DeeAnna Wales, B.A. , Anthropologist

      So in recent times I have been noticing that, as a society we are allowed a few letters after our name if we have earned certain specific levels of education.  Usually these levels are Masters degrees or PhD, however since I still owe $9,567.14 on my Bachelors degree, I have decided to use my little letters too!  I mean, I have earned them after all.  

     Additionally, I would like to add a little insight into the usefulness of my degree.  Now for many years I always chuckled at the useLESSness of my expensive piece of paper.  I even asked a representative calling from my university for a donation once if I could return it!  Needless to say, the answer was no and I'm still paying.  I graduated with honors from Auburn University.  I loved the liberal arts thing and decided after much deliberation to choose a major that worked with the classes I was the most interested in.   That is where the Anthropology degree made its way to the top of the list.  I really enjoyed the classes and even got to go to Archaeology field school in my senior year.  I had some elaborate plans of graduate school back then, but that has long since morphed into other interests and into the bittersweet reality of paying back student loans and paying the bills.

    Upon much reflection however, I have realized that I AM in fact using my degree and here is how.  I'm not sure how many of you read my post titled "A day in my work life", but it is basically the ins and outs of my life at the free sample counter and what that's like.  It is many things, but the most prominent activity is the people watching.  We see all kinds of folks there, doing all sorts of things with their free food samples.  I have come to realize that people watching is Anthropology and that I am living out that dream I had in college of being an Anthropologist!  Not many people have the opportunity to do this, so it brings me great joy to know that all that cash I'm STILL spending, 11 years later, is really being put to good use! 

    I also do the Anthropological surveying and observing while partaking in any and all activities where the public is included.  For instance, this includes what to some may seem like an arbitrary trip to the Fred Meyer, out for a bite to eat, or just standing in line at the post office, but to me, they are invaluable opportunities for furthering my academic expertise.   What's the best part, you might ask?  I have this additional level of expertise without the burden of paying more for those other silly letters behind my name (M.A. or PhD).  Therefore I ask all of you to enjoy my hard earned title right along with me (B.A.).  So if any of you ever need any help of a seasoned Anthropologist, drop me a line and I'll be there to observe and help!