PAGE TITLE educator ranges between $30,000 to $60,000 per year. Postgraduate income varies heavily. Some won’t even apply the degree at all. CNBC notes that graduate students owe around 50% of all student debt. Lauren Hughes has been using her bachelor’s degree in business for nearly six years. “I worked at a lot of places before working where I am now,” Hughes said. She currently works in marketing and also screens prospective employees for her company. Hughes acknowledged that for many, trade schools may be a good option. However, as she explained, “the only problem is that for a lot of jobs, you wouldn’t even be considered without a degree of some sort.” While Hughes described her college experience as, “a lot of stupid qualities that don’t apply to today’s world,” she believed that just to be considered for a job that requires a four-year degree, formal education was worth the investment. “I’m certain that they wouldn’t have hired me had I not had a college degree,” Hughes said. “It shows a level of commitment in an employer’s eyes.” Hughes’ college degree may be the reason she has her job, but she has discovered that to receive a promotion to management or a future job with higher pay, she may need a graduate degree. Weighing the risks associated with investing in a master’s degree, Hughes stated, “I don’t think the amount of debt you often have to accumulate to reach potential higher incomes is always worth it.” Whether it is worthwhile to pursue higher education, and how use it to their advantage, is up to each individual to determine. The world is evolving, and so are the ways employers gauge workers’ value — degree or no degree. ■ WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP PETE SIMON ICE CUBES IN THE HEAT / POLITICIANS IN THE HEAT Even though we may pour filtered water into ice cube trays, the cubes still form half-pure; white impurities surrounded by clear ice purity. As ice cubes melt in the heat of the day, or in beverages warm and cool; their decline begins, with clear ice on the outside disappearing first as; impure whiteness hangs on, releasing gunk as whiteness becomes exposed. Ice Cubes in the Heat, just like politicians in the Heat; even though they all start out with pure exteriors; safe to consume, that exterior has an interior, with impurities you don’t notice at first. Some impurities are manageable; others can be toxic; be careful which politicians you choose; to place in your beverage glass of life; it takes more than a fork or spoon to fish them out. Impurities are too much to bear, and elections only come every four years; in some places elections never come; in other places election drinks can be spiked. Watch who is pouring; watch your politicians, and watch your ice cubes. BENJAMIN ERIC NELSON VAPOR ESCAPES THE EARTH To show mercy To contemplate forgiveness A mystery Profound Subtle witness Driving towards freedom Thanksgiving Theological power Words twisted Appreciative notion conflicted by mistrust Desire to walk away A longing for rest Able to breathe Vapor escapes the earth Stern lesson for the departed Connoisseur of good vibes In the arms of violation Eccentric Saving lives A reason to survive The others lied The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org LAUREN HUGHES. CREDIT: CAT EVANS September 2021 DENVER VOICE 11
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