person this woman had chastised. She probably did it all the time without giving a second thought to the accomplishments others had. Andy knew hard work and education look different depending on your field.
As the mother continued to listen Andy relaxed and realized this was a learning opportunity for everyone. Andy was going to make sure this little girl didn’t follow in her shallow mother’s footsteps and gave people a chance before she judged them. Andy took a deep breath and continued to speak.
Educated And A Small Business Owner
Wealth looks different depending on what you do. Andy had graduated high school and college, but the bigger message is that all jobs are created equal and every human being deserves your respect.
Andy pointed out that regardless of a college degree jobs like construction, being a firefighter, or doing maintenance work all serve society. Why would anyone be judged by how they support themselves or their family? Was the mother even listening? Andy wanted to continue before she walked away!
The Experience You Have Counts
A lot of jobs in today’s market want skills over education. The corporate climate is changing and there is a big need for people who can learn quickly and adapt instead of doing a traditional four-year education plan.
Andy stared down at this little girl. Her potential was unknown! She could do so many things and no way was Andy going to let this mother hold her back or put her daughter in a box. The best part about growing up was finding your passions! Andy knew what he was saying was important for her to hear too.
A Focused Audience
Andy was right, this little girl was listening. When her mother had pulled her away she wasn’t trying to be rude. She wanted to know what this man did. She liked to be outdoors and it looked like he got to spend the day outdoors. The little girl thought that sounded great!
The mother was feeling embarrassed and couldn’t believe this man had stopped her. She had said it quietly to her daughter and now was getting a lecture in public at the grocery store. She had a million things to do at home, but something about what Andy was saying made her remember her own dreams.
This Mother Only Thought About Herself
The mother remembered before she got married and had children the dreams she wanted to accomplish. She remembered her passion for life and creativity. As she continued to listen to Andy she realized she was the problem.
At one point this mother had started being judgemental and she was going to teach her daughter the same bad habits. She had to make a change and was starting today by listening to this man. For the first time, the mother was ready to listen.
Andy Owns A Company
Andy continued and could tell the mother and daughter were listening closely. On top of several educational accolades and achievements, Andy owned his own company.
Andy is quoted as saying, "People need to learn that blue-collar workers are just like everybody else they meet in the world. Some have degrees, and some don’t. They are from all walks of life and all have a story to tell. So before you assume that this dirty, farmers-tanned man or woman is unintelligent, pause and think."
Evergreen Potential
Andy co-owned his company Evergreen State Outdoors which specialized in landscape design and construction. They were in their busiest season and their reputation was booming. Andy would bet his paycheck that this mother had been referred his services before this awkward grocery encounter.
Andy asked the mother, why would you encourage your daughter to not get dirty? She could be the most successful person on the planet but it might come with a little dirt. Wouldn’t you want her to follow her dreams and unleash her potential?
It’s A Dirty Job But Successful People Do It
Some jobs that can pay triple digits mean rolling up your sleeves and embracing the grit of hard work. Andy knew every day he did his best for his customers but also thought about other dirty jobs.
Where would society be without garbage collectors or oil rig workers? What about folks that work on a farm and get this delicious produce into our grocery stores? As your telling your daughter to avoid these people and their dirty jobs, they’re creating a clean world for you both to live in.
The Dirty Jobs That Design Society
We wouldn’t learn about history if people didn’t get dirty. Think about an archeologist on an excavation site. They would be filthy, up to their elbows in dirt and dust, but their finding fossils of extinct societies and animals.
We owe our future to people who got dirty and built this grocery store you’re standing in, and the car you drove here. We should thank the hard workers that built your house and paved the roads in your neighborhood. We wouldn’t be where we are without someone that was creative and decided to try something different.
Don’t Stifle Your Creativity
Andy had noticed that the little girl was staring at his tattoos. His ink had a great story and he was proud to show off the beautiful artwork.
Tattoos are also stigmatized by society and it is thought they represent dangerous people or lower class members of society. Tattoos have different meanings to each individual person and they can memorialize a loved one or special accomplishment. Andy knew he also wanted to share more with this mother and daughter.
My Artwork My Choice
Andy rolled up his sleeves to show more of his skin and began letting the mother and daughter know their meaning.
At this point, Andy had to take a deep breath. His tattoos were a choice to memorialize his tours and duty serving the country abroad in the army. His trusted friend and tattoo artist Forrest Bateman had done these designs specifically for his experiences.
A Decorated Vet
Andy’s tattoos represent a service to his country. If he was in full uniform this mother would be looking at him completely differently. In the army, he completed several combat tours as a special operations medic before coming home to his family.
These tattoos were completed by an artist who specializes in celebrating life. There was no way for this woman to have known about Andy’s sacrifices when she quickly judged him from a dusty exterior. What would this mother think knowing he had fought for her freedom?
Who Is Forrest Bateman
The tattoo shop called ‘Tattoo Convictions’ is an ink revolution! They believe in expressing your life through their art and give award-winning tattoos out of their shop in Vancouver, Washington
This mother’s jaw was on the floor! She could not believe how wrong she had been about this stranger and felt her cheeks flush with this knowledge. After today she would never judge anyone by their clothing, but Andy wasn’t done speaking with them yet.
A Creative Mind To Explore
Andy wanted to make one very clear point to the mother about creative expression and staying open to supporting her daughter’s future passions.
He looked at the mother and said, “If you are telling your daughter to stay in school because I have tattoos up and down my arm, that will actually suppress her creativity and potentially hinder her imagination as she develops.” The world needs more freedom of art and expression, but was it too late for this little girl with her judgemental mother?
A Royal Blue
It’s time to stop thinking blue-collar workers are a lower class. Andy had no patience for people to feel bigger than him or anyone else. Typically all manual jobs give you an easier day-to-day life and we would be lost without them.
Classic blue-collar roles include the fields of agriculture, manufacturing, construction, mining, or maintenance. Even though Andy was educated there was one thing in particular that made him keep his construction company.
Building America
Andy stood tall because he knew that his company and skills are building America. The value in his job and contribution to society went further than just his dirty clothes.
As Andy looked down at his clothes and then looked back at the mother and daughter, he knew this conversation would make a lasting impact. There was one more detail he wanted to explain before he continued shopping and got home to his family. What else had they missed about his patriotic appearance?
Not Just A Hat
Andy wore a dusty baseball hat with an image of an elk on it. His company, Evergreen State Outdoor was proud to support a very specific American right.
The Elk logo on his hat, to Andy, represented his right to hunt and be a responsible gun owner in the United States. Andy took the privilege and safety of firearms very seriously. Especially since he had risked his own life to give fellow Americans their freedoms and privileges. What other benefits did Andy have disguised in his appearance?
I Provide For My Family
By being a co-owner of a business it gave Andy health benefits and security for his family. Medical benefits are not offered at every job and Andy got to choose the best plan for himself and his employees.
In previous jobs, Andy had tried to sit at a desk all day but it wasn’t for him. Andy loves being outdoors and if that means getting a little dirty, he does it with a smile on his face. Breathing fresh air every day is a big reward for this amazing veteran!
Working With Your Hands
It’s important to remember that not every person will find joy at their jobs and it’s just as important that everyone feels supported and not judged. Andy could tell this conversation was having a great educational impact on this mother and daughter.
Andy wanted to finish the conversation but he wanted to leave it on a positive note. It was important the mother knew Andy appreciated her time, and for giving him the chance to explain his appearance so she wouldn’t judge others. Andy thought carefully about how to walk away on a high note?
Keep It Simple
As Andy ended the conversation he chose a very simple way statement for the mother to think about. Andy knew he had given the mother a lot to think about. He hopes they will both be better people after listening.
Andy's last words to them were, “have a good day and try not to judge people before you know anything about them.” Andy understands the struggle of raising children from his own family and wished the mother good luck with her daughter. They walked away from Andy, and he realized a few more reflections about the experience.
It Was A Moment’s Decision, But A Life-Long Lesson
There were eight lessons Andy took away from this conversation. Just because he was the one who approached the mother to chat doesn’t mean he also didn’t learn something today. The first lesson was don’t judge people when you first see them. You truly never know someone else’s experience.
The second was to do what you love. If you enjoy your work it’ll feel like you never work a day in your life. Andy also firmly believes that “blue-collar jobs are the best jobs.” He wasn’t embarrassed to have this conversation with this mother and her child, and he held his head high as he continued shopping. Had other shoppers heard his impactful advice?
Education Is Great, But It’s Not Everything
Even though Andy had a college degree, he valued the skills he learned along the way. It made him believe that education isn’t everything, and once again just because someone doesn’t get a degree doesn’t make them lower than you in society.
Finally, Andy finished his grocery shopping and began to chuckle about the interaction with the mother and daughter. Andy realized the mother had felt ten feet tall before he approached her and changed her small-minded views. This made him realize his final lesson to himself.
Anyone Can Be A Teacher
Andy walked back to his truck with his head held high. The final two lessons from his conversation were to know your audience. If you walked in thinking you could outsmart someone because they needed a shower then you better be correct.
Andy started the truck and thought about his wife’s reaction when he got home. She had the same passionate views as he did, and he wondered how she would react. One final lesson was clear, no matter what he definitely needed a shower and some clean clothes!
Andy Shared With His Community
When he got home, he shared the interaction with his wife, and then before he cleaned up he took a selfie. In the picture, you can clearly see a smile on Andy’s face and a level of dirt and dust from a hard, satisfying day at work.
He decided to share with his Facebook friends and family. He detailed the educational interaction and knew it would resonate with one or two of his friends. He put up the post and then finally got his long-overdue shower. Andy had no idea the responses he would get from all over his community.
Andy’s Viral Message Left An Impact
Andy expected to find support in his community but his simple message was reaching far beyond his own backyard! When he logged back into social media he was blown away by people near and far expressing their support and joy at this conversation.
Through Andy’s quick decision he had made a huge impact. He believed it would definitely resonate and leave a lasting impression with the mother and daughter, but now he was also representing his community. This final message was bigger than just one man at a grocery store.
Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover
Andy is thrilled to help more people understand they shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. His quick decision to educate this woman and her young daughter was the positive change and conversations he wanted to see more of in society.
We can all learn a valuable lesson from Andy’s experience. We truly know nothing about the strangers around us and can never judge someone by their appearance. The next time you find yourself in a position to speak to a stranger, you never know if your quick conversation will be the lasting educational moment they need.