The author's statements in his essay are ones that every college-age student should hear. While it is widely known that our economy has fallen on hard times, it's great to hear the perspective of a college student learning valuable life lessons. The motivation to use this first-hand knowledge and see its potential to motivate himself through his studies is a lesson for all students. Having learned these same lessons myself later in my life, there is no greater value than an education. I personally have gone through the difficulties that Braaksma points out that factory workers face at various points in my adulthood, if I could have understood the importance of a college education at a young age perhaps I would not have had to face some of the difficulties that I have faced in the past. These are lessons I have shared with my children who are now in high school and will be going to college. Braaksma's lessons of hard work and dedication to his education should be shared with all students. Realizing that it is a privilege and not a right to pursue higher education can keep students more grounded and appreciative of them