Food, Shelter, Clothing and .....Education!

It was a Friday evening..On getting home from work, I was wanting to unwind a little bit. Workout or walk? The weather being really nice, I opted for the latter.

One of my thumb rules for Friday is that I don't cook. Not wanting to violate it, I stopped at 'Potbellys' which is one of my favourite sandwich shops. The place which is very busy at all times, was unusually quiet and empty that evening.

After placing my order I moved over to the counter where they add your choice of fillings to your sandwich. The girl at the counter was familiar. I'd seen her on most of my previous stops but because the place is always so busy, we'd never spoken beyond the customary 'Hi!'.This time, we exchanged 'Hi's and then to my surprise, she looked up with a bright smile and asked..'So, how are you today?' . 'I'm doing great..Being Friday, i feel all the more better' I replied..

We were waiting on my sandwich which was getting toasted.'Do you go to school' I asked? 'Oh yes! but only on Saturdays. I work two jobs and then attend school all of Saturday! It's Saturday tomorrow. I am off work..it's school day for me!' As she spoke, I could sense the excitement in her voice.

The conversation made me think of my growing up days. Then, education was 'available' to me like a basic amenity. I call it a 'basic amenity' because I received it just like food, shelter and clothing. I never had to earn my education.

I'm not oblivious to the fact that a lot of people aren't fortunate enough to receive a proper education but this came across as a very hard hitting example.
Someone who is struggling between two jobs so she can go to school one day of the week. While most people in a situation like this would completely give up the thought of an 'education', here was an excellent example of someone who was not only holding on to that 'desire' so strongly, she was doing everything in her capacity to make it work...to make it come true...

I was in awe of her, smiling to myself and hoping with all my heart that her desire and enthusiasm remain unabated and that she can fulfil her dreams.

We spoke some more and finally she handed me my sandwich her smile bright and beautiful.

'Enjoy your day at school tomorrow. I will see you soon'..I said as I walked out...more appreciative of what I had received and what I have in my life...