Some Lessons from The Assembly Line: Critical Analysis

The critical analysis essay, "Some Lessons From the Assembly Line" by Andrew Braaksma, explores the author's goal of emphasizing the importance of higher education and hard work. Initially, it was understood that the author's goal was to inform his audience of the importance of higher education and to work hard. Thus, the initial interpretation was based on the belief that he intended to persuade the audience by stressing the differences in on-campus life versus off-campus life. Now, the understanding is that the author's aim was not to persuade the audience by noting the differences between on and off campus life, but instead, to explain that education is invaluable, can provide a more stable career, and not undervalue hard work. In his statement, "Factory life has shown me what my future might have been like had I never gone to college in the first place" (Braaksma, para. 6), he recounted his experiences as a factory worker to prove the significance of the investment in higher education and that lessons aren't only learned in school.

Through the application of analytical reading techniques, it became clear that two of the original key points mentioned previously weren't strong enough to support the author's goal. Therefore, a choice was made to identify more specific key points that will provide a stronger foundation in support of the author’s claim. One key point from the initial reading of the article was the author struggled with the reality of the blue-collar worker wage, as opposed to the life he could be afforded as a degreed professional. The second key point was the author’s feeling of guilt for using his blue-collar summer job to benefit his financial desire to finish his education while others made the life of labor their livelihood. The third and most profound key point was when the author displays maturity and growth gained by working hard for his money and his dream.

The most appropriate audience for this essay will be graduating high school seniors because they have the most to gain from Braaksma’s insight. This group consists of adolescents, between the ages of 17 and 19, contemplating a future in college or the workforce after high school. Providing adequate content to support the argument reasoning could be one potential challenge while presenting to this particular audience. Another likely challenge will be if the audience does not agree with the reasoning or evidence presented and disputes the interpretation in support of the author's goal. Appealing to young adults with little to no financial responsibilities or experience outside of their parental home will also be a challenge. The author hinted at this mentality in his article but sets a good example for those students who face a decision similar to his.

The goal I hope to accomplish at the end of this critical analysis essay is to effectively convey support of the author's views that education is invaluable, can provide a more stable career, and not undervalue hard work. The state of the future is in the hands of the youth, and education should be at the forefront. Though the blue-collar worker’s strong work ethic and willingness to labor more intensely for their earnings is commendable, the career stability and higher salary from having a degree are less stressful. Consequently, knowledge opens countless doors that would otherwise be closed to the typical blue-collar worker. Joining the workforce with a strong educational foundation offers more leverage and unlimited earning potential in the competitive job market. Therefore, providing additional context will give the audience insight into my decision to agree with the author.

As mentioned in the first key point, the writer struggled with feeling undervalued in his role as a blue-collar laborer and it was obvious in his statement, "There are few things as cocksure as a college student who has never been out in the real world" (Braaksma, para. 4). The mindset of putting in a few labor hours and receiving a huge payout is not a concept easily grasped by young adults. They tend "to overestimate the value of their time and knowledge" (Braaksma, para. 4). He expresses his disbelief further by saying, "After a particularly exhausting string of 12-hour days at a plastics factory, I remember being shocked at how small my check seemed" (Braaksma, para. 4). However, campus living is expensive and a part-time food service or retail job is not as financially rewarding as the overtime pay from the factory and savings by staying at home during the summertime. (Braaksma, 2005)

Struggles of life in the factory begin to weigh heavily on the author’s conscience as implied in key point two. Evidence of the author’s guilt is shown when he utters,

“Many people pass their lives in the places I briefly work, spending 30 years where I spend only two months at a time. When fall comes around, I get to go back to a sunny and beautiful campus, while work in the factories continues. At times I feel almost voyeuristic, like a tourist dropping in where other people make their livelihoods” (Braaksma, para. 8).

Even though the assembly line and equipment required his full attention, Braaksma could not free himself from the need to fulfill his educational requirements, so he garnished a way to sneak in some reading on the job. Noticing his commitment to his studies, one of his coworkers encouraged him to "study hard and keep reading” because she knew firsthand how years of unrelenting physical labor can wear down the fittest of physiques (Braaksma, para. 8). In support of key point three, the author humbly acknowledged how life in the factory all those summers had made a huge impact on his life as evidence of his maturity and growth. In a modest, yet mature tone, he said, "the things that factory work has taught me--how lucky I am to get an education, how to work hard, how easy it is to lose that work once you have it" (Braaksma, para. 9). Maturing means accepting things for what they are and coming to grips with the realizations of life. There are lessons in every aspect of life and no one is exempt from receiving them. The most important thing is learning how and when to apply them to real life experiences.

The Importance of Education

The first thing that strikes our minds when we think about education is gaining knowledge. Education is a tool that provides people with knowledge, skills, techniques, information, enables them to know their rights and duties towards their family, society, and nation. It gives us knowledge about the world around us. It develops in us a perspective of seeing life. Without education, man will not explore new ideas. It means that one will not be able to develop the world because without ideas there is no creativity and without creativity, there is no development of the nation.

Education is an essential tool for bright future for all of us. Meanwhile it is the secret to step the stage of success. It is also the main reason to live a wealthy and respected lifestyle in the current millennial generation. Educational phase plays an important role in each and everyone’s life. It provides a person a unique standard in the life and feeling of well being. Education provides ability to solve any big social, political and economical issue even in national and international standards. No one can unsee the importance of education in the life in every aspect. It turns the minds of young millenials to lead with positivity in life and removes all the negativity and other daily faced factors by illiterates.

In such tough futuristic world, it is essential to have a proper education so that’s one economical and social standings depend on it. As an example now days getting a stable job or achieving career advancement is depending on higher education obtained by the person.. Proper education creates lots of ways to go ahead in the future. The more knowledge we acquire the more successful we will be in our career. Everyone has a unique dream to be someone and change the world as once great minds. To make the dream a reality everyone needs a push start and one will obtain such advancement only with education .

Similarly, education also helps in making a person independent. When one is educated enough, they won’t have to depend on anyone else for their livelihood. They will be self-sufficient to earn for themselves and lead a good life.Above all, education also enhances the self-confidence of a person and makes them certain of things in life. When we talk from the countries viewpoint, even then education plays a significant role. Educated people vote for the better candidate of the country. This ensures the development and growth of a nation.

In conclusion, to say that education is your doorway to success would be an understatement. It serves as the key which will unlock numerous doors that will lead to success. This will in turn, help you build a better life for yourself.