Why Did Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Continue to Work as a Waitress/Bartender After Graduating with an Economics Degree?
Many people, including some of the most prominent figures in US politics, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), have faced unexpected challenges after obtaining their degrees. In her case, AOC graduated from Boston University with a prestigious economics degree but decided to work as a waitress and bartender. This decision was not just about survival but also provided her with valuable insights that informed her political views and career.
Economic Necessity
As a recent graduate in a challenging job market, AOC faced significant economic challenges. Graduating in 2011, she was among those affected by the lingering effects of the 2008 financial crisis. Many young graduates found it difficult to secure jobs in their desired fields, especially in economics, due to high competition and limited opportunities. AOC, like many other recent graduates, had to consider immediate income to ensure financial stability.
The Job Market in 2011
The job market in 2011 was still recovering from the 2008 financial crisis. The recession had caused significant disruptions, leading to increased unemployment and job scarcity. Many young graduates found it challenging to find stable employment, particularly in fields requiring a higher degree of specialization. This made it economically necessary for AOC to work as a waitress and bartender to make ends meet.
Passion for Community Work
AOC has consistently expressed a strong commitment to her community and social issues. Her experiences working in the service industry allowed her to stay connected with the community and understand the challenges faced by the working class. This hands-on experience provided her with valuable insights that she later leveraged in her political career, emphasizing the need for policies that support workers such as minimum wage increases and labor rights.
Building a Network and Informing Political Views
The service industry also offered AOC an opportunity to network and gain a deeper understanding of the lives of everyday people. This firsthand experience was invaluable, especially for someone aiming for a political career. It helped her connect with the people she was advocating for and understand their needs and aspirations. This experience informed her political views and helped her build a solid foundation for her future advocacy work.
Her Story and the Struggles of Young Graduates
AOC's story is not unique. Many young graduates face similar challenges in the job market, often having to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Financial obligations such as student loans and the high cost of living in expensive cities like New York City (NYC) can be overwhelming. AOC's background, including her father's early death and her mother's financial struggles, added to her financial burden. Her experience working as a waitress and bartender in NYC provided her with a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by many people, particularly in the service industry.
Additional Context About Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Background
Beyond her economic struggles, AOC's background includes her father's cancer and the financial burdens that followed his death. Her father, Sergio Ocasio-Roman, was an architect and co-owner of a successful architectural practice. However, the family faced significant financial challenges after his death. AOC's mother, Blanca Ocasio-Cortez, took on an additional job as a school bus driver to help support the family. Despite these challenges, AOC was able to attend Boston University and graduate cum laude with a double major in International Relations and Economics.
After graduating, AOC faced the tough reality of the job market. She started working as a waitress and bartender in NYC to help make ends meet. However, this experience was also part of her broader plan to build a network, gain a deeper understanding of the working-class experiences, and inform her future political career. She took on various roles, including starting her own publishing firm, working for educational initiatives, and eventually launching her political career with a successful primary election victory over the machine politician, Joe Crowley.
Conclusion
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's journey from working as a waitress/bartender to becoming a prominent political figure in the US illustrates the broader challenges faced by young graduates. While her story may seem unique, it resonates with many who face economic hardships and use their experiences to inform their future endeavors, including political advocacy and community service.