Recently, I watched an episode of “King of Queens” on television. It is a sit-com of a middle-class couple living in Queens, New York. The show presents a comical relief version of a day in the life of the average American family and the struggles they face. In this particular episode, Carrie (the wife) made the decision to return to college after some lawyer co-workers humiliate her for being just a secretary. It was interesting how the group immediately stereotyped her by making it seem that the highlight of Carrie’s life revolved around Secretary's Week.
Her husband, Doug, initially is jealous of the time she spends on her studies. But, he quickly changes his tune when he realizes that he should redirect his fears of her leaving him behind to efforts of support and encouragement for Carrie (Litt, D., & Wernick, I., 2000).
I can relate very much to the character, Carrie, in the struggle to fit in and be accepted in the workplace. As a relatively new employee at Johnson Space Center, I feel very intimidated by the vision of “PhD.” on almost every office door! My education has emerged through the ranks of mostly the clinical world, where technical “certifications” are more common than PhD’s. It’s ironic that even though I have three technical certifications in addition to my Applied Associates Degree in Science, it is still easy to be embarrassed by my “lack” of credentialing at my new job.
What is even more interesting is that with a single change in work environment I went from what some would consider “overqualified” to the “bottom of the food chain”. So, here I am, middle aged, and returning to school again to complete my Bachelor’s degree. This venture to my clinical friends seems to be the act of an “overachiever,” but to my new NASA co-workers is an effort of gaining “acceptance” as a peer.
REFERENCES:
Litt, D. & Wernick, I. (Writers). (2000). Class Struggle [Television Series Episode]. In M.J. Weithorn, T. Sheehan, & J. Sussman (Producers), King of Queens. Los Angeles: Sony Pictures Television and CBS Productions.
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